On June 18, 2026, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) marked OECS Day with a special celebratory Fun Walk hosted in Antigua and Barbuda, wrapping up the regional bloc’s 45th anniversary commemorations. Now, the OECS Commission has issued a formal statement of gratitude to every individual and group that took part in this unifying community event. Centered around the anniversary theme “One Vision, One Voice: Navigating Challenges, Shaping Our Future,” the Fun Walk was designed to do more than just mark a milestone: it aimed to bring together diverse stakeholders to celebrate nearly half a century of regional integration and collaborative progress, while highlighting shared values of collective wellness and community cohesion. When participants gathered early at the starting point outside Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Health Headquarters, unforeseen rain showers rolled across the area. Rather than dampening spirits, the light rain only reinforced the event’s message of solidarity. Walkers of all backgrounds — local citizens, permanent residents, regional integration supporters, and representatives from partner organizations — stuck to the route, walking side-by-side with government delegates, OECS Commission officials, development partners, and community leaders to complete the journey. In its statement, the OECS Commission extended special recognition to key institutional partners that made the event possible. These partners include the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the national Medical Benefits Scheme, and the Geothermal Energy: Capacity Building for Utilization Investment and Local Development (GEOBUILD) Project, whose collaborative planning and resource support turned the commemorative idea into a successful public gathering. The Commission also emphasized the critical role of behind-the-scenes contributors, from event volunteers and lead coordinators to security teams, on-site medical staff, and media partners. Their consistent dedication and attention to detail ensured the event ran smoothly from start to finish, even with the unexpected weather disruption. In closing, the Commission reaffirmed that the Fun Walk’s success perfectly encapsulated the OECS’s 45-year mission: when regional stakeholders move forward as one collective, they can achieve goals that no individual or single nation could deliver alone. Every participant, the Commission noted, helped turn the event into a powerful demonstration of the Eastern Caribbean’s shared commitment to a cohesive, prosperous future.
Thank You for Joining the OECS 45th Anniversary Fun Walk in Antigua & Barbuda
