The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) held its 8th Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs (COM:FA) on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly. The gathering, set against a backdrop of global geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, and climate crises, aimed to forge a unified strategy for the resilience and survival of small island developing states. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, emphasized the critical nature of the Council’s work, stating that the region’s challenges demand swift, coordinated, and sustained action. He stressed that the Council’s deliberations are essential for shaping policies that directly impact the resilience, sustainability, and prosperity of OECS Member States. Dr. Jules remarked, ‘In the face of turbulence, our mandate is clear: to safeguard resilience, defend sovereignty, and chart a sustainable future for our people. Our strength lies in solidarity and strategy.’ Hon. Frederick Stephenson, incoming Chair of the COM:FA and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, highlighted the importance of small states in the global community. He stated, ‘Our states, though modest in size, are indispensable voices in the global community. The seas are rising, but so too is our steadfastness. The challenges gather, but so too does our unity.’ The meeting saw the handover of the Chairmanship from Hon. Alva Baptiste of Saint Lucia to Hon. Frederick Stephenson. Ministers discussed a range of issues, including the reaffirmation of the region’s commitment to transforming Citizenship by Investment programmes, enhancing coordination ahead of COP30 in Brazil, and addressing Haiti’s crisis through humanitarian assistance and diplomacy. They also endorsed the expansion of the Canadian Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme and supported the OECS Joint Embassies in Rabat as a cost-effective platform for advancing relations with Morocco and Africa. The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, emphasizing that the decisions taken were concrete steps to protect livelihoods, strengthen regional unity, and amplify the Caribbean voice on the global stage. A special virtual meeting will be convened before November 2025 to accelerate work on joint mission restructuring and consolidate progress on the Council’s commitments.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Minister Showcases Key Initiatives at OECS Council Meeting
