PM Pierre accepts Chairmanship of Board of Governors of Caribbean Development Bank on behalf of govt, people of St Lucia

St Lucia: Prime Minister Philip J Pierre has expressed pleasure and honour to accept the Chairmanship of the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank on behalf of the Government and the People of Saint Lucia for the year 2022/2023.

PM Pierre stated, “I accept with humility and promise to use my best efforts to promote the goals and mission of this august regional institution. I believe our development focus must be holistic and improve the lives and livelihoods of our women, differently able, and the youth.”

He added, “Remember, we are a resilient and innovative people and just as capable as any other nation of improving the quality of life of our people. I pledge my support and that of the Board of Governors and Directors to the work of the Bank and the people of our region.”

Beside this, the Caribbean has celebrated the 41st Anniversary of OECS. On 18th June 2022, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) celebrates 41 years since the signing of the Treaty of Basseterre, which established the Organisation and 11 years since the signing of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre (RTB), which established the Eastern Caribbean Economic Union (ECU).

The free movement of goods, services, capital and people and the right of establishment – the deep economic integration that encompasses the RTB – enhances the growth and prosperity of our people. The architects of the OECS, cognizant of the strength in unity, committed their efforts and resources to the vision of social cohesion and economic development for their peoples, thus formalising this arrangement for integration, upon which much of our society has been built.

This year’s theme, “41 Years of Integration: Overcoming Challenges to Build Resilience and Sustainability”, speaks to our people’s tenacity and will, despite the challenges faced by our Region and other places, a spotlight on regional advocacy on securing Climate Action. The Second National Determined Contribution (NDC) Investment Forum, scheduled to take place in Saint Lucia from the 5th to 7th July 2022, will bring together ministers, investors, private sector actors, development partners, regional institutions and technical experts to focus on opportunities to mobilise financial support for NDC implementation in the Region.

Referring to the anniversary of the OECS, Her Excellency Elma Gene Isaac, Saint Lucia’s Ambassador to CARICOM and OECS, stated that the occasion provides an opportunity for Saint Lucia to highlight key achievements of the Organisation from its inception, in line with the goals articulated by the RTB. Today, citizens of the seven OECS Protocol Member States can move, live and work freely in the Protocol Member States without the need for a work permit or skills certificate, thus providing access to avenues for development.

The 41st Anniversary of the OECS is being commemorated through a number of activities, including a Thanksgiving Service, which was held on Monday, 13th June 2022, OECS Flag Colours Day on 17th June 2022 and a virtual Flag Raising Ceremony on 18th June 2022.