OECS unveils billboards celebrating free movement of people
THE ORGANISATION of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has unveiled four billboards celebrating the free movement of people across the member states of the sub-regional grouping.
The St Lucia-based OECS Commission said that the unveiling of the billboards forms part of the activities marking the 43rd anniversary of the grouping and is a “significant step towards promoting regional integration and unity”.
It said that the billboards were unveiled with support from FLOW St Lucia and the Regional Integration and Diaspora Office of St Kitts-Nevis and are mounted in the two OECS countries under the theme‘Free Movement in the OECS’.
They feature vibrant imagery and a message informing citizens of the benefits of free movement within the OECS region.
OECS Director General Dr Didacus Jules said; “The launch of these billboards marks a significant step towards educating our citizens on the benefits of the OECS fee movement of people.
“By providing clear and accessible information, we are empowering citizens of the full OECS member states to take full advantage of the opportunities for travel, work, and residency within our protocol member states,” he added.
The OECS Free Movement of Persons Regime allows citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Montserrat to travel, live, and work freely within the region, fostering greater economic opportunities, cultural exchange, and togetherness.
“This regime is a cornerstone of the OECS integration process, aimed at enhancing cooperation and collective progress among member states,” the OECS
Commission added.
OECS Commissioner for St KittsNevis, Larry Vaughan, said, “Our shared vision of free movement of our OECS nationals needs to be seen and felt by all nationals.
“This billboard initiative is welcomed as it brings additional awareness to the fact that regional integration is alive and well in the subregion. This accomplishment needs to be celebrated.”
FLOW St Lucia country manager, Chris Williams, shared his support for the work of the OECS.
“We are proud to support the OECS in this important initiative. These billboards not only enhance public awareness but also promote the seamless integration of our communities. At Flow, we believe in fostering connections that drive regional development and empower our people.”
Meanwhile, the OECS said that it has launched an updated and new French digital platforms that will allow for the enhance engagement with associate member states
Martinique and Guadeloupe, while fostering greater regional integration and cooperation.
The OECS Commission said that the new French channels are designed to ensure that citizens of Martinique and Guadeloupe can fully engage with OECS activities and learn about the importance of their inclusion in the organisation.
It said with up-to-date French content equivalent to the English OECS accounts, communication gaps will be bridged to strengthen connections among all member states.
“Launching these French digital platforms brings us closer to inclusivity and enhanced communication within the OECS. Martinique and Guadeloupe are integral parts of our community, and their citizens must have access to information in their native language,” Jules said, adding “this initiative will not only help them understand the relevance of being included in the OECS, but also help promote the benefits of regional integration”.