Premier hails St Martin’s entry into OECS as ‘historic’

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley praised St Martin’s accession to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), calling the move a “historic occasion” and a critical step for regional cooperation amid global uncertainty.

Speaking from St Martin during the 76th Meeting of the OECS Authority, Dr Wheatley said the timing of the French territory’s entry could not be more important.

“We face a tumultuous time in the world, with great uncertainty… and certainly the best thing that we can do is pull together and strengthen cooperation so we can make it through these tumultuous waters,” the Premier said in an interview with Acting Director of Communications Karia Christopher.

St Martin joins Guadeloupe and Martinique as French territories now included in the OECS, which traditionally consisted of English-speaking Caribbean states. The BVI has been an associate member of the OECS since 1984.

“Despite the fact that we may have historical and colonial boundaries and even language boundaries, we’re united by a shared experience, we’re united by a shared Caribbean Sea, we’re united by shared challenges, we’re united by cooperation to be able to solve those challenges,” Dr Wheatley said.