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.

The OECS, established in 1981, promotes unity, economic integration, and joint action among member states. The BVI and other associate members participate in selected programmes but do not have voting rights in the Authority. Dr Wheatley pointed to climate change, trade, and food security as areas where deeper regional collaboration is essential.

Referencing the shared impact of Hurricane Irma, he said, “St Martin got hit by Hurricane Irma, Anguilla got hit by Hurricane Irma, Antigua and Barbuda got hit by Hurricane Irma as well as ourselves.” He also described growing concerns over supply chain disruptions and rising tariffs. “We see the prospects of increased prices and we also see countries who are stockpiling goods… that speaks to the whole question of food security,” he added.

The Premier highlighted the economic benefits of deeper integration with French territories, particularly regarding market access.

“We see right here in the OECS, we have a gateway into the European Union… with Saint Martin, Guadeloupe and Martinique in the OECS, that is a bridge to the European Union,” he explained. Dr Wheatley said boosting regional trade would require harmonising tariffs, improving shipping routes, and working closely with OECS partners.

“We need to be able to accelerate it… harmonising our policies, our tariffs, our duties at the ports to allow easier entry,” he stated.

Security cooperation also featured in discussions, including the potential for a regional arrest warrant. “That strengthens security, as we know that crime is a transnational problem,” the Premier added.