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28th January 2012
Free Movement Still long Way Off
Micah George

The free movement of persons within the countries making up the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States still seems to be a long way off and is still at talking point when heads of government of the sub-region meet, even after more than a year of trying to get that key element of the economic union of the sub-region operational.
Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony, at the opening of the 54th Meeting of the Authority called on his peers to recommit to free movement through the sub-region noting that in respect of economic development, the creation of a free unified internal market cannot be realized unless the appropriate conditions are put in place that would allow the productive potential and capacity of the people of the region to flourish.
Not only did he urge OECS heads of government to push strategic and legislative requirements to further advance the free movement of OECS nationals, but added that any genuine development of the OECS must be premised on the involvement of the OECS citizenry.
The other heads of government within the OECS all seem to agree that much more must be done to realize the free movement of nationals within the sub-region.
They all agreed that the free movement of persons was vital to the success of the OECS economic union.
A communiqué coming out of the Saint Lucia meeting noted that all the heads of government agreed that it was necessary to put in place the mechanisms for hassle free travel.
 
 

They stressed the need for more training programmes for immigration and customs officers adding that the economic union was put in place for the benefit of all OECS citizens and that they would remain committed to that goal.
The OECS Economic Union was operationalized in January 2011.
According to Dr. Anthony “If OECS heads are to deliver on the long term development objectives of the region, realizing acceptable rates of economic growth, creating new employment opportunities and ensuring social equity and improved standard of living- the free movement of persons and labour and the rights contingent to these must be secured within the economic union area.
Dr Anthony also challenged other OECS member states who have not yet allowed the free movement of nationals in their respective countries to put in place the required legislation and administrative arrangements to give effect to the right of free movement in accordance with the provisions of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre and to do so as a matter of urgent priority.
He also encouraged those member states which have not yet brought the revised treaty into domestic law to do so expeditiously in order for the OECS economic union to be functioning in way that truly resonates with the people of our region.

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