The Honourable Chief Minister Osbourne B. Fleming led a delegation to St. Kitts for the 43rd Authority Meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The other six persons in the delegation were the Honourable Minister of Finance, Victor F. Banks; Honourable Minster of Social Development, Mcneil Rogers; Permanent Secretary, Foster Rogers; Principal Assistant, Evalie Bradley; Special Advisor Public Relations, Curtis Richardson; and Member of the House of Assembly, Honourable Hubert Hughes.

Montserrat’s CM Dr. Lowell Lewis, Antigua’s PM Baldwin Spencer, OECS Director General Dr. Len Ishmael, PM Hon Dr. Denzil Douglas of St. Kitts, PM of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. Standing (left) Anguilla’s CM Osbourne Fleming and Petros Compton representing the BVI

The meeting was highlighted to be of special significance, since it also marks the 25th Anniversary of the Treaty of Basseterre celebrated from June 18th – 23rd, 2006. It was 25 years ago in St. Kitts on June 18th, 1981 when the Original Treaty of Basseterre was signed. This time the ministers gathered for the unveiling of the new OECS Treaty on the Economic Union and the signing of the Declaration of Intent. There was also the unfurling of an OECS Flag.

The honourable Chief Minister Fleming was present for the unfurling of the OECS Flag and the opening ceremony held on Wednesday, June 21st, 2006 at the Sir Cecil Jacobs Auditorium located in the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). Chief Minister Fleming thought it fitting that Anguilla be represented reasonably well so as to express our commitment to the OECS and to balance our individual sovereignty as well as our distinctive differences against the regionalism efforts that need to be made.

Mr. Fleming and his team have administered sound and prudent management of the local economy, and today Anguilla enjoys a much better standard of living than most countries in the region and the world. Nevertheless, Mr. Fleming says he sees the need for integration as the world on whole is moving into blocks for mutual benefits. Mr. Fleming said he was proud to be one of the signatories to the Declaration of intent for the Economic Union. He is also named amongst the signatories for the forward thrust of the ECCB. His ability to see further is without question for we are witnesses to the light of which he spoke in the midst of perpetual darkness.

Chief Minister, Osbourne Fleming (right - front row) and Governor K. D. Venner (right - second row)

Mr. Fleming thought that on such an occasion as the 25th Anniversary of OECS, where a deepening of the integration and further collaboration was the theme, it would be fitting to afford the Honourable Hubert Hughes the courtesy of being apart of the delegation, as Mr Hughes was the leader of government business when Anguilla joined the OECS in May 1995.

The Honourable Victor Banks was designated as the Minister to attend all Business Sessions. On Thursday 22nd June, the first session commenced at 8:30am. On Friday June 23rd, the second and final session commenced at 7:30am. Both sessions concluded late into the nights. It is obvious that Mr. Banks is disciplined and possesses much patience. These meetings are lengthy and mentally challenging. Mr. Banks pointed out that though the meetings are exhaustive, much has been accomplished. He pointed out that he OECS has successfully created and managed the following achievements: A single currency and a central banking system; a single supreme court and judicial system; a single civil aviation administration; a single pharmaceutical procurement Service; and a single Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.

L-R: Hon. Victor Banks, Hon. Hubert Hughes and Hon. Evans Rogers

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