LITTLE BAY, Montserrat – The implementation of a free movement policy for people, goods and services between the members states of the Organisation for Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) offers greater benefits for Montserrat says OECS officials.
A seven-person delegation visited Montserrat on November 27 and 28, 2014 to host two-days of education meetings with stakeholders from the private and public sectors about the Free Movement of People, Goods and Services. According Elma Gene Isaac, Head of the OECS Regional Integration Unit this continued education process was necessary to ensure each island was aware of developments and the potential for economic opportunities that can be exploited.
Isaac led a team which compromised technical experts in the areas of trade and customs, business development, information and economics. Meetings were held with students at the Montserrat Secondary School and the Montserrat Community College to find out what they already knew about the OECS and the Economic Union as well as to give them additional information on how they can make choices for future careers and places of employment using all seven nations in the Economic Union as one seamless space.
During sessions with public sector managers and directors, the team tried to alleviate fears of potential loss of revenue if Montserrat were to remove the duties charged on goods coming in from other OECS territories, such as Antigua. Farmers and other small business owners attended the Thursday night public forum to discuss ways in which they could benefit from the union and the possibilities of accessing markets on other islands. Issues of standardizing quality, being able to meet the demand and competing with products were also discussed.
Under the Free Movement policy residents of Montserrat will be able to move to Antigua, Dominica or any other OECS nation without the need to apply for a resident permit. The policy would also allow for ease of setting up and conducting business and remove the duplication of customs duties and other related charges when importing goods within the OECS.
