Elma Gene Isaac
The main focus at the OECS Media clinic which took place at the wonderful Bay Gardens Resort and Spa at Rodney Bay in St. Lucia was on Integration and Economic Union among the OEC states (OECS), comprising Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Christopher and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines; along with associate members, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands.
Ms. Elma Gene Isaac of the Regional Affairs Unit at the OECS Commission official led on the Integration topic and expounded briefly her belief that the time had come for the sub-region to take stock of the potential fall outs from not being fully integrated.
She told the gathering of, reporters and journalists from government public broadcasting entities and print media, that the situation in which the OECS finds itself now, resulting from the global economic downturn, is a trigger for member states including Montserrat to respond, and respond creatively.
James-White-Jr Executive Producer at Radio Montserrat (ZJB)
“I believe that the situation in which we find ourselves now forces member states to respond and to respond creatively,” the OECS director said, speaking on her own behalf, referring to Prime Minister Kenny Anthony position that there were persons who were questioning his decision relating to asking Public Servants to consider a reduction in salaries given the fact that no one knew for sure that the economies were going to continue with the downward trend.
She continued, “I think the situation in which we find ourselves now facing the global crisis, facing the changes that have happened with respect to our trade and the absence of preferential arrangements now for us in Europe. The fact that we continue to be very small, to become even more vulnerable. Given the fact that our global partners are becoming more and more powerful, it means that we have no choice, in integration.
Bennette Roach, Editor Reporter
Noting the scarcity of choices, she assured, “we have no choice in taking the initiative, we have no choice in being innovative and creative, and I think that pressure is one of the critical elements in forcing the OECS to continue integration.”
The Montserrat Reporter Editor Bennette Roach and Executive Producer at Radio Montserrat James White Jr. attended the two-day OECS Media Clinic in St. Lucia, which was a precursor to the inaugural meeting of the OECS Economic Affairs Council which also convened in St. Lucia the following day Friday.
Minister of Communications, Woks and Labour, the Honourable Charles Kirnon represented Montserrat at the meeting.
