OECS Regional Parliament described as ‘PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY’

OECS Director General Dr. Len Ishmael

Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 20, 2012 (SKNIS): Director General of the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Dr. Len Ishmael has described the soon to be OECS Regional Parliamentary Assembly as a “people’s assembly” during a visit to St. Kitts and Nevis last week.

Dr. Ishmael who was in the Federation to update key officials including Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas on specific OECS matters, entertained an interview with the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service (SKNIS). She explained that the OECS Regional Parliamentary Assembly will address issues relevant to the specified region but this will be done in full view of the residents.

The Revised Treaty of Basseterre which was passed June 18, 2010, established the OECS Economic Union. Director General Ishmael explained that the Regional Parliamentary Assembly will be one of the outcomes of the new Treaty considering that it envisages the Parliament among its five governance structures or organs.

The additional structures are the Authority, Ministerial Councils, the Economic Affairs Council, and the Commission. She emphasized that the Parliament is an innovative undertaking.

The OECS Director General revealed that Antigua and Barbuda presented a proposal to become the permanent seat of the Regional Parliamentary Assembly and as such will host the first meeting. She outlined that the body would still be allowed to rotate throughout the region. Dr. Ishmael also made a plea for OECS nationals to represent the region well.