PM Douglas and French Overseas Territories Minister hold talks in Paris

St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and current Chairman of the OECS, Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas (right) in discussions with France’s Minister of Overseas Territories, Her Excellency Madame Marie-Luce Penchard

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, NOVEMBER 24TH 2010 (CUOPM) – Developing closer ties between member nations of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the French Overseas Territories in the Caribbean was discussed in Paris, the French capital last week.

St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and current Chairman of the OECS, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas discussed the strengthening of cooperative links in trade, vocational education and renewal energy with France’s Minister of Overseas Territories, Her Excellency Madame Marie-Luce Penchard.

The meeting described as “warm and productive” also focused on healthcare, university exchanges and prospect of securing financing from the European Development Fund (EDF).

Madame Penchard, in conformity with the outcome of Council of Ministers of Overseas Territories also raised the possibility of involving the French Caribbean and Guianese regional authorities toward participation in future meetings of the OECS and CARICOM, a point that was particularly well received by Prime Minister Douglas.

During the talks, Prime Minister Douglas underlined the importance of these links in his capacity as Chairman of the OECS.

“We ardently wish to develop cooperation between the French territories and our community in the Caribbean,” said Dr. Douglas.