Martinique has expressed its desire for deeper relations with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) following the recent heads of government in St Kitts and Nevis.
The French Overseas territory’s desire was revealed in a Communiqué following the 74th Meeting of the OECS Authority, which took place from February 14 – 15.
“Serge Letchimy, President of the Executive Council of the Territorial Authority of Martinique made a pronouncement regarding Martinique’s association with the OECS. He expressed a desire to seek a deeper and more active level of collaboration between Martinique and the OECS,” the Communiqué said.
“Honourable Letchimy pointed to the immense opportunities for building cooperation between the OECS Member States in a range of areas that included trade, education, health, agriculture, among others. He noted that the demographics of the French associate Member States was large enough to constitute a lucrative trade market for the OECS as well as a gateway to France and Europe.”
Letchimy told OECS that Martinique’s population “was large enough to constitute a lucrative trade market for the OECS as well as a gateway to France and Europe.”
Martinique and its sister island Guadeloupe are Associate members of the OECS.
As associate members, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands are treated as full members for many of the Organisation’s activities.
The Communiqué said OECS heads discussed Martinique’s statement and Chairman of the OECS Authority, Dr Terrance Drew made a declaration on the matter.
“The effectiveness of Martinique’s engagement within the OECS requires an evolution of its capacities for action in terms of trade, connectivity, resilience to climate change, and energy policy. This evolution is consistent with the European Union’s policy on strengthening of autonomous normative power,” Drew stated.
“Today, Martinique is negotiating with the French Republic for autonomous adaptation and legislation, within the framework of differentiation policies, which could open the way for regional diplomacy that is useful and necessary to its future, while remaining part of the French Republic and the European Union. Martinique wishes to be an effective player for its population and the OECS, through its dual membership of the OECS and the European Union.”
Drew added the OECS welcomes Martinique’s commitment to having deeper relations with the sub-regional group and will support efforts for the island in its push for greater autonomy.
