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St Vincent’s PM says OECS might have to consider exiting CSME

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St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has taken over as chairman of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and has highlighted concerns regarding the regional Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

During a meeting of the OECS Assembly, he suggested that the OECS might need to reconsider its relationship with CARICOM, especially the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), to address inequities they face.

Gonsalves pointed out that the OECS has a deeper level of integration compared to CARICOM, and emphasized the importance of optimizing outcomes through cooperation among various regional integration frameworks.

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He criticized CARICOM for not providing specific accommodations for the OECS and mentioned that the benefits of regional integration can be overshadowed by the disparities between member states.

Gonsalves also noted that before joining the CSME, the OECS conducted a study revealing that CARICOM arrangements had disadvantaged its manufacturing sector, particularly referencing the need for special protections for local industries.

He stressed the significance of small states working together, while cautioning that unequal decision-making could undermine the effectiveness of regional integration.

Shermain Bique-Charles

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Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (7)

  • Williams June 20, 2025, 6:29 PM

    What will become of us without the CSME? What kind of dumb ass statement is this.

  • Juju Bee June 20, 2025, 5:42 PM

    And he could very well be right. It seems is one set of island that are accommodating to several aspects of the CSME especially free movement

  • Informed citizen June 20, 2025, 1:02 PM

    This isn’t a new complaint, but it’s certainly the strongest we’ve heard in a while from an OECS leader. PM Gonsalves is making it clear that the promise of the CSME isn’t being fully realized for the smaller economies. If the benefits are consistently skewed towards larger members, then these questions about continued participation are entirely valid.

  • Darian June 20, 2025, 12:56 PM

    Ralph Hush. Just hush. The CSME is what is keeping many of us travelling and working through the OECS. You are becoming like Donald Trump now and it’s pathetic

  • Stone June 20, 2025, 10:53 AM

    caricom was really structured for the larger countries

  • Food4thought June 20, 2025, 8:22 AM

    Seems like Gonsalves is stirring up old debates again. We’ve known about these issues for years, where’s the actual action plan?

  • Rhea June 20, 2025, 8:21 AM

    PM Gonsalves is absolutely right to question the fairness of CARICOM structures. The smaller islands often get the short end of the stick.

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