St Vincent’s PM says OECS might have to consider exiting CSME
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.
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.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/06/20/st-vincents-pm-says-oecs-might-have-to-consider-exiting-csme. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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