OECS leaders discuss diplomatic posts in Africa

OECS leaders have advanced discussions of strategic representation on the African Continent and took further decisions on the appointment of non-resident ambassadors in the countries of Nigeria; South Africa; Ghana; Algeria; and the establishment of a permanent resident mission in Ethiopia, at the African Union in Addis Ababa.

“The Meeting also agreed on the appointment of an ambassador and officers to staff the permanent resident mission in the Kingdom of Morocco,” said the communique issued at the Special Meeting in Guadeloupe last week.

It said the Authority confirmed the full incorporation of the OECS Member State of Antigua and Barbuda into the Overseas Mission in Brussels, Belgium.

“Heads further advanced discussions on joint diplomatic representation in Ottawa, Canada and mandated the OECS Commission to continue exploring the shared interests of Barbados in this venture,” said the communique.

Castries, St KuciaThe Authority received a comprehensive report from OECS Ambassador-designate to Brussels, Sharlene Shillingford-McKlmon, on the most recent blacklisting of Member States by the European Union as non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes.

“Heads of Government deliberated considerably on this matter and fully endorsed a united approach in response to the pressure being placed on the economies of the OECS by the European Union. Heads further noted the need to implement a strategy that allows for a duality of cooperation and creative resistance.

The Authority also considered the latest attempts by the United States to impose further sanctions on the island nation of Cuba and agreed on a joint statement deploring the increased strangulation of Cuba through the Helms-Burton Act,” said the statement.

Heads of Government discussed current matters of regional security and proposed recommendations for increased collaboration with the Regional Security System (RSS) as well as the CARICOM Implementing Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS).