Leaders hail OECS economic union treaty

Leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have hailed the economic union treaty as one that will strengthen the integration process, both in the sub-region and the wider CARICOM.



The accord, which was signed last night, is expected to take effect in June next year.



If the leaders have their way, an economic union will mean a removal of barriers to trade between national markets in the OECS.



Other sectors listed for joint action include civil aviation, agriculture, tourism, education, environmental sustainability, as well as telecommunications.



The head of the OECS Secretariat, Dr Len Ishmael, has congratulated the organisation for taking charge of its own destiny.



Some nationals in the sub-region say they’re still not clear on what the proposed single economic space will mean for the region.