OECS launch public consultation

The countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean Startes (OECS) have launched a year-long public consultation on a possible economic union.



OECS heads of government have said they want a comprehensive dialogue on the way forward in the integration process.



The OECS was established in 1981 over the past 27 years has evolved to include a range of areas of cooperation.



Already the organisation\'s member states share a single currency-the East Caribbean dollar, a central bank and supreme court.



Other joint undertakings include telecommunications and civil aviation, education, health, sports, agriculture, export development and the environment.



The OECS is a nine member grouping comprising Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.