Antigua ratifies treaty

Antigua and Barbuda has become the first state in the sub-region to sign the Instrument of Ratification for the Revised Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Treaty of Basseterre establishing an economic union.



The Castries-based OECS Secretariat says last Thursday's action by the Antiguan government has helped to move the people of the member-states closer to increased benefits associated with the free movement of skills and persons.



The secretariat says the move will also result in better business opportunities.



Officials say at least four independent OECS countries must ratify the revised treaty to give it effect.