The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) marks its 28th anniversary, Thursday June 18th 2009.

Activities to mark the occasion include the regional launch of an animated Television series called “U” which highlights the benefits of OECS integration to citizens of the sub-region, and promotes the proposed OECS Economic Union. There will also be the release of a song entitled “Oye U See Us”, produced by a group of musicians to help draw public attention to the big success stories of OECS integration, and to back the current moves to build stronger ties.

OECS Director General Dr. Len Ishmael will deliver her annual OECS Day message in which she will note the impact of the global financial and economic crisis on the small, open economies of the OECS, and highlight the focused, proactive response of OECS Governments as they put measures in place to stem declines in key economic areas, such as tourism, construction, and foreign direct investments. She will note that a key element of the region’s response is the ongoing work towards the creation of an OECS Economic Union.

The OECS was established with the June 18th 1981 signing of the Treaty of Basseterre. OECS Member Governments have taken the decision to move beyond the current areas of functional cooperation, and to establish an OECS Economic Union. The Governments have agreed to have the inauguration of the Economic Union on June 18th 2010, which marks the beginning of the OECS 30th anniversary year.

The OECS Member States are Antigua/Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts/Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla and the BVI.