Premier Ralph O’Neal is currently attending the 53rd Meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Authority in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The two-day meeting, which started yesterday and ends today, is to update leaders on the OECS Economic Union, including the financing of its work programme, the implementation of movement of goods, and the human resources skill requirement for its operation, according to Government Information Services.
“It is always important for us to be a part of the OECS discussions, because many of the issues talked about affect the Virgin Islands in diverse ways,” Mr. O’Neal said.
The premier is accompanied by Najan Christopher, assistant secretary for external affairs in the Premier’s Office, and his personal assistant, Jermine Barry.
Deputy Premier Dancia Penn is acting as premier until Mr. O’Neal’s return, which is scheduled for tomorrow.
The VI has been an associate member of the OECS since November 1984. Other members and associate members are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Montserrat.