A delegation from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) recently met with the President of Argentina, Dr. Alberto Fernandez, in Barbados. Among the attendees and observers was the BVI’s Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew Fahie.
According to an OECS press release: “The meeting was requested by the Argentine President, with the aim of strengthening the diplomatic ties between Latin America and the Caribbean, especially given Argentina’s recent ascendancy to the Presidency of the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC).”
Specific issues addressed included: “climate change, emergency and disaster management and assistance, development financing, technical cooperation and political coordination on regional matters.”
Chairman of the OECS Authority and Prime Minister of Grenada, The Right Honourable Dr. Keith Mitchell, expressed the gratitude of the OECS Authority to President Fernandez and said “it is anticipated that today’s meeting will lay the foundation for forging this stronger bond among CELAC member states, bringing us closer together as we forge ahead with the development of the region.”
President Fernandez also addressed the need for the Caribbean to have a stronger voice internationally. He said, ‘The voice of the Caribbean should have a renewed weight in the concert of Nations, especially due to the disproportionate impact of climate change on the islands.’’
The OECS release said “Members of the OECS and Argentina delegations agreed to continued discussions to follow up on the recommendations from the Meeting.”
The meeting was in a hybrid format and included some members of delegations attending in person and others virtually.
In addition to President Fernandez, Prime Minister Mitchell and the OECS Director General H.E. Dr. Didacus Jules, other attendees included: the Heads of State and Ministers of Foreign Affairs from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Saint Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda.
Observers included the Premier of Anguilla, The Honourable Dr. Ellis Webster, and Premier Fahie who observed virtually.