by Clive Bacchus
St Kitts and Nevis (WINN): The communiqué issued after the 70th Meeting of the OECS Authority held June 18 provided little clarity on decisions made by regional leaders on the critical issues challenging the region.
The publication continued the tradition of steering clear of the details necessary to improve the knowledge of citizens about the regional enterprise.
Here is an example:
“COVID-19 RESPONSE AND THE NEED FOR A REGIONAL POLICY ON VACCINE REQUIREMENTS
The OECS Authority discussed reports on the region’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically the progress as it pertains to vaccinations.
Heads of Governments deliberated extensively on vaccine hesitancy and considered various avenues to circumvent this challenge noting the severe implications to the health systems and the economies of the region. The Meeting re-affirmed the principle of sharing vaccine supplies amongst the Member States, where necessary.”
Leaders “discussed reports”, “deliberated extensively”, “considered various avenues”.
And another one:
“(E) SUPPORT AND FINANCING OF THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN SUPREME COURT
Heads of Governments received a presentation from the Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC), Her Ladyship Honourable Dame Janice M. Pereira, and discussed the continued functions of the Court during this period.
The Meeting also discussed the sustainable financing of the Court and highlighted the benefits to approaches adopted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as increased virtual meetings, while cautioning against the extreme curtailing of judicial matters. ”
Then,
“(C) RECOVERY SUPPORT FOR ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
The Meeting received a report on the Stronger Together Campaign and was apprised of the Commission’s efforts to mobilise aid following the eruptions of the La Soufriere volcano and the subsequent flooding in the south of the island.
Heads of Governments and their representatives reiterated their support for St. Vincent and the Grenadines as in-country rebuilding initiatives continue. ”
The report continues in that vein throughout. WINN will seek answers to the many questions raised by this publication and share that information as soon as possible.
