29 March 2025
In a landmark event on March 19, 2025, Saint Martin officially became the 12th member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), joining as an Associate Member. This significant step underscores the island’s dedication to fostering regional integration and collaboration within the Caribbean community.
The accession ceremony took place during the 76th Meeting of the OECS Authority at the Secrets St. Martin Resort and Spa. The event was marked by vibrant cultural displays and reflections on the successes and aspirations of regional unity. Saint Martin now stands alongside Protocol Member States such as Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as Associate Members including Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Martinique, and Guadeloupe.
Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Chair of the OECS Authority, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, warmly welcomed Saint Martin into the OECS family, emphasizing that this accession aligns with the vision of the organization’s founding fathers to organize into larger frameworks to address contemporary challenges. He stated, “Your membership is clear evidence that there continues to be a strong demand for deeper engagement with the OECS.”
Louis Mussington, President of the Territorial Council of Saint Martin, expressed gratitude and highlighted the historical significance of the moment. He remarked, “Today, through our membership of the OECS, we are establishing a formal inter-institutional dialogue… This closer relationship with our neighbours will be supported by strengthened and structured cooperation and initiatives in a variety of areas such as health and medical services, SME growth, trade and education.”
Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, celebrated Saint Martin’s accession as a milestone in the region’s ongoing journey toward integration. He noted that Saint Martin’s experiences in areas like health services, tourism, bilingual education, and digital solutions would enrich the entire OECS community.
The path to this historic accession involved extensive dialogue. In May 2024, President Mussington led a delegation to Saint Lucia for high-level talks with Dr. Jules and the OECS leadership team. These discussions underscored the mutual benefits of Saint Martin’s membership, particularly in enhancing cooperation in education and health sectors.
Saint Martin’s inclusion as the fifth Associate Member of the OECS, following the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Martinique, and Guadeloupe, represents a significant advancement in the island’s integration into the Caribbean region. This membership is anticipated to facilitate greater economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and collective development strategies, benefiting both Saint Martin and the broader OECS community.
The OECS, established on June 18, 1981, aims to promote regional integration, harmonize economic and foreign policies, and collectively pursue sustainable development among its member states. Saint Martin’s accession marks a pivotal moment in the organization’s history, reflecting a shared commitment to unity and collaborative progress in the Eastern Caribbean.
