In June 2016 the OECS as a regional organisation celebrated 35 years of existence. During this period it has progressively advanced economic, social and political cooperation among its Member States. To put this milestone into perspective: If the OECS were a human being, it probably would have been married for at least 7 years now; would have had its second child three years ago, and would have obtained a managerial position one year ago – at least so I have been reliably informed by the (UK) Mirror online.
In addition to celebratory activities that accompany these notable anniversaries one should, I presume, make time for quiet and sober reflection on the past accomplishment as well as current and future challenges. This article is a contribution to the latter. While it acknowledges the varied and notable accomplishment of the past 35 years, the article does not dwell on them. Rather it focuses more weightily on the current challenges that threaten to stymie the region’s ability to further advance, or otherwise build upon the gains of the past. In doing so, liberty is taken to shift focus somewhat from the OECS as an institution to the OECS as a collective of nations.
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