Dominica has finalized all legal and administrative arrangements to give effect to the OECS Economic Union. When Parliament met in October 2013, the following were passed in the House of Assembly:
The Bill for an Act to give effect to the Revised Treaty of Basseterre establishing the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States Economic Union and for related matters, The Bill for an Act to amend the Immigration and Passport Act and The Bill for an Act to amend the Vehicles and Road Traffic Act.
The Acts which were approved by Parliament have been signed by His Excellency the President and have been gazetted.
As a result, Dominica has met all requirements regarding the free movement of OECS nationals in the one economic and financial OECS space. Therefore, OECS nationals are not required to present a passport at any port of entry in Dominica and can enter the country with a photo identification card. OECS Nationals do not require a work permit to work in Dominica and can drive in this country using a valid driver’s license issued in an OECS State and which states the Nationality of the holder.
The actions of the Government of Dominica in meeting its obligations and commitments have pushed forward the integration process in the OECS. As a result, Dominican Nationals are expected to receive the same treatment in other OECS Member States, as the free movement of OECS Nationals intensifies.
To date, Antigua, St. Lucia and Grenada have not met all the requirements with respect to the free movement of OECS Nationals. The Governments of these countries have expressed the commitment to pass the relevant legislation as required by the Revised Treaty of Basseterre.
Very good move, it was about time. One people, one God one destiny!
I wonder though, whether they can still refuse persons entrance for any reason, for example if they have a criminal record. In any case, even if it’s just substituting an ID card for a passport it’s still a positive move.
Good initiative. One region, one people, one destiny!!!
Hopefully all OECS countries will comply for each one and their nationals stand to benefit from this union.
I expect that those who travel to the islands will have to show a relevant card to the airport immigration. I expect they will all be nationals without a criminal record.
Too many Dominicans moving to St. Lucia for work… and now with all those Chinese, Haitians and Dominican Republicans all you giving passports, we have to be sure they will not use the free movement opportunity to flood our simply beautiful St. Lucia.
The caribbean sea unites us, it washes the shores of all the islands.The only thing preventing us from being united is our egos, so when we get news that we are one link of the chain closer to that unity, it makes me happy.I hope the other three countries,dont keep the rest of us waiting too much longer at the lunch table, because we are hungry.
A giant step forward to a full political union.
CONGRATULATIONS to our legislators!
We should support the initiative and full integration of CARICOM states because this means greater opportunities for member states. We can achieve more if we unite as one people under one agenda for growth and development. The time has come when this part of the world see opportunities in integration and not establish barriers to those who want to progress. We should also need to ensure that the judiciary is functioning well so that people’s rights are not violated and will be protected without delay.
This is really good. Let’s teach the other Caricom partners how it’s done. Enough talk, more action.
The Europeans have done it, there is no reason why we can’t.
GR8. Hope we can attract the right ppl and type of business.
That only took 30 years, good job.
We are making progress, albeit it slowly, given that the original treaty of Basseterre dates back to June 2081 and the revised version was not ratified till 29 years later, in June 2010.
It is good to see that Dominica is not the last one to meet its obligations but with Antigua and St. Lucia, which account for approx. half the population of the OECS (excl.. associated States), still outside the frame we remain handicapped. Whereas citizens of the latter two islands enjoy free access to Dominica, the reverse does not apply till these two also fulfill their commitment under the treaty. In that sense our commitment is an act of faith and I trust this will not be used by Antigua and St. Lucia to delay the passing of the necessary legislation even further. After all, they have the least to lose and, as the saying goes, are sitting pretty!
Am I reading and comprehending accurately? You stated, the original treaty of Basseterre ‘dates back’ to June 2081.
Thanks for pulling me up by my bootstraps. That should read 1981 of course.