OECS Secretary-General and French Senate promote discussion on interregional collaboration

On September 17, 2025, the Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), H.E. Dr. Didacus Jules, participated in a virtual dialogue with the Delegation of the French Senate for Overseas Territories. The meeting was conducted from the French Embassy’s office in Saint Lucia. The OECS-issued media release said that the Senate Committee was offered an insightful overview of how French Territories are involved in regional integration efforts, as well as their cultural and geographical significance in relation to neighboring nations.

During the discussion, Dr. Jules reportedly highlighted the distinctive model of cooperation developed by the Eastern Caribbean, anchored in the Revised Treaty of Basseterre and the Protocol of the Eastern Caribbean Economic Union. He emphasized that regional integration is not merely an ideal but a tangible experience for OECS citizens, exemplified by policies such as free movement across borders, a unified economic zone, and shared institutions like the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.

He stated that these initiatives serve as practical proof that small nations can more effectively confront global issues when they unite.

He stated, “When we talk about regional cooperation in the Eastern Caribbean, it really comes down to something simple but powerful: small states realizing that by pooling our efforts, we can achieve far more together than we could ever do alone.”

Dr. Jules underlined the vital role played by Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Saint Martin in regional cooperation. OECS reports that Dr Jules conveyed the importance of their participation as extending beyond mere involvement; they actively enhance the scope of integration and inject fresh momentum into OECS initiatives.

“The French Caribbean territories are not on the margins of our integration story, they are active players and leaders. They bring resources, technical expertise, and innovative practices that enrich the OECS and strengthen cooperation across the Eastern Caribbean,” he remarked.

He also acknowledged Guadeloupe’s leadership in chairing the OECS Biodiversity and Ecosystems Management Committee (BEMC), which guides conservation efforts across the region. The upcoming assumption of this role by Martinique in 2026 was also welcomed, as it would ensure continuity in regional environmental initiatives.

Environmental sustainability emerged as a shared priority for France and the OECS. Dr. Jules cited collaborative endeavors such as REMAR (Resilient Ecosystems through Mangrove Restoration), a €5.5 million project aimed at restoring mangroves across OECS member states. Supported by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Global Environment Facility,  it serves as an example of how strategic partnerships can lead to tangible environmental benefits, said the release.

“What makes this project special is its strong collaboration with our French members, who bring expertise, local site managers, and best practices that can be shared across the wider OECS,” he explained.

Concluding the discussion, Dr. Jules reiterated that the core purpose of regional integration is to improve the lives of citizens throughout the Caribbean.

“At the heart of all of this, our work is really about people, ensuring that the citizens of the Eastern Caribbean feel the benefits of integration in their daily lives, whether through greater opportunity, stronger social services, or more protection against the climate crisis,” he emphasized.