The Government of Dominica and the opposition have pledged their support to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Economic Union at a consultation held on Wednesday morning at the Fort Young Hotel.
Opposition Leader Hector John, urged members of the private sector to adapt to the regulations and take full advantage of the wide range of opportunities offered by the Economic Union.
“The common market gives immediate access to about 600,000 potential customers; it will automatically add value to goods and services within the OECS region and in the process increase financial returns,” he said.
He noted that with the free trade and free market agreements in place, persons and businesses are able to move between the islands to work and set up businesses easily.
“The opportunities from the Economic Union will not be restricted to the OECS because as a trading block, an environment to attract huge foreign investment is being developed,” he said. “Multi-national co-operations will be looking to enter into joint ventures without indigenous businesses.”
Speaking at the consultation, Minister for National Security, Charles Savarin, highlighted the various benefits of the creation of the Economic Union.
“The creation of a single financial economic space will provide the opportunity for labour and capital to move freely, establish enterprises and for the elimination of barriers to trade between the islands,” he said. “The fully functional Economic Union will allow citizens to travel hassle free that is with minimal immigration formalities even without a passport and only with a picture ID.”
Savarin also pointed out that the need for temporary driver permits and work permits will also be eliminated in the union.
Dr. Collin McIntyre Minister of Employment, Trade, Industry and Diaspora Affairs called for greater participation from key partners such as churches, trade unions, and the private sector to determine the best path for the regional integration.
The OECS Economic Union constitutes a single financial and economic space within which all factors of production, goods, services and people will move throughout the islands easily and without hassle.
My OECS colleague who attended the seesion asked me if that is the best Dominica has to offer. he told me that the person next to him was just chuckling as Dominica’s Leader of the Opposition spoke. he went further to say it was after the meeting at the bar over “Che be saw”, you should have heard the comments about the quality of the xxxxxxx – what and how it was presented.
Taken aback I retorted.That is what you get when those among us chose to stay behind and cling to their education, training, experience and moral value but not willing to venture in the service of Dominica.
Some of you must learn to listen. At the OECS Economic Union Consultation formal session carried live on DBS, Hon. Colin McIntyre thanked Hon. Hector John for his mature and patriotic support towards the implementation of the Economic Union. He even joked about John should come to join his party.
Hon. McIntyre, publicly acknowledged the statesmanship of Hon. John. This should be welcomed by even Dominican. A positive from both sides.
lol good move boys. but hear that my partner almost die so he see he need to set tins straight jus watch what going on ok. listen all the programs come from the E.U and other entities/institutions/firms/organizations or passport money. ummmm people open your eyes to realize the reality of what’s going on. the gov is obligated to do what we see going on rite now in terms of infrastructural development but what about what we don’t see. like the actual figures for unemployment and the actual figure on exports an also a development plan for a educated people(force) to help implement plans that are necessary for sustainability(our own products to be created on the island for use and to send oversea for sale)and to help minimize crime while empowering the developing economy with free education. I tin we should look at free education so we can ensure our children and the parents could be creative while surviving the times of the world economy as used in all the last part of the statements.
Hector you are the next Prime Minister so start putting your plans for a better Dominica in place/ Please do not get tunnel vision like the other guys
Good luck
Does that mean my Dominican children will have de uppertunity to get work in their land.
look i see they giving their “partner” from over there job,over my qualify children.STOP IT.
moi ca vety zot.pa fe moi farche.zot copan!!!
It’s really nice to see the two parties finally agree on something .good start it up as long as it benifit the island
In the same way I look forward to seeing both Government and Opposition move the process of Dominica cessating from the British Privy Counsel and making the Caribbean Court of Justice our final court of appeal.
But I’m confused. On one hand they saying they agree yet the instruments & tools to foster economic union through regional interpretation they opposing…case in point…the MPID card(aka national ID card).
smh
I am happy that the opposition and the government both agree on this one. I welcome this!
Hmm, too chaud, too flam! Wait to hear more…
I think that Spaggs thought that the Govt would be against it that is why he supported.He did not have a clue of what was going on!!!