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BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CUOPM) -- St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas has expressed optimism about the OECS Assembly, which was inaugurated in Antigua on Friday, 10 August 2012.

“I am therefore optimistic that this inaugural session would set the stage for productive discourse and deliberations that will not only inform the modus operandi of this Parliamentary body on the consideration of issues on the legislative agenda of the Union but will be of much inspiration to the people whose interests we are elected to serve,” said the St Kitts and Nevis leader in a message in the 28-page commemorative booklet printed for the occasion.

In welcoming the inauguration, Douglas said the convening should be regarded as a critical advancement in the integration process and congratulated the government of Antigua and Barbuda for its decision and commitment to host the OECS Assembly.

“It is with a proud sense of accomplishment that we recognize the culmination of much focused preparations which have facilitated the realization of another major organ of the Organization to fulfill the purpose as provided for in the Revised Treaty of Basseterre,” said the St Kitts and Nevis leader.

Douglas said the member states of the OECS have registered the political will and have taken the bold step towards the establishment of an economic union which is designed to benefit the protocol member states through improved opportunities for economic growth and development, social stability of the region and the well being of our people as a whole.

“The significance of this Assembly, made possible by the coming into force of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre on January 21, 2011, sets the stage for the quantum leap that we are endeavouring to make,” he said.

Douglas sees the Assembly “as the institutionalization of a platform for improved democratic practices and transparency, thus strengthening the mechanism of inclusion, which augurs well for effective decision-making and governance.”

“In recognition of the various contributions of the organizers at both national and regional levels, I reiterate compliments to all who have devoted their resources to the successful outcome of this historic event which will move us to a higher level of cooperation as a region and as a people working together for a common good,” said Douglas.

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