The OECS and the Regional Security System (RSS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to better protect, police and preserve ocean space in the Eastern Caribbean as the birth right of every Caribbean national. As the major shared resource between OECS member states, the ocean plays a vital role in the air we breathe, transportation, recreation, food, medicine and economic benefits.

According to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, the MOU will see the implementation of the $6.3 million Caribbean Regional Ocean Policy and Strategic Action Plan (CROP) to ensure the space is managed sustainably to leverage economic opportunities for member states.

“The ECROP is a comprehensive initiative that seek to address the multi-faceted complexity of our sea space,” Dr. Jules said. “We are taking account of our ocean space as a fluid geographic asset that is threatened by climate change, unsustainable economic practices, pollution, and a host of other challenges. The grant agreement will support the implementation of some of the ECROP strategic actions. Deliverables under the USD$6.3 million project which is being executed by the OECS Commission will include an enhanced action plan by year end.”

The MOU was signed on behalf of the six independent member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States—Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—and also, Barbados.

The signing took place on April 5, at the RSS Council of Ministers meeting in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.