New OECS Chairman Wants Leaner, Faster OECS Commission

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called for a major overhaul of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, saying the regional body’s administrative arm must become “leaner, faster and more effective” if it is to meet the challenges facing member states.

Browne made the appeal Sunday during his first address as chairman of the OECS Authority, publicly directing OECS Director General Didacus Jules to prepare a reform plan aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs and strengthening service delivery across the organization.

The Prime Minister said the OECS has achieved remarkable success over its 45-year history through institutions such as the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and the regional pharmaceutical procurement system. However, he argued that the Commission itself must evolve to meet modern demands.

“We must re-engineer the OECS Commission into a leaner, faster and more effective institution that is fit for purpose,” Browne said.

He revealed that he had already raised the issue privately with Jules before bringing it into the public arena.

“This is a conversation that I’ve had with the Director General, a very frank discussion about ensuring that the Commission becomes leaner, faster and certainly more effective to better serve the people of the OECS,” Browne said. “I’ve done so privately, and I’m doing so publicly.”

The new OECS chairman then issued a direct call for action.

“I’m asking the Director General to develop a reform plan that improves delivery, reduces costs and strengthens the Commission’s ability to better serve our people,” Browne said.

Browne’s comments came as he reflected on the accomplishments of the OECS since its establishment 45 years ago, describing it as one of the most successful regional unions in the world.

He pointed to the stability of the Eastern Caribbean dollar, which has remained pegged at EC$2.70 to US$1 for decades, the savings generated through joint pharmaceutical purchases and the work of regional institutions as examples of what can be achieved through cooperation.

“What we cannot do alone, we can certainly accomplish together,” Browne said. “That principle has brought us this far, and it must continue to guide our future.”

The Prime Minister argued that current leaders have a responsibility not only to preserve the institutions created by previous generations but also to establish new ones capable of addressing contemporary challenges.

“Many of us are better trained, and if we’re better trained and we have more resources, it means that we too can establish sustaining institutions for the benefit of the OECS people,” he said.

Browne’s call for reform formed part of a broader message that the OECS must adapt to a changing global environment marked by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, rising living costs and growing economic uncertainty.

“In a fragmented world, OECS countries acting alone are exposed and vulnerable,” he said. “Acting together, we are a collective entity.”

The Prime Minister did not outline specific reforms for the Commission but indicated that he expects recommendations to be developed in the coming months as part of a wider effort to improve the OECS’ effectiveness and responsiveness.

Browne assumed the chairmanship of the OECS Authority from St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday and will serve as chairman for the next year.

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