Browne takes OECS chair as St Lucia prepares to lead Caricom
Antigua and Barbuda’s prime minister succeeds St Vincent’s Godwin Friday at the OECS, while St Lucia’s Philip J. Pierre takes over the Caricom chairmanship from Terrance Drew on July 1.
ST JOHN'S, Antigua. Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has formally taken over as chair of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority at the opening of its 78th meeting in Antigua.
He succeeds St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday, who held the post for the past year. The ceremony brought together regional leaders, officials, diplomats and representatives from across the OECS.
A release said Browne would guide the organisation’s premier decision-making body “at a time when the region faces both significant opportunities and complex challenges”, as the OECS pursues regional integration, economic co-operation, climate resilience, food and energy security and freedom of movement.
Browne said his tenure would focus on strengthening regional economic self-reliance and improving living standards across the Eastern Caribbean. He also urged OECS leaders to pursue bold, innovative projects to deepen integration and leave a lasting legacy.
The chairmanship comes as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to host the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The government said it saw the two roles as complementary opportunities to raise the country’s profile while championing the interests of small island developing states.
Caricom handover
St Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, the incoming chair of the Caribbean Community, has urged member states to strengthen co-operation on food security, climate resilience, sustainable development and safety. St Lucia takes over the six-month Caricom chairmanship on July 1 from Terrance Drew.
Pierre said St Lucia was taking on the role during a period of major global change, and that the region must move beyond resilience by renewing its economies and institutions while delivering real benefits to its people.
He said the smooth leadership transition reflected the region’s unity and commitment to its people, and that Caribbean countries could achieve more by working together.
The 51st Caricom Heads of Government Meeting will be held in St Lucia from July 5 to 8, with the opening ceremony at Sandals Grande St Lucian on July 5. Leaders will hold formal business sessions on July 7 and 8.
