The 7th Sitting of the OECS Assembly and the Opening Ceremony of the 77th Meeting of the OECS Authority were convened under the theme "Strengthening Regional Unity in a Shifting Global Order."

In line with this theme, Prime Minister Pierre emphasised that Saint Lucia views the real test of OECS progress as the extent to which regional policies and actions uplift the welfare of citizens. According to Pierre, integration must be more than bureaucratic rhetoric and must be rooted in "putting people first."

Pierre also warned of the challenges the region faces, especially in a global environment increasingly shaped by geopolitical realignments and economic pressures.

"We must be realistic, innovative, nimble, perhaps even stoic... the world does not cater to those who are insufficiently endowed to pay the piper," he said. “We must be brutal in our self-assessment, rigorous and prompt when adjustments are needed, and uncompromising in striving to attain the objectives of our treaty.”

A key issue raised by the Prime Minister was the long-delayed implementation of a regime for the free circulation of goods within the OECS. Describing the initiative as essential to the success of the single economic and financial space, Pierre called on member states to remove remaining barriers.

"The free circulation of goods is a natural corridor to the free movement of people and the establishment and operation of businesses… We must get it done,” he urged.

The 7th Sitting of the OECS Assembly convenes representatives from all Member States to debate regional legislation. Once adopted, bills from the Assembly proceed to national parliaments for formal ratification. In tandem, the OECS Authority, comprising Heads of Government, continues strategic deliberations to strengthen unity and regional cooperation.