Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday has officially handed over the chairmanship of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority to Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, emphasizing that regional cooperation remains essential to advancing the interests of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The handover took place during the 78th Meeting of the OECS Authority in June 2026, in accordance with the organization’s rotational leadership schedule. Prime Minister Friday assumed the position of OECS Chairman when he became Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines seven months ago, simultaneously carrying responsibilities to both his nation and the wider OECS family.
Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Friday said his dual responsibilities as Prime Minister and OECS Chairman were never in conflict but instead worked hand in hand toward common goals.
He noted that many of the challenges facing St. Vincent and the Grenadines are shared throughout the Eastern Caribbean and can only be effectively addressed through regional collaboration.
Among the priorities highlighted by the Prime Minister were affordable and sustainable energy, reliable regional transportation, stronger representation on international issues and enhanced resilience to natural disasters.
“The responsibilities I carried as Chair of the OECS Authority and as Prime Minister were never competing obligations. They were complementary. By advancing regional cooperation, we advance the interests of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” Friday stated.
The Prime Minister stressed that small island states cannot tackle many of today’s major challenges alone and must continue working together to secure better outcomes for their citizens.
He also reflected on the spirit of solidarity that exists among OECS member states, noting that the region’s leaders have demonstrated that national sovereignty and regional unity are not mutually exclusive.
According to Dr. Friday, his experience as Chairman reinforced the importance of cooperation among member states and showed that countries can work closely together while maintaining their individual identities and national interests.
He thanked fellow OECS leaders for their support during his tenure and expressed confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Browne as he assumes the chairmanship for the coming year.
Friday also pledged his full support to the incoming Chairman as the OECS continues its work to strengthen regional integration, economic development and resilience across the Eastern Caribbean.
The OECS remains one of the Caribbean’s most important regional organizations, providing a framework for cooperation in areas such as economic policy, education, health, security, transportation and climate resilience.
Officials say the smooth transition of leadership reflects the organization’s continued commitment to collaboration and collective progress among its member states.