By Caribbean News Global 
CASTRIES, St Lucia – Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) meeting in Saint Lucia on 13 January 2026, was non-substantive to regional and geopolitical matters per the readout, that “The meeting addressed several critical regional and international issues, including the emerging geopolitical environment, regional developments, and proposals being discussed with the United States of America.”
Venezuela
The heads of government continue to monitor the ongoing developments between the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the United States and the potential implications for the Eastern Caribbean. These include impacts on economic stability, regional security, energy security, migration flows, and diplomatic relations.
- OECS proposal
In this context, the heads reaffirmed the OECS’ commitment to peace, stability, and good neighbourly relations within the hemisphere.
Third Country Nationals (TCN)
The heads of government discussed the requests by the United States to OECS member states, including Grenada, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and St Kitts and Nevis to accept Third Country Nationals (TCN) from the United States and noted that some OECS member states have already signed Non-Legally Binding Memoranda of Understanding with the United States to enter into further discussions with the United States on the matter.
- OECS proposal
The heads of government have therefore agreed to establish a broad-based, high-level negotiating team, comprising representatives from OECS member states, to undertake technical negotiations with the United States on this matter.
OECS reaffirmed their commitment to Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), ongoing improvements and best practices, and adopting and implementing future traveller biometrics
The heads of government reaffirmed with respect to Citizenship by Investment Programmes (CIPs) in the five relevant OECS jurisdictions, their commitment to ongoing improvements and best practices in the CIPs, noting the significant efforts undertaken over the past nine months toward establishing an independent regional regulatory authority, together with proposed legislative reforms to the CIP frameworks, and the need for continued engagement with partners including the European Union.
- OECS proposal
The heads of government expressed their commitment to adopting and implementing in the future traveller biometrics systems throughout the OECS to enhance regional border security, hassle-free and seamless travel, and to improve traveller experience for citizens and visitors alike within the OECS.
Regional solidarity
Given the dynamic and rapidly evolving geopolitical environment, the heads of government agreed to convene in political caucus as frequently as required to ensure coordinated and responsive decision-making and reaffirmed their commitment to collective action, regional solidarity, and continued principled and practical engagement with the international community, including the United States, in safeguarding the security, stability, and sustainable development of the OECS.
Public communication
The heads of government are committed to continuing and enhancing public communication with their citizens to assure them that any decisions made, or to be made, will be done in the best interest of the citizens of the OECS.
