Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE is in Dominica for the 62^nd Meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority being held from November 17 to November 20.

Among the topics for discussion are the regional health policies including the Financial Sustainability of the Pharmaceutical Procurement System; the Programme for Integration of Martinique into the OECS; and the update on Application by French Caribbean Overseas Regions to join the OECS.

The meeting will also discuss environmental sustainability issues including water resource management in the context of climate change adaptation. 

OECS Heads of Government will also use this opportunity to visit some of the areas affected by the impact of Tropical Storm Erika, and discuss strategies for Dominica’s Recovery, as well as assess proposals for future disaster responsiveness in the sub-region.

Premier Smith stated, “This trip to Dominica provides an opportunity to be updated on progress so far, and demonstrate our continued support for the rebuilding and reconstruction efforts. As a regional partner, it is important for us to meet and dialogue. Through partnerships we can ensure the region’s resilience as we seek solutions to our common challenges.”

The Premier is being accompanied by Acting Deputy Director of the Internal Affairs Secretariat, Ms. Najan Christopher.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Resources and Labour, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering will act as Premier until November 20 when Premier Smith returns to the Territory.

Honourable Pickering’s appointment is in accordance with Section 55 (1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 which states, “If the Premier is expected to be absent from the Virgin Islands for more than forty-eight hours, the Governor shall authorise the Deputy Premier to perform the functions of the office of Premier; and the Governor shall revoke this authority on the return to the Virgin Islands of the Premier.”