“Today’s event to launch public discussions on the OECS economic union in Grenada is timely. It is occurring in a period of the world’s history characterized by one of the worst economic depression. Everyone, everywhere is experiencing the negative consequences of this major crisis. It is against this backdrop that we are here to launch a public discourse on our OECS economic union and its relevance to the people of Grenada and the wider region. Today’s event is also significant s we are meeting only a stone’s throw from Marryshow House the former home of T A Marryshow, regarded as the father of the Federation and an unrelenting integrationist. Very few leaders and administrations since the days of T.A. Marryshow have taken the issue of regional integration to the streets and in homes, in a real and meaningful attempt to connect with the regions people. To many persons for example, the issue of integration whether in the OECS or the wider Caricom area is viewed as the preserve of technocrats, some business men and political leaders. What this highlights is the urgent need for our leaders to change our approach to decision making particularly when it affect the lives of all our people. What is more important however, is the accepted fact that, if effective implementation of any initiative is to be achieved the chances of success is much greater if the implementers, the people are involved at all stages of planning and decision making. It is this reality, and the current thinking of the leaders of the OECS that has informed the decision to initiate public dialogue within the OECS Economic Union. This Grenada event is the fifth in the OECS since the initiative was launched on April 23, 2008 in Dominica as a year long programme of public dialogue. The importance of this event is also signaled by the presence of key persons within the OECS structure such as Sir Dwight Venner, Governor of the OECS Central bank and senior officials form the OECS Secretariat. I wish to add my words of welcome and extend my best wishes to them. Ladies and gentlemen, the current environmental dictates leave us with very few options to effectively deliver the necessary goods and services required by our people if we are to achieve and maintain a sustainable standard of living in the sub region. As a region, we have just been buffeted by an international food crisis, a fuel crisis, a financial crisis, an economic growth crisis and now an unemployment crisis. Across the region, job losses are climbing. Many argue that all this can lead to a resultant political crisis in many countries. A pertinent question that needs to be asked, is where does all this leave us as a region? What choices do we as a people have? How do we respond to all of this? The fact is that we in the OECS have over the years demonstrated considerable resilience, courage and resourcefulness. We have collaborated to the mutual benefit of all for many decades. Through the notable progress and achievements of OECS institutions such as the Central bank, the OECS supreme Court, the joint Procurement of Drugs, our joint missions abroad and many others, we have benefited as a people. We have enjoyed fruits that individually as small island states we could not bear. These successes have won the admiration by many not only in the region but around the world. As a collaborative region we have done many good things. This clearly suggests that integration and collaboration deliver real results. It also clearly suggests that through deeper integration, greater benefits and improved results could be achieved. When we integrate together, we can minimize costs, generate greater efficiencies, have more access to resources, avoid duplication, use our best people, maximize our strengths, increase our leverage, gain synergies and benefit mutually. Ladies and gentlemen, our choices are limited. As the developed world struggle to grapple with the massive economic downturn, we as small states are not immune. Given the openness of our economies, we are extremely vulnerable. The current fallout in the Tourism and construction sectors clearly exemplifies this. We now have to look closer at home and to continue to generate more economic and other activities among ourselves. If ever there is a time that we as small countries need to work closer together, that time is now. We need to build on our successes, pursue many more joint initiatives and to collectively strengthen the integration process. However, this process cannot accelerate without the full participation and inputs of our region’s people. The time for involvement is opportune. Our regions people are fully aware of the current crisis and its impact. They feel it in their pockets and their declining standard of life. Our people need to know. They need to be heard. They need to express themselves They need to give their inputs. Over the ensuing weeks and months, an appointed committee will be journeying around the country to engage in a series of discussions. These discussions will seek to gather your views, your perspectives and input about the integration process. This planned consultative process is consistent with our stated philosophy of accountability, participation, consensus building and inclusion. I want to take this opportunity to urge all Grenadians to maximize this opportunity to actively participate and share your views. I look forward to successful consultations and a successful evening. I thank you. INSIDE GRENADA NEWS