ST.GEORGE’S, GRENADA, WEDNESDAY, 20th MAY, 2009_ Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas left Grenada today, at the head of a four member delegation, to attend the 49th Meeting of the OECS Authority from 20-22 May, 2009 in the British Virgin Islands. Members of the delegation include Foreign and Tourism Minister Hon. Peter David, Grenada’s Ambassador at Large to CARICOM and the OECS, Dr. Wayne Sandiford and Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Cyrilla Steele. The three day meeting, which commences with an opening ceremony at the Treasure Isle Hotel on the afternoon of 20th May, will discuss the implications of the global financial crisis for OECS economies and the resulting impact on tourism and construction. Leaders will also examine the social safety net provisions in the OECS, in response to the financial crisis and a regional approach to financial regulations. The OECS heads will also participate in special caucus with Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. David Thompson, to discuss functional cooperation. There will be an exchange of views with the Ambassador of Spain to discuss the development of diplomacy skills in the region utilizing opportunities for Caribbean diplomats at the School of Diplomacy. Further co-operation with Spain will also be on the agenda. The leaders will also meet with representatives of the USVI and the University of Puerto Rico. The meeting will also look at the OECS economic union and regional integration efforts. Finance Minister, Hon. Nazim Burke, will act as Prime Minister in the absence of Hon. Tillman Thomas.