Curaçao Seeks Closer Regional Integration Through OECS Membership Talks

Citing a desire to join a group of grounded small islands with a specific focus on regional integration, delegates from Curaçao visited the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission on Monday, March 2, 2026, to introduce and develop plans for formal accession. The delegation was led by Mr. Luelo Girigorie, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Development of Curaçao, and included representatives from the Curaçao Tourist Board and the Curaçao Investment & Export Promotion Agency (CINEX).

Mr. Girigorie opened the meeting, stating the directive from his government: "We have the mandate to start exploring the possibility to see how we can become an associate member of the OECS."

Director General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules, highlighted the significance of small islands integrating to create a powerful defense against issues affecting the region and a strong presence when negotiating for opportunities in trade, economic development, agriculture, energy, the environment, and the blue economy.

At the meeting, OECS directors addressed questions about the benefits of an associated membership and also the challenges that non-independent members can face within the artificial separation of the region by European powers.

As the Curaçao delegation prepared to begin mapping out the areas of cooperation and formalising arrangements to join the OECS, several preliminary options were put on the table for consideration, including cultural exchanges and participation in youth and sports events and music festivals.

Dr. Jules said, "Let us identify those areas that we can start to collaborate on and then use those as building blocks to go further."

OECS Member States, through CARICOM's partnership with the Africa Export-Import Bank, are benefitting from a growing trade and economic development relationship with the African continent. Afreximbank has emphasised support of the region's economic transformation through continued and increased investment. Dr. Jules encouraged the delegation from Curaçao to be predisposed for the region's boost in trade, agricultural, cultural, and educational development through this partnership.

For Curaçao, cross-training activities in the region's main industries were highlighted as options to share expertise as a potential member. The delegation also expressed willingness to streamline contributions through the OECS's distinct ministerial meetings.

Both parties committed to the active exchange of information and the identification of easily actionable opportunities for deepening practical collaboration between the OECS Member States and the Dutch Antilles.

END