'No one pours new wine into old wine skins,' Says OECS Director General at 45th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission hosted its 45th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service on Thursday, June 12, 2026, at Benedictine Nuns Mount of Prayer, Coubaril, Saint Lucia, bringing together members of the clergy, OECS staff, and members of the public online in a celebration of gratitude and reflection.

The service provided an opportunity to give thanks for the progress achieved through regional integration and to reflect on the region's collective resilience through scripture readings, prayers, hymns, and reflections.

Director General of the OECS, H.E. Dr. Didacus Jules, also reflected on the significance of the anniversary, noting that although the OECS remains a powerful example of how regional cooperation is crucial, the organisation needs to reflect on how it can continue to deliver unity in a changing world.

"...For the young person searching for the future that they can believe in, we exist so that ordinary people across these islands can live fuller, freer, more dignified lives. The day we forget that is the day we lose our worth.

"We cannot meet a changed world with unchanged habits. There's a teaching of Jesus that has been on my heart as we mark this anniversary: he said, 'No one pours new wine into old wine skins. If they do, the old skins burst, and both the wine and the skins are lost. The new wine needs new wine skins.' The mission we carry is new wine; it is alive, it is urgent, it is for this generation, but too often we are trying to pour it into old wine skins.

"The call of this 45th year is not simply to celebrate; it is to be made new. We must have the courage to reinvent this commission, how we work, how we partner, how we spend, how we serve so that the precious wine entrusted to us is not lost."

The sermonette was ministered by Pastor George Toutouyoutte of Bible Baptist Church, Mon ​ Repos, Saint Lucia. During his delivery, he referenced the advice given by the Apostle Paul to the Philippians: to depend on God for all things.

"As we navigate this world...we must recognise that God is in charge of our lives. His sovereign control, you might deny it, but let me tell you, it's unbeatable.

"The vision that is set before you as primary workers of the OECS, it is attainable. It is achievable. Paul's advice to the church was that they strive together, that they have one mind, that they have one spirit, that in spite of the adversary...stay the course, remain faithful to it."

Held under the theme "One Vision, One Voice: Navigating Challenges, Shaping Our Future," the service formed part of the activities commemorating 45 years since the signing of the Treaty of Basseterre and the establishment of the OECS. The live stream remains available for viewing on the OECS YouTube channel.

As the OECS marks its 45th anniversary, the Commission encourages citizens across Member States to participate in anniversary activities and continue supporting the vision of a stronger, more resilient, and more united region.