Strengthening Integration: Courtesy Meeting with the Territorial Council of Saint Martin

At a courtesy meeting with directors at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission on February 25, 2026, President Louis Mussington of the Territorial Council of Saint Martin reemphasised the importance of regional cooperation. He expressed Saint Martin's continued willingness to work closely with the OECS.

The OECS Commission directors welcomed the meeting and his enthusiasm to maintain the workflow following Saint Martin's accession to the OECS on March 19, 2025. Joining President Mussington was Cyrielle Cuirassier, the Saint Martin Commissioner to the OECS Commission. They highlighted several areas that they will continue to focus on, noting that agriculture and education are high priorities.

The Commission reported that its focus on transforming education systems in innovation and digitization is bearing many successes, including the full piloting and rollout of the Digital OECS Primary Schools Curriculum. Also highlighted was the OECS Student Census, which is currently gathering input from students from Kindergarten to Form 5 on their learning experiences and challenges. To date, over 65,000 students have participated, and the responses will be used to inform education planning in the OECS.

At the meeting, improving water sustainability in the face of climate change and strengthening capacity partnerships for water and agricultural security were topics of urgency. Trade opportunities and addressing regional transportation issues were also discussed.

As the first anniversary of Saint Martin's accession to the OECS as an Associate Member State approaches, and given the critical point of the world's geopolitics, the OECS is illuminating its founding principles of strength in partnership, collaboration, and integration for the survival and success of small island states. President Mussington's continuous dialogue on the plans for Saint Martin's membership encourages accountability for Saint Martin and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.