St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – 21st June 2026…….Prime Minister the Right Honourable Gaston Browne will this afternoon formally assume the Chairmanship of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority during the Opening Ceremony of the 78th Meeting of the OECS Authority at the Royalton Antigua Resort.
Prime Minister Browne will succeed the Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, who has served as Chairman of the OECS Authority over the past year. The ceremony will be attended by Heads of Government and senior officials from across the OECS, along with members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of regional institutions and invited guests.
In assuming the Chairmanship, Prime Minister Browne will take on the responsibility of guiding the premier decision-making body of the OECS at a time when the region faces both significant opportunities and complex challenges. The OECS continues to advance regional integration, economic cooperation, climate resilience, food and energy security, freedom of movement and enhanced collaboration in areas such as education, health, security and digital transformation.
Prime Minister Browne’s tenure as Chairman is expected to place renewed emphasis on transformative regional initiatives designed to strengthen economic self-reliance and improve the quality of life for citizens across the Eastern Caribbean. In recent public remarks, Prime Minister Browne has urged OECS leaders to pursue bold and innovative projects that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations and deepen regional integration.
The assumption of the Chairmanship also comes at an historic moment for Antigua and Barbuda, which is preparing to host the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The Government views both responsibilities as complementary opportunities to elevate Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership on the regional and international stage while championing the interests of Small Island Developing States and promoting sustainable development throughout the Caribbean.
The Opening Ceremony will commence at 4:00 p.m. in the Ballroom of the Royalton Antigua Resort and will include cultural performances, addresses by the outgoing and incoming Chairmen, remarks by OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, and a reception for Heads of Government and invited guests.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda extends a warm welcome to the Heads of Government of the OECS and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to regional unity, cooperation and prosperity as Prime Minister Browne assumes this important leadership role.
