The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is an international inter-governmental organisation founded in 1981 to advance regional integration, economic harmonisation and co-operation among Eastern Caribbean states. Its founding instrument, the Treaty of Basseterre - named after the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis, where it was signed on June 18th, 1981 - was agreed by seven countries committing themselves to co-operation and unity among members. A Revised Treaty of Basseterre, adopted in 2010, updated that framework and provides for Protocol Members to participate in an Economic Union.
The organisation counts 12 member states. Its presence spans Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin, with headquarters at Morne Fortune, Castries, Saint Lucia.
Its work covers economic affairs, environmental sustainability, human and social development, diplomatic relations and regional governance and integration. The OECS states a commitment to the protection of human and legal rights, the encouragement of good governance among member states, and unity and solidarity among members.
