Venezuela wants to join the OECS

Sir Ron Sanders, former Antigua Ambassador, says it would be unwise for the OECS to bring Venezuela into their group.

The OECS Director General Len Ishmael has confirmed that the application was discussed at a meeting in Montserrat.

But she said decision makers within the sub-region were yet to determine whether membership should be granted.

	The OECS is also involved with unification talks with Tinidad

Dr Ishmael also declined to say whether the request was likely to be viewed favourably by OECS leaders, but said the region has enjoyed strong relations with the South American nation.

Sir Ron outlined his misgivings in an interview with BBC Caribbean.

He says, “The only logical benefit for Venezuela of OECS membership is the considerable influence that the Chavez government would exert on these small countries.”

Listen to Sir Ron Sanders

Sir Ron's column: Venezuela in the OECS? Nada

It is rather interesting that we still see oil as a benefit in a world where alternative energy should be the order of the day. It should be noted that most of our communities are coastal and will therefore be the first to feel the effects of global warming. Venezuela has laid claim to Bird Island which is 90 miles off Dominica, a matter that the present government has chosen to ignore and to hear that venezuela still lays claim to Guyana I cannot help but wonder what is President Chavez's agenda, seeing that cheap oil will not necessarily be a benefit to OECS members. I think Hugo Chavez needs to first address his intentions and the more troubling issues of boundaries and if he refuses it, the responsibility of the OECS is to say that those should be cleared before any such application should be even received.
Hamilton Thurwin
Marigot, Dominica

No, Chaves should not be allowed to join the OECS, he is nothing more than a dictator.
Rakhee

My main concern about this is not the fact that the man is not an "avid supporter" of America, or the fact that I am not too keen on somewhat hard socialist regimes as his appears to be at times. My main concern is why a region, who from the days of the "never to be" West Indian Federation to Caricom, OECS and CSME, who still struggle at integration and being able to stand up on a world stage as one voice, would want to open our doors to either friend or foe (however you see them) to be further ravaged... because no matter what you say the ball does not always remain in our court.
A Alleyne
Barbados

No, nothing good could come of it. The OECS would be swallowed by Chavez and his cohorts.
Denise D'Adabie
Trinidad

The people of the OECS are a problem to themselves. We we claim to be pro-democratic, anti-racism and anti-apartheid but all that can be wavered for a few dollars.
To include Venezuela into the OECS is to disrespect the principle on which we pride ourselves. The principle is called DEMOCRACY. We seem to forget what we have worked very hard for over fifty years and give that up for a few dollars more because the wanting of Venezuela to join our institution is simply a money driven dream.
The OECS as I see it today has lost all its basic principles by a group of politicians who are oblivious to Venezuela's human rights abuses ...
Venezuela must first prove to be able to unite and respect its own people before seeking to make union with others.
This lot of political leaders are distant from the people who they represent of fail to convince us.
Wayne Murray
Kingstown, St Vincent

This man is a dictator, why let some one like that join the peaceful OECS? I hope our leaders remember we depend on the US and the western powers for a lot more than Venezuela can offer us. We depend on tourism so we better play it safe.
King
Castries, St Lucia

For heaven's sakes, let us stop being petty. Why speak of Venezuela's differences with so-called Socialist states such as Cuba? Venezuela and China have assisted us quite immensely and to welcome Venezuela into the fold, would in my mind, be an act of good faith. When was the last time, we heard of America providing free education to a citizen of any OECS or CARICOM member state? Hasn't Venezuela assisted us valuably enough? And even if there may be hidden agendas on Venezuela's part, doesn't American operate in like form? Wasn't it just the other day that America denied islands such as Dominica and St. Vincent fuel for their coast guards when these islands' leaders decided that they would not be signatories to a certain paper? There would have no need for these islands looking up to countries such as Venezuela had America not turned its back on us. At this point in time when the world's economy has taken a nose deep, we need countries such as Venezuela and Trinidad to assist us in our quest for economic viability. It is hoped that islands such as Jamaica will soon start drafting out their applications to link up with the so-called Small Islands.
Lester
Portsmouth, Dominica

This is a big fish trying to take over a small pond and he should not be admitted to the OECS. This would be a mistake.
William Ryan
North London, UK

I don't think it would be a wise move to have Venezuela included in the OECS. I'm begining to sense the rift among members should something like this happen. This to me is a recipe for disaster. Leaders have to carefully consider such a move because it will result in serious consequences. Chavez is a man of great influence and most significantly we have to consider his relations with international bodies, especially the US which we're highly dependent upon for economic development and how that might affect us. Bringing in Chavez would result in more disadvantages than would profit the OECS if we have to look at this thing on a wider scale. In my opinion it would be unwise to bring Venezuela on board.
M Harry
Toronto, Canada

Yes I think Venezuela should be part of Caricom, the bigger the better, what do we have to lose, nothing.
Lester Bethelmie,
Portsmouth, Dominica

This man is a dictator, why let some one like that joins the peaceful OECS? I hope our leaders remember we depend on the US and the Western powers for a lot more than Venezuela can offer us. We depend on tourism so we better play it safe.
King,
Castries, St. Lucia

For heaven’s sakes, let us stop being petty. Why speak of Venezuela’s differences with so-called socialist states such as Cuba, Venezuela and China have assisted us quite immensely and to welcome Venezuela into the fold would, in my mind, be an act of good faith.

When was the last time, we heard of America, providing free education to a citizen of any OECS or CARICOM member state? Hasn’t Venezuela assisted us valuably enough?

And even if there may be hidden agendas on Venezuela’s part, doesn’t American operate in like form? Wasn’t it just the other day that America denied islands such as Dominica and St. Vincent fuel for their coast guards when these islands’ leaders decided that they would not be signatories to a certain paper?

There would have no need for these islands looking up to countries such as Venezuela had America not turned its back on us.

At this point in time when the world’s economy has taken a nose deep, we need countries such as Venezuela and Trinidad to assist us in our quest for economic viability.

It is hoped that islands such as Jamaica will soon start drafting out their applications to link up with the so-called Small Islands.
Lester,
Portsmouth, Dominica

This is a big fish trying to take over a small pond and he should not be admitted to the OECS. This would be a mistake.
William Ryan,
London, United Kingdom

I don't think it would be a wise move to have Venezuela included in the OECS. I am beginning to sense the rift among members should something like this happen. This to me is a recipe for disaster.

Leaders have to carefully consider such a move because it will result in serious consequences. Chavez is a man of great influence and most significantly we have to consider his relations with international bodies, especially the US which we're highly dependent upon for economic development and how that might affect us.

Bringing in Chavez would result in more disadvantages than would profit the OECS if we have to look at this thing on a wider scale. In my opinion it would be unwise to bring Venezuela on board
M Harry, Toronto,
Canada

Should the OECS include Trinidad? What are PM Manning's motives for wanting to do so? Are they more ‘honourable and generous’ than those of President Chavez? Will OECS Leaders simply sit quietly whilst Chavez sets the Agenda? It’s high time that Caribbean leaders and people put aside the simplistic ideological arguments and embrace ALL the French, Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries of our wider region. There are new international relations taking shape and the sooner we move out of our ‘zone of English-speaking comfort’ the better our chances of improving our collective lot.
We didn't turn down the benefits of Petrocaribe oil but somehow we should fear Chavez. He's the US's bogey man, not ours.
Lynden,
Castries, St. Lucia

Lincoln ... let the past be the past. It's because of (that) why the Caribbean cannot unite and be one force. Our islands are all little rocks compared to the larger countries.
Dandre Rob
London, England

No! Plain and flat outright NO!!!
Old style politics and being a tyrant is the lowest ebb of being a political leader and it’s bad enough that it’s right on our back step, but then to encourage him and his government to think that they are a fit and proper to be a world leader? Perhaps in his own little world, but as a Caribbean, he does not impress and certainly should not be allowed OECS membership. The arrogance of his vision is not universal and this move is just a show to usurp the respectability that the US has in the Caribbean under the badly failed Bush administration on the diplomatic level.
I say again... NO!
Martyn
Barbados

I think it would be a plus if Venezuela joins the OECS.
Collin Butler
Road Town, BVI

The OECS comprises of the islands whose main currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. The islands collectively have made tremendous strides as a grouping. I personally believe that more is achieved as an OECS Grouping than CARICOM, where things become a talk sport. Venezuela is considered an affiliate to CARICOM. Venezuela's contribution to most of the islands is much more visible than that of, say, countries like Trinidad etc. I support a move by Venezuela to become part of an Economic Union of the OECS. They got the oil. Sure, why not!
Michael Brown
Bronx, New York, USA

I think that this request proves that the OECS do have some thing to offer to bigger countries. Venezuela being a part of the OECS would be beneficial for both parties and not just for the OECS. I want countries like Jamaica who call us little rocks to take note. I would like the OECS to consider Canada as well to be apart of this stable and strong economic grouping. It is about time the OECS stop letting bigger Caribbean countries direct where we want to go by saying we have so much in common, because if that was so CARICOM would have been in a strong position just like the EU. If Venezuela wants to be let it but on our terms and conditions and this goes for any other country including Canada. Venezuela has more than oil because they have been giving to the OECS for over 20 years. The Caribbean in general has a lot in common with Venezuela. I would say the major difference is the language - and our schools do teach Spanish. So, let OECS have Venezuela as an equal member since our so-called common Caribbean countries do not want to have the same agreement as the EU.
Lincoln
St. Kitts and Nevis

Absolutely NO. What benefits are there to be gained from Venezuela joining a regional grouping such as the OECS? As a Guyanese, I am suspicious of any attempts made by Venezuela to become more involved in CARICOM or the OECS. Venezuela still claims 2/3 of Guyana's territory. One can go to Venezuela and see maps in schools, etc where that part of Guyana is included as a part of Venezuela. My opinion is, if Venezuela does join the OECS, which is also a part of CARICOM, and they then renew their border claim on Guyana, who will speak out against it? It will be harder for the OECS and by extension CARICOM, to condemn any such attempt. I think our leaders are seriously letting the people of the region down by even considering this move. Our leaders are so quick so sign documents and agreements without thinking of the consequences, or at least that is how it seems. The EPA with the EU is a classical example. While I agree that the region needs to start looking to South America for trading partners, it does not necessitate a state like Venezuela becoming part of a regional grouping.
Roger
Guyana

I think that Venezuela's inclusion into the OECS would be counterproductive for the islands, given the confrontational approach that Venezuela has adopted towards the US under President Hugo Chavez.
The OECS islands depend heavily on America for their economic survival (tourism) and embracing Caracas would only lead to their isolation from western super-powers.
Alfred
Castries, St Lucia

Yes, OECS should accept Venezuela’s application to become a member of the OECS, because in time to come all member States will benefits some thing from Venezuela.
For example, Cuba contributes more to member states, than the United States.
John Antoine
Brooklyn, USA

Venezuela’s application for membership in the OECS should be considered as a plus, and I do believe that there are lots of benefits to be gained. The OECS must remember that the US has its economic difficulties to look after and would not pay immediate attention to the region. With Cuba and Russia forming new ties to strengthen bilateral relations, it means that the OECS must look away from its traditional ally, Washington if it is to better it's economy. I do believe that the OECS has nothing to lose, the big question is what can Venezuela demand from these tiny island's? The social programmes contemplated by Venezuela are desperately needed on these small islands. To date, none of the O.E.C.S territories has a university of its own.... What investments are there in Technology and Human Development?
Venezuela's membership would definitely mean an opening of new markets for OECS goods, and hence greater employment. The time has come for the OECS to move away from Europe as a traditional market...and look more within South and Central America. Venezuela's membership will help to send a strong message to The U.S that it needs not to neglect the very region that imports so heavily from it. The U.S I am confident will rethink its strategy towards the OECS once Venezuela successfully forms part of it.
Glenroy Morton
Basseterre, St.Kitts and Nevis

Venezuela should not be given membership in OECS. Venezuela's socialist government is not our traditional form of governing and Caribbean. I (also) think Dominica has made a mistake in joining ALBA. Chavez, I believe, has his agenda.
St Thomas
USVI

It is simply absurd to even consider such a request. The cultural and idealogical differences between Venezuela and members of the OECS are just too great. Besides oil, I fail to see what else Venezuela could possibly provide for the OECS. Now with the price of oil declining, members that have not yet signed on to Petrocaribe can once again depend on Trinidad & Tobago for supplies.
Cupidore
Trinidad