OECS: History

1966 The West Indies Associated States Council of Ministers (WISA) is formed.

1968 The Eastern Caribbean Common Market (ECCM) is formed.

1981 As the islands gain their independence from Britain it becomes evident that there is need for a more formal arrangement to assist with their development efforts. As a result, the OECS is established via the Treaty of Basseterre. The West Indies Associated States Council of Minsters (WISA) Secretariat becomes the central secretariat of the OECS and the Eastern Caribbean Common Market (ECCM), the Economic Affairs Secretariat.

1984 British Virgin Islands join OECS.

1995 Anguilla joins OECS.

1997 Due to the restructuring of the organization the Economic Affairs Secretariat iss merged into and becomes a Division of the OECS Secretariat in St Lucia.

2010 Revised Treaty of Basseterre is signed, which establishes the OECS as an Economic Union, making possible the creation of a single financial and economic space within which goods, people, and capital move freely, monetary and fiscal policies are harmonized and countries continue to adopt a common approach to trade, health, education, and environment as well as to the development of such critical sectors as agriculture, tourism, and energy.

2015 Martinique joins the OECS.