Source: Loop
Attorneys General from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) began a two-day meeting in St Kitts and Nevis on Thursday, discussing several legal issues, including an OECS National Identification Bill and an OECS Contingent Rights legislation.
The 36th meeting of the OECS Legal Affairs Committee is deliberating on the two pieces of legislation that have received approval from the OECS Chief Parliamentary Counsel during their 16th meeting in St Lucia earlier this year.
“These bills are poised to play a crucial role in enhancing regional integration and the free movement of citizens within the OECS Economic Union,” according to a statement ahead of the meeting.
It said the OECS Contingent Rights Bill aims to dismantle barriers to the free movement of citizens across the Economic Union.
It outlines the rights to be conferred on citizens and their family members, thereby completing the operationalisation of the Free Movement of Persons Regime, which is already partially in effect.
In tandem, the OECS National Identification Bill seeks to introduce a modern digital identification system for citizens of member states.
This initiative will facilitate the mutual recognition of nationally issued IDs among member states, ensuring efficient and authenticated identification of OECS citizens as they traverse participating states.
Additionally, the Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Bill will also be discussed during the two-day meeting.
The legislation addresses the escalating issue of human smuggling in the region, a concern underscored during a special meeting of the OECS Legal Affairs Committee in October 2023.