{"id":39411,"date":"2019-06-20T10:27:01","date_gmt":"2019-06-20T14:27:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=39411"},"modified":"2019-06-20T10:55:30","modified_gmt":"2019-06-20T14:55:30","slug":"pm-defends-oecs-assembly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/pm-defends-oecs-assembly\/","title":{"rendered":"PM Defends OECS Assembly"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a><\/div>
\"\"<\/a><\/div>

At the opening of the 67th meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the fourth seating of the OECS assembly, newly installed chairman, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne focused on regionalism, integration and widening understanding of pertinent issues under the OECS umbrella; a vital forum that \u201cshould not be under-valued or under-estimated,\u201d consequent of the \u201cthe realities of the hostile international environment in which our countries exist.\u201d<\/p>

\"\"<\/div>\n

Renewed hope<\/b><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Browne referenced the election of St Vincent and the Grenadines to the UN Security Council, \u201chas imbued in all of us, the people and the leaders of our small states, a new sense of hope; a restored belief in our capacity; and a renewed determination to carve a place for ourselves under the sun, equal of all and fearful of none.\u201d<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>
\"\"<\/div>\n

\u201cIt has demonstrated, manifestly that there is no mountain that our small countries cannot climb, no heights we cannot scale, if we have the resolve to do so. It has confirmed that respect in the international community can be earned if small countries stand up fearlessly in defence of international law and justice, Brown said.<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

The challenge<\/b><\/p>\n

To underscore that small size is no deterrent for big accomplishments, Browne outline the challenges in the international community that confront each of our countries individually and collectively that require \u201ccollective ambition\u201d:<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n