Castries, Saint Lucia:--- The Member States of the Protocol of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over reports of increased military operations by external powers in the southern Caribbean Sea.
According to the declaration, OECS governments are alarmed by incidents involving the destruction of vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking, which were reportedly carried out without interception or prior verification—actions the member states describe as violations of international law.
While reaffirming their commitment to regional and international cooperation in combating transnational crime, including narcotics trafficking, the OECS states underscored their equal dedication to maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace—a principle endorsed by Caribbean leaders and supported by the United Nations General Assembly.
“We are concerned that the intensification of military activities in and around the southern Caribbean risks heightening tensions and misunderstandings in a region whose stability and security are essential to the well-being of our peoples,” the statement read.
The OECS warned that uncoordinated military actions, undertaken without consultation or sufficient communication with regional partners, could lead to misunderstandings and wider conflict. Such developments, the statement continued, would undermine decades of careful diplomacy and peaceful coexistence across the Caribbean.
The governments also highlighted the potential socioeconomic impact of any escalation on the region’s small and vulnerable economies, noting that military tensions could reverse hard-won progress achieved over many decades.
In their declaration, the OECS Member States reaffirmed several key principles:
- Peace and dialogue must remain the foundations of regional and hemispheric relations.
- Respect for sovereignty and non-interference are vital to maintaining trust and stability.
- Collective security and cooperation are the most effective tools for combating organized crime and ensuring the safety of the Caribbean’s maritime space.
The OECS urged all international partners to engage in open dialogue with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the OECS before undertaking any actions that could alter the regional security balance.
“The Caribbean’s greatest strength has always been its unity, its diplomacy, and its steadfast commitment to resolving disputes by peaceful means,” the declaration concluded.
The statement reflects a unified regional stance emphasizing dialogue over confrontation, as the Caribbean seeks to preserve its long-standing status as a Zone of Peace amidst increasing global tensions.
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