Mussington in courtesy visit with OECS, talks regional cooperation

MARIGOT--During a courtesy visit with the directors of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission on February 25, 2026, President of the Territorial Council of Saint-Martin, Louis Mussington, reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation. He expressed Saint-Martin’s continued commitment to working closely with the OECS.

The directors of the OECS Commission welcomed the meeting and the President’s enthusiasm for maintaining the momentum of collaboration established since Saint-Martin joined the OECS on March 19, 2025. President Mussington was accompanied by Cyrielle Cuirassier, Saint-Martin’s Commissioner to the OECS Commission. They highlighted several priority areas for action, noting that agriculture and education remain at the top of the list.

The Commission reported that its efforts to transform education systems through innovation and digitization are producing results, citing in particular the pilot phase and full rollout of the OECS digital primary school program. The OECS Student Census was also highlighted; this initiative is currently gathering feedback from students, from kindergarten to Form 5, on their learning experiences and challenges. To date, more than 65,000 students have participated, and their responses will help guide educational planning across the OECS.

During the meeting, improving the sustainability of water resources in the face of climate change and strengthening capacity-building partnerships for water and agricultural security were identified as urgent matters. Trade opportunities and issues related to regional transportation were also discussed.

As the first anniversary of Saint-Martin’s accession to the OECS as an Associate Member approaches, and given the critical global geopolitical context, the OECS reaffirms its founding principles: strength through partnership, collaboration, and integration for the survival and success of small island states. President Mussington’s ongoing dialogue on projects linked to Saint-Martin’s membership encourages shared responsibility between the island and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.

‍