Legal and Governance Division

1 - Legal Guidance 

The Legal and Governance Division of the OECS Commission performs a range of essential functions to support the organisation's operations and objectives. Some of the main functions of the Legal and Governance Division include:

• Providing Legal Advice: The Legal and Governance Division offers legal advice to the Director-General and OECS Organs on various legal issues related to the interpretation and application of international law, the Organisation’s agreements, resolutions, and other legal instruments.
  

• Drafting and Reviewing Legal Documents: It drafts, reviews, and provides legal guidance on the formulation of Acts and other legislative instruments, agreements, memoranda of understanding, resolutions, and other official documents to ensure compliance with international and national law.
  

• Legal Research and Analysis: It conducts legal research and analysis on emerging legal issues, trends, and developments to inform decision-making and policy formulation within the OECS system.
  

• Representing the Organisation in Legal Proceedings: The Legal and Governance Division represents the interests of the Organisation in legal proceedings, including disputes before international tribunals, and other bodies. It also provides support for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
  

• Supporting Diplomatic and Treaty Negotiations: It assists in diplomatic negotiations and other agreements by providing legal expertise and advice to OECS delegates.
  

• Promoting International Law: The Legal and Governance Division encourages the development and harmonisation of national law through research and analysis of legal issues of regional concern.
  

• Administering Legal Assistance: It administers legal assistance to OECS staff members and provides guidance on legal matters related to their employment rights, privileges, and immunities.
  

• Conducting Legal Training and Capacity Building: The Legal and Governance Division is responsible for conducting legal training programs and capacity-building activities for member states, and other stakeholders to enhance their understanding of international law and OECS legal principles.

Overall, the Legal and Governance Division plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Organisation operates within the framework of international law and effectively carries out its mandate of promoting regional integration and fostering cooperation among its member states.

2 - Facilitating the OECS Assembly

The OECS Assembly, established by Article 7.1(c) of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre, is a principal organ of the Organisation. It is composed of representatives from the parliaments and legislatures of the member states. Each independent state's parliament appoints five members to the Assembly, while other member states' legislatures appoint three members each. Membership includes at least two government members (including the Head of Government) and at least one opposition member (including the Leader of the Opposition). If there are no elected opposition members, the Head of State of that member state designates a representative from the opposition party or parties. Membership lasts for two years or until the next general election for the local legislature, whichever is shorter. The OECS Assembly considers and reports to the OECS Authority on any proposal to enact an Act of the Organisation and any other matter referred to it by the OECS Authority. The current Speaker is Honourable Rene M. Baptiste of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Inaugurated on August 10, 2012, the Assembly is headquartered in Antigua and Barbuda and convenes at least twice annually or as directed by the OECS Authority.