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The RIDU

Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit (RIDU) logo.

Introduction

In the midst of heightened fiscal challenges and the destabilization debt situation, the Member States of the OECS (Organization of Eastern Caribbean States) Economic Union have embraced a model for deeper integration as the fundamental plank on which to build their strategic response to this financial crisis.

 

They have sought these steps in an effort to reduce their vulnerabilities and find increases strength and resilience as a regional grouping. Within the climate of the crippling effects of globalization and trade liberalization the Member States are fully cognizant of the opportunities that exist in collaboration, integration and harmonization especially in the face of myriad global inconsistencies and uncertainties with which they must contend.

 

Now withstanding the odds, the Member States have determined to develop harmonized strategies and policies as they endeavor to pursue their common goals and objectives to chart a course that sees them taking full advantage of the opportunities that exist in the international community to improve their outlook.

 

In August of 2011, in an attempt to effectively coordinate the implementation of the provisions of the Treaty, the Government of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis established the ‘Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit’ (RIDU) in the Office of the Prime Minister. St. Kitts and Nevis has appointed an OECS Commissioner to facilitate the effective coordination of the work of the Commission and implementation of the provisions of the Revised Treaty.

 

What is RIDU?

The Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit is designed to lead the implementation of a range of initiatives connected with the OECS regional integration movement, working in collaboration with the Regional Integration Unit (RIU) at the St. Lucia based OECS Commission.

 

This decision was informed by Government’s commitment to prepare nationals and residents to embrace the opportunities and challenges that are inherent in the integration process, in the face of changing circumstances in the small island states of the Eastern Caribbean. Critical issues of focus include free movement of people through the OECS, free circulation of goods and services and  closer political integration.

 

The RIDU will bring a higher level of focus to the concerns and issues that affect Kittitians and Nevisians in the Diaspora. Furthermore, these will include but are not limited to those issues that relate to economic, social, technological and political interest as well as developments in the Federation and in the Diaspora.

 

Opportunities for investment will also be an area of interest, allowing for enhanced focus on the positive impact of migration and serving as the conduit for closer collaboration with the Kittitian-Nevisian Diaspora and the nationals within the Federation as well as the citizens of the Union.

RIDU serves at the coordinating entity for integration related issues in general.

Goals

To advise and advocate on the implementation of decisions/issues relative to the regional integration process according to the provisions of the OECS Revised Treaty of Basseterre and to coordinate the requisite national response as well as to serve as the principal entity for strengthening strategic networking and partnerships among nationals in the Diaspora.

Objectives of the Regional Integration Diaspora Unit

  •    To report on the status of implementation of the provision of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre.​

 

  •   To collaborate with other Member States of the OECS in fulfilling Treaty obligations as it relates to promoting the harmonization of policies.

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  •   To sensitize the stakeholders at the national level on the various provisions of the Treaty that relate to their area of interest.

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  •   To supervise the coordination of initiatives that will ensure the implementation of the requisite actions to give effect to the Economic Union at the national level in keeping with the provisions of the Treaty.

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  •  To ensure the national Office of the integration Unit is adequately resourced to carry out the role and function of the commission according to the provisions of treaty.

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  •  To coordinate with the OECS Regional Integration Unit on matters pertaining to integration and the work of the OECS Commission.

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  •    To disseminate information to the nationals in the Diaspora so as to keep them abreast of developments locally.

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  •   To update and effectively engage the citizens of the Diaspora on opportunities for their own involvement in national development initiatives.

Achievements of the Unit

Notwithstanding its limited resources, the Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit (RIDU) will be able to fulfil its obligations relative to the:

 

  •  The administrative and legislative requirements of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre as they relate to the implementation of the free movement regime.
     

  •  The commencement of the public sensitization process, to educate the stakeholders on the provisions of the Treaty as it relates to the Economic Union and their own responsibilities and opportunities available to them as citizens of the Union.

 

  •  The participation of the representatives of St. Kitts and Nevis in the sessions of the organs of the Treaty.

 

  •  The convening of and participation in meetings with members of the Diaspora.

The Regional Integration Diaspora Unit (RIDU), headed by Mrs. Astona Brown, local Ambassador, Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister and OECS Commissioner, is located on the 3rd floor of Government Headquarters.

 

For more information, feel free to visit the office or call 869-466-1895/ 467-1156.

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