Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States are currently at the 55^th Meeting of the OECS Authority in St. Vincent and the Grenadines discussing several issues. 

Among issues are, Activities in Support of Free Circulation of Goods, Commencement of the Operations of the Economic Affairs Council and the Inauguration of the OECS Assembly. 

The Meeting which began Monday is being attended by St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister and OECS Commissioner Mrs. Astona Browne and Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Justice Hawley. 

The application by Guadeloupe and Martinique for Associate Membership in the OECS is among matters down for discussion as well as, a Report on the OECS-EU Relationship and a Report of the Commission with regard to the OECS Economic Union Regional and National Report and the OECS Work Programme and Budget 2012-2013 – Implementation of the Work Force Plan.  

Several issues are down for discussion in Caucus by the OECS Prime Ministers, Premiers and Chief Minister and include the Appointment of a new Chief Justice for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and Budget, the Report of the Meeting with Leaders of Opposition and matters pertaining to the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority.

St. John’s won the toss and batted first and were soon in trouble when Malcolm Ramsey was caught at mid-on for a duck (0), compliments the aggressive Elroy ‘Jimbo’ David. However, the experienced Bernette ‘Nutsy’ Thompson played an array of shots before he went leg before to Gerard ‘Trini’ Charles. Thereafter, the St. John’s batting struggled, except for Halstead ‘Sooty’ Byron and Austin ‘Calla’ Browne who both got into the teens.

When the St. Paul’s team batted, Derrick Blair went for fourteen (14) in his single over which he bowled very aggressively and picked up the wicket of Nigel ‘Taker’ Powell , right after he had top edged a pull shot for six.

Merlin Liburd then took a liking to the bowling of Austin ‘Calla’ Browne and hit him all over the Ramsbury ground for 21 from his only over.

The exciting stroke maker Stuart Williams was not required as the St. Paul’s team got to the victory target in just 11 overs.

Summarized scores: St. John’s: 100 for 9 in 20 overs, Bernette Thompson top scored with 36; Austin Browne 14 and Halstead Byron 13.

Gerard Charles took 3 wickets for St. Paul’s.

St. Paul’s in reply made 101 for 2 from 11 overs with Merlin Liburd the top scorer with 55 not out.

The best bowler for St. Johns was Derrick Blair with 1 wicket.

The action continues on Wednesday 22^nd December when St. James’ engages St. Thomas’ to decide the next team for the finals.

The finals are slated for Thursday 23rd December at 5 pm.