Dominican Public Sector and Youth Participate in National Dialogue

On July 30th, Dominica hosted two pivotal sessions focused on the transformative power of free movement and contingent rights within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Economic Union. These sessions aimed to foster deeper regional integration and empower citizens by engaging both public sector officials and the youth in discussions surrounding the OECS Free Movement of Persons Regime. The morning session, a Public Sector Town Hall Meeting, brought together senior government officials, statutory bodies, and civil society agencies. The afternoon session, a Youth Engagement Session, provided a platform for young people to share their perspectives on a borderless OECS region.

The Public Sector Town Hall Meeting provided a forum for in-depth dialogue on the policy landscape underpinning free movement. Representatives from various ministries, including Foreign Affairs, National Security/Immigration, Legal Affairs, Labour, Education, Health, and Social Development, along with Customs and Excise and trade unions, participated. Opening remarks from the Dominican government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen regional mobility. Mrs. Gloria Joseph, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, emphasized the importance of migration governance and free movement in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. OECS technical experts clarified the practical aspects of free movement and contingent rights, focusing on how they impact citizens’ ability to live, work, and access services across member states. An “Open Mic” segment allowed participants to raise questions, express concerns, and propose policy ideas. The IOM’s Communications Officer, Ms. Maxine Alleyne-Esprit, reiterated the organization’s commitment to the OECS Free Movement Regime, emphasizing contingent rights as a cornerstone of this regime, particularly referencing the support provided during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

The Youth Engagement Session provided a dynamic platform for young people to share their aspirations, insights, and personal experiences related to free movement within the OECS. The session began with an icebreaker and transitioned into interactive activities and open discussions. The focus centered on how free movement intertwines with youth opportunities, particularly in education, agriculture, and other employment sectors. A presentation on youth labour migration in agriculture, delivered by IOM representatives, stimulated reflection on how regional mobility can revitalize key industries and create meaningful career paths for young people. Dr. Clarence Henry, Acting Head of the OECS Regional Integration Unit, stressed the crucial role of youth in shaping the future of regional integration, urging their active participation and acceptance of the OECS free movement regime. He emphasized the expanded market access, educational opportunities, and professional training that a unified OECS provides for young people.

Dr. Henry underscored the importance of the youth demographic, not just as the future of individual member states but also as the future of the OECS integration movement. He emphasized the need for young people to understand and embrace free movement, highlighting the benefits of a larger market for their skills and creativity, particularly in the digital age. The access to education and professional training in other member states, under the same conditions as local youth, was also presented as a significant advantage of the free movement regime. He stressed the importance of youth understanding these rights and how to access them effectively.

The Youth Engagement Session also featured a brainstorming activity where participants proposed innovative youth-centered policies and shared personal interpretations of free movement. The session concluded with a summary of key takeaways emphasizing youth engagement in shaping the OECS integration agenda. The emphasis on youth perspectives highlighted the importance of incorporating their voices and needs into the ongoing development of regional policies. This active participation ensures that the future of free movement remains relevant and responsive to the aspirations of younger generations.

Both the Public Sector Town Hall Meeting and the Youth Engagement Session converged on a shared commitment: building a more connected, resilient, and people-centered OECS. The emphasis on citizen engagement across generations underscored the belief that the future of regional integration hinges on the active participation of all stakeholders. By providing platforms for dialogue, information sharing, and the exchange of ideas, these sessions laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and collaborative approach to shaping the OECS’s future.

The overarching message from the day’s events was that free movement is not solely about policy implementation but about the people it impacts. The sessions emphasized the importance of personal stories and individual rights in the context of an integrated OECS. This human-centered approach ensures that the benefits of regional integration are tangible and meaningful for citizens, fostering a sense of shared ownership and purpose. By prioritizing the stories and experiences of individuals, the OECS aims to build a truly integrated region where all citizens have the opportunity to thrive.