(Caribbean360.com) Eastern Caribbean leaders have signed the treaty that establishes their countries as a single economic and financial space.

The signing of the new Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Economic Union treaty by the Prime Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines, came on the 29th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Basseterre which created the sub-regional grouping.
The British Overseas Territory of Montserrat —the only other full member—is expected to sign shortly, after receiving permission from the United Kingdom government. Associate members Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands will not be part. The signing of the treaty paves the way for the free movement of people, goods, services and capital among participating countries.