PM Spencer and Prime Minister Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia reviewing documents at the meeting View photo »

OECS Heads meeting in Anguilla for the 42nd Meeting of the Authority have resolved to seek diplomatic solutions to the issue of Bird Rock with the government of Venezuela.

The Heads who wrapped up their two day meeting here voiced their concern over the recent maneuverings on Bird Rock located 78 miles west of Dominica by the Government of Venezuela.

The Chairman of the OECS Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony in a statement said that the Authority considered the upsurge in activity on Bird Rock by the Venezuelans to be an unnecessary distraction from the positive climate created by the Petrocaribe Initiative, as well as unfortunate detraction from its potential benefits.

The Statement on the issue which was raised by Prime Minister the Hon. Baldwin Spencer noted concern over numerous activities on the rock including the conduct of weddings and baptisms, activities which are designed to promote the notion of Venezuela's ownership and that Bird rock is an island.

In an earlier statement Prime Minister Spencer stated that Bird Rock is not an island as it does not meet the requirement for being designated an island as set out in Article 121.3 of the UN Law of the Sea Convention. Venezuela is not a party to the UN Convention.

Prime Minister Spencer said that if Bird Rock is accepted as an island, OECS members could loose over 10, 000 square miles of ocean space by the creation of a territorial sea and exclusive economic zone.

He said that the assembling of a team in collaboration with CARICOM to commence discussions with the Government of Venezuela in an effort to arrive at a diplomatic solution to the matter is very necessary at this time.

PM Spencer concluded that OECS Heads recognize the close relationship that exist between member states and the government of Venezuela and wish to reaffirm their commitment to further developing that relationship.

Digital photos by Maurice F. Merchant