With the OECS, the areas of integration among the participating countries were broadened to include mutual defence and security; foreign policy harmonisation, and joint overseas representation; tertiary education; external economic relations; external transportation; maritime matters; tourism; currency and central banking; training in public administration and management; and scientific, technical and cultural cooperation. These were in addition to the existing economic integration arrangement of the ECCM (the ECCM agreement became a part of the Treaty of Basseterre); the common Judiciary with the West Indies Associated States Supreme Court that was renamed the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC); and the Directorate of Civil Aviation. Later, new areas like sports and
the joint purchasing of pharmaceuticals through the Eastern Caribbean Drug Service - later called the Pharmaceutical Procurement Service (PPS) – were added. The functions of the OECS were to be carried out through five institutions of the Organisation. ● The Authority of Heads of Government of the Member States was made up of the Prime Ministers/ Chief Ministers of each State. It was the supreme policy making institution of the Organisation. The Foreign Affairs Committee consisting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of each Member State. It was responsible for the development of the foreign policy of the Organisation. • The Defence and Security Committee consisting of Ministers for Defence and Security of each Member State. It was responsible for coordinating collective defence and the preservation of peace and security against external attacks and developing ties between the Member States in defence and security matters. • The Economic Affairs Committee was made up of Ministers appointed to the Committee by their respective Governments and was responsible for the economic integration arrangements of the ECCM. It took over the functions of the Council of Ministers of the ECCM. • The Central Secretariat led by a Director General with supporting staff was responsible for the general administration of the Organisation.
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