The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) marked a significant milestone during a virtual Handover Ceremony held on Tuesday, as it transitioned its presidency from the Solomon Islands to the Republic of The Gambia. This ceremonial event falls in line with Article 20 of the Revised Georgetown Agreement, which stipulates an equitable rotation of leadership across the six regions represented within the organization.
Secretary-General Moussa Batraki recognized the contributions of the outgoing President of the Council of Ministers, Peter Shanel Agovaka from the Solomon Islands. He commended Agovaka for his leadership during a challenging term and extended a warm welcome to the incoming President, Seedy K. M. Keita of The Gambia. The Secretariat has committed to providing full support as Keita gears up for the upcoming OACPS Summit.
Reflecting on his tenure, Agovaka highlighted several notable achievements, including the successful preparation and adoption of the OACPS Secretariat’s Budget for 2026, efforts to encourage timely financial contributions from member states, advancements in institutional reforms, and preparatory work for the 11th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government.
Seedy Keita, who also serves as The Gambia’s Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, outlined his presidency’s priorities, focusing on enhancing the financial stability and long-term sustainability of the OACPS. He aims to make the organization more responsive and effective in its operations. Keita’s agenda includes monitoring the implementation of the new budget, fostering stability among member states, addressing challenges related to financial contributions, and ensuring robust participation at the forthcoming summit.
The Secretary-General expressed optimism about the capabilities of the Gambian presidency to build upon the achievements of its predecessor while continuing to strengthen the unity and resilience of the OACPS amid ever-changing global circumstances. As preparations for the 11th OACPS Summit progress, there is a renewed emphasis on building deeper ties with both traditional and emerging partners, modernizing the Secretariat’s operations, and enhancing cooperation among member states.
This leadership transition not only signifies a change in governance but also reaffirms the OACPS’s dedication to resilience and a strengthened commitment to collaborative engagement as it addresses global challenges. The optimistic outlook as the organization moves forward serves as a hopeful reminder of the potential for unity and cooperation in navigating the complexities of the international landscape.