Research Guides: International News: OECS

Researcher

Maddie Wilson

General Country Overview

The OECS includes: Antigua & Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Founded on June 18 1981 seven eastern Caribbean Islands created the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States to promote unity and solidarity between the states. Many of these countries were originally controlled by the British, French, or Spanish, but gained independence throughout the 20th century.

News Sources

The Barnacle News
A monthly published newspaper in Grenada that focuses on bringing customers updates on majority Local news but also regional and international headlines as well. They also provide commentary on government policies and changes.
The Antigua Observer
One of very few daily newspapers in Antigua and Barbuda owned by NewsCo Limited and is published only online. They are also reported to be the #1 source of news in this region.
Dominica News Online
An online independent media outlet for Commonwealth of Dominica that reports on local topics and happenings. They have columns for historical stories, current events, and links to other popular news outlets. The site also allows for comments to be posted that are very monitored by the site's moderators and are anonymous.
SKN News
An online independent media outlet that covers the local St. Kitts and Nevis communities while sometimes offering news stories on the broader Eastern Caribbean and the rest of the world.
St. Kitts & Nevis Observer
A politically independent newspaper outlet that is published weekly. They report on local crime in the area while also providing news articles that pertain to regional, international, and breaking news.
St. Lucia Times
An online news and media outlet owned by Caribbean Today Media that they state is dedicated to providing readers with accurate, timely and transparent news.
Loop News
An online news source that is self reported to be the #1 trusted news source for Caribbean, local, and global content. Loop News is also reported to have the #1 news app on the google/apple app stores accumulating 1+ million downloads within 2 months.

Political Climate and Media Biases

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, also called the OECS is on the RSF scale grouped and ranks as #68 as of 2024. Currently struggling with press freedom and political influence. Most of the media in this region is owned by different political parties. Journalists are often influenced by politicians who provide them with funding, while bloggers are increasingly facing government criticism and suppression.

Academic Sources

Freedom House
Showed the initial bases of freedom of the media in the OECS countries
RSF
Explanation behind the groups
CARICOM
Background on OECS history
Encyclopedia Britannica
Background on Dominica
Encyclopedia Britannica
Background on Grenada and political climate
Antigua News Room
Background on Antigua's press freedom