Addressing small states' concerns.

• Author: Conaway, Janelle
• Position: OAS

PRIME MINISTER Denzil L. Douglas of St. Kitts and Nevis challenged the OAS member states to "give greater weight" to economic and social concerns, and underscored the close relationship between democracy and "human security."

"Democracy must be made to work for the people who place their faith in it, and it works best when it delivers on its promises," Douglas said, addressing a special session of the OAS Permanent Council.

The Prime Minister praised the work of the OAS in strengthening democracy in the Americas, particularly with the development of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, but added that more should be done to prevent "economic deprivation and social dissonance," particularly in small, developing member states.

Many Caribbean countries have suffered severe economic setbacks in recent times, Douglas said, in part because of the drop in tourism following last year's terrorist attacks. In some countries, he said, the financial sector was hit hard by measures enacted by the Financial Action Task Force to prevent money laundering.

"I fully appreciate that the OAS...