Leaders from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are this week furthering talks on plans to establish an economic union, at their meeting in Anguilla.

OECS Director General Len Ishmael said the challenges posed to the sub-region from the global financial crisis is a further indication of the need for such an initiative.

She said its now time for Small Island Developing States to put mechanisms in place to deploy regional responses to tough situations.

Ms Ishmael also noted that the OECS is ahead of its neighbours in the wider CARICOM grouping in responding to such difficulties.