The year 2006 marks the 25th anniversary of the organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). This grouping, formed on June 18, 1981, consists of some of the smallest states in the world. Its seven full members are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts-Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines; and its two associate members are Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands. Combined, they boast a population of fewer than 500,000 people. Yet in spite of their size, diversity, and in some cases, distance from each other, these tiny territories have kept a remarkable cohesion and unity of purpose that has served them well in their development, as they have dealt with the vicissitudes of decolonization, economic hardship, annual natural disasters in the form of hurricanes, and more recently the loss of special privileges, as the world turns its gaze away from this part of the hemisphere. In spite of the difficulties, the OECS has nevertheless maintained its mission of cooperation between states, promoting unity and solidarity among its members.