In a bold step toward enhancing digital public engagement, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, in collaboration with InnovaChat Solutions, has officially unveiled an AI-powered assistant built to make information about the OECS more accessible to the public.
The chatbot is designed and developed by InnovaChat Solutions to serve a wide range of users — including educators, tourism experts, healthcare professionals, immigration officers, diplomats, and airline agents — by offering real-time answers to questions related to regional projects, initiatives, and opportunities. The chatbot can also address general questions about mobility and rights under the OECS Free Movement of Persons Regime.
This launch is one of several major activities commemorating the OECS 44th Anniversary under the theme “Adapting, Innovating, Sustaining: A Unified OECS for a Changing World.”
Some of the key features of the chatbot include:
- 24/7 Availability: It’s accessible around the clock to answer questions about OECS rights and travel procedures
- Step-by-step Guidance: The chatbot can help with accessing documents and give guidance on eligibility criteria for OECS Contingent Rights, projects, and opportunities
- Easy-to-use Interface: Users can access the chatbot via the OECS website on the web or mobile from anywhere
- Multilingual Support: It can respond to accommodate the linguistic diversity of OECS member states
- Instant Updates: When policies change in the OECS, the chatbot will give responses to reflect those updates in real-time
- Easy Integration: Can be embedded on government portals and travel-related websites
- Scalability: It has the potential to expand into other OECS initiatives like education, trade, or youth mobility
“I’m thrilled to see this collaboration with the OECS Commission go public. This chatbot represents more than just innovation; it’s a tool for empowerment,” said the CEO of InnovaChat Solutions Joshua Andall. “I look forward to helping citizens across the OECS region confidently navigate their rights. Ultimately, my goal is to expand the chatbot’s reach to support more OECS initiatives, especially those centred on youth mobility, entrepreneurship, and regional integration.”
Andall, a Grenadian national, brings a rich history of collaboration with the OECS Commission to this project. He has participated in high-level forums, such as the OECS CEO Breakfast in Grenada, and contributed to strategic consultations, including the SKIP (Skills for Youth Employment) initiative. Most notably, he currently serves on the software team for the OECS Digital Curriculum Project, aimed at transforming how education is delivered across the region.
Director General of the OECS Dr Didacus Jules noted: “This new assistant is proof that our geographic size does not limit our talent and capability. This chatbot was developed by Joshua Andall, a young Grenadian, and is trained to retrieve and synthesise information from official sources in the OECS, so that it can address questions, ideas, and concerns of persons seeking authoritative information on matters pertaining to our regional integration arrangements. It is intended to transform our website from a static source of information to an interactive respondent to questions. This is equivalent to having a help desk attendant available 24/7, ready and able to respond to queries from the public.
As we pilot this, we solicit the patience and support of the OECS public to ensure that it works efficiently and effectively, and we extend high commendation to Joshua Andall on this extraordinary pro bono contribution to the OECS.”
For more information or to experience the chatbot in action, log onto www.oecs.int.
OECS
