The Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit was established in October 2007 in the office of the Prime Minister. This was done out of a recognition that, based on the changing circumstances in both CARICOM and the OECS, an office was needed that would over see the implementation of the new structures that both of these arrangements would require. Along with the responsibilities for CARICOM and the OECS, RIDU was also created to serve as a vehicle through which closer ties with the Vincentian Diaspora could be facilitated.