ECCB celebrates 25th anniversary

The St.Vincent and the Grenadines Financial Services Sector has joined counterparts across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and Financial Literacy Month.{{more}}

A special service was held on Sunday, October 5, at the St John’s Roman Catholic Mission in Marriaqua to commemorate the event.

Sir Dwight Venner, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, in a speech delivered by Elrita Dick, Resident Representative of the ECCB, ushered praise to God for his guidance and support to the work of the ECCB over the past 25 years. He also praised the citizens of the region for making outstanding contributions to the work of the institution. He said they have maintained the stability of the currency and the financial system.

Sir Dwight, in his address, pointed out that the spirit of service has been evident in the role and the function that successive members of the Monetary Council and Boards of Directors have played in the development of the Bank.

Sir Dwight stated: “As the global system continues to throw out major challenges, particularly the current crisis in the United States, we pray for God’s continued guidance as we continue on our journey with thousands of our people. We pray for strength, commitment, and humility of our management and staff, and for the continued support and participation of council and the board.”

To increase the general public’s knowledge on financial and economic matters, Sir Dwight noted that the ECCB during the past 25 years has engaged in several educational programmes. These programmes have benefitted the citizens of the currency union, namely: St.Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, St.Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Dominica, St. Lucia and Grenada.

Sir Dwight’s speech ended with a prayer to God for the welfare of our people and their continued faith and pride in the stewardship of the ECCB.

Present at the Mass presided over by Fr. Nonito Bersola were Prime Minister Dr.Ralph Gonsalves, who holds the portfolio of Minister of Finance and is a member of the ECCB’s Monetary Council, Girlyn Miguel, the Minister of Education, Errol Allen, Former Deputy Governor of the ECCB, Isaac Solomon, Country Manager, RBTT Bank, and former ECCB Resident Representative, and invited guests from the Banking and Financial Services Sector. (HN)