Retired librarian launches booklet on the ECCB

A retired librarian has penned a booklet that provides valuable nuggets of knowledge for persons seeking to know more about the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB).

‘The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank: Some Key Historical Facts’, written by Alison Phills was launched in St Vincent on Friday at Frenches House.

The four-chapter booklet examines the foundation, management, organisational structure and developments of the organisation since its inception.

“My interest in documenting some key historical facts on the ECCB came about after my observation at the national and regional levels of competition that the younger citizens were not aware of some basic facts,” said Phills, whose career at the ECCB spans the bank’s first 30 years of existence.

Phills conceptualised and began writing the book in 2014, after she proceeded on early retirement from her position as chief librarian at the regional institution.

Giving an overview of the writing to publishing timeline, Phills said she consulted with her “main source of strength”, Jesus, and Sir Errol Allen and the late Sir K. Dwight Venner; past deputy governor and governor respectively and men who had contributed to her personal and professional development.

The retired librarian said that writing the book helped to reinforce several lessons for her, namely the importance of fact checking, building and maintaining relationships, being a member of a strong team and that learning is a continuous process.

She also took the opportunity to thank several persons who made contributions and helped throughout the compilation of the book.

“This publication is a labour of love. It’s my contribution to the educational development of the citizens of the ECCU (East Caribbean Currency Union). It is my way of saying thanks to a region that has helped to mould me into the individual I am today,” Phills said.

A copy of the book was presented to Michelle King Campbell, a representative from the National Public Library.