New ECCB chairman looks to aid a future of ‘vibrant economies’

Roosevelt Skerrit, the new chairman of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union’s monetary council, has reiterated the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s (ECCB) move towards the socio-economic transformation of the economy in order to secure the future of the people of the region.

At a formal ceremony yesterday, the prime minister of Dominica assumed the leading role from Gaston Browne, Antigua and Barbuda prime minister.

In the latest gross domestic product figures from the ECCB/ECCU, Skerritt’s island is now ranked third for growth, behind Antigua and Barbuda, and Anguilla.

“We see a future of strong banks, vibrant economies led by tourism, agriculture, medical education, financial services and powered by technology,” said Skerrit.

“We see a future where our citizens can find or create decent and meaningful work; we see a future where our children can grow up to realise their God-given potential; we see a future of peace, stability, unity and prosperity,”

According to a number of experts, it is expected that tourism and the foreign direct investment, particularly through citizenship by investment, will continue to be the main drivers in achieving these targets.

Skirt added that having set economic transformation as its focus, the ECCB will formally launch its strategic plan in September for the period 2017 to 2021.

“The process of economic transformation is not a sprint, it requires inter alia, a solid foundation, an appropriate infrastructure, a strategy, resolute implementation and patience,” he said.

“It is with this high level of commitment and with the eagerness to make life better for citizens of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union that I assume the chairmanship of this council.”