PM Terrance Drew meets IMF Reps to discuss Sustainable Island State Agenda

St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew attended a significant meeting with Deputy Director Bo Li and his team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday evening. The meeting highlighted significant aspects related to achieving the sustainable Island state agenda. As per the information, the meeting comprised the Executive Director, Philip Jennings, and other members including, the Financial Secretary, Hilary Hazel, and the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office Naeemah Hazelle. It was a part of the several discussions held ahead of the 107^th Meeting of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Monetary Council. The meeting started with introductory remarks by the Monetary Council Chairman, followed by a response from Director Li, then both sides engaged in an in-depth discussion.

During the meeting, the Deputy Director, Bo Li discussed various initiatives including the implementation of good governance laws, groundbreaking renewable energy projects, advancements in water management, technological innovations, and enhancements to the Citizenship by Investment program.

Further, PM Terrance Drew said that these significant efforts will contribute towards enhancing the tourism sector of the nations, increasing flights, cruise ships, visits and Stayover tourism, etc.

Director Bo Li also emphasized the federation’s significant enhancement and progress on climate adaptation and resilience building. He also reiterated that the IMF is committed to supporting ECCU member countries, including through policy advice, technical assistance, and lending.

Notably, the 107^th meeting was held on Friday from 3 PM onwards among several delegations and government representatives from several Caribbean nations, including:

• Ellis L Webster from Anguilla
• Gaston Brown from Antigua and Barbuda
• Dr Irving McIntyre from Commonwealth of Dominica
• Joseph Easton Farrel from Montserrat
• Philip J Pierre from Saint Lucia etc.
• Camillo Gonsalves Chairman, St Vincent and the Grenadines

The 107^th meeting presented the report which includes an analysis of the ECCU’s macroeconomic developments and monetary and financial stability. It also includes an update on the ‘Greening of the Financial System’ and the process underway for the determination of the new images on the EC currency.