ECCB 2020-2021 Annual Report and Statement of Accounts

GOVERNOR’S FOREWORD

Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance • Continue the Greening of the Campus Initiative to reduce the Bank’s carbon footprint.

Organisational Effectiveness and Development • Conduct the third round of the Emerging Leaders’ Programme; and • Create an innovation hub.

Perhaps no group has experienced the crucible of the pandemic more acutely than the frontline warriors in the medical profession, who continue to work tirelessly - more than one year on - to keep us all safe. Other essential workers across different sectors have also kept our societies ticking through significant disruptions to normal operations. I laud you all for your dedication and stellar, selfless service to society. You are exemplars for the rest of us to follow in our own vocations and spheres of influence. I am inspired and energised by the confidence placed in me by the Monetary Council as I continue to helm the institution. I am also indebted to the Board of Directors for their support for the Bank’s programme this past year. My profound gratitude to Team ECCB - Deputy Governor, Chief Director (Policy), management and staff for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with me to realise the Bank’s vision for the region. Without the persistent hard work of Team ECCB, none of the accomplishments of the past year would have been possible. I am confident that, with our renewed commitment and dedication, together, we can elevate our economies to a higher plane for the good of the people of the Currency Union. Above all, I raise a high note of praise to Almighty God for “ for it is Him, we live and move and have our being ” (Acts 17:28, NIV). I close with a word of encouragement, drawn from 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, NIV: “ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed .”

xiv EASTERN CARIBBEAN CENTRAL BANK ANNUAL REPORT 2020/2021