ECCB 2021-2022 Annual Report and Statement of Accounts

EASTERN CARIBBEAN CENTRAL BANK ANNUAL REPORT 2021/2022 xiv

Governor’s Foreword

Several of thehighlighted initiatives arepotentially transformative innovations for the region. Accomplishing the Bank’s goals would require the support of partners across the region and internationally. An African proverb admonishes that “If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” At the Bank, we desire to be able to go both fast and far. We go fast, and sometimes that means failing forward to learn the lessons from innovation quickly. Armed with these lessons, we and our partners together can go farther, bringing life-changing benefits to the people we serve in the region. That is the legacy we strive for at the ECCB. The Monetary Council continued to provide steady and strong leadership to the Central Bank and the region throughout this past turbulent year. I thank the Board of Directors for their tireless efforts and support in steering the Bank through the turbulence towards the achievements outlined in this Report. I thank my colleagues on the Executive Committee - Deputy Governor, Dr Valda Henry, and Chief Director (Policy), Ms Tracy Polius - for their diligence and support throughout the 2021/2022 financial year. The management and staff of the Bank were reinvigorated this year after my challenge at the end of last year to be competent yet caring; prudent but proactive; and imaginative and industrious. Team ECCB brought focus, commitment and energy to serving the region this past year. Even as we continue to be buffeted on all sides, let us hold fast to the assurances given by Almighty God, whose grace has already brought us through so much, and press on: “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded” (2 Chronicles 15:7, NIV).