ECCB 2023-2024 Annual Report

EASTERN CARIBBEAN CENTRAL BANK ANNUAL REPORT 2023 - 2024

ECCB@40: A Year of Reflection, Celebration and Implementation

T he ECCB held a year-long 40 th anniversary extravaganza in 2023, featuring a bevy of activities, events, initiatives and public education programmes that shone a spotlight on its storied past, distinguished service and remarkable achievements. From simulcast live events to commemorative banners and tree-planting ceremonies, the ECCB made its presence felt in all eight member countries of the ECCU and included public participation in the wide-ranging ECCB@40 anniversary line-up. Events aired live on regional radio and TV included: the 19 January launch of the ECCB@40 Anniversary Celebrations at the Sir Cecil Jacobs Auditorium; the launch on 14 April of the ECCB@40 song, ECCB 40, Feel de Riddim!, performed by Colton T; the launch of the 40 th Anniversary Commemorative $2 Dollar Note on 1 December; the 25 th Sir Arthur Lewis Memorial Lecture on 7 December; and the ECCB@40 Lecture Series that focused on the ECCU’s colourful economies. Several outstanding first-time events and initiatives were also held, such as: the “Did You Know” radio and social media series; Global Conference held in collaboration with the Central Banking 2023 Autumn Meetings; the Reflections and Conversations social media series; regional

Youth Parliament Debate; regional Youth Symposium; ECCU School Quiz; and launch of the Virtual Museum. The ECCB Chorale released its highly anticipated and well-received debut album titled ECCB@40 – Celebration and Thanksgiving. The spectacular ECCB@40 Creative Arts and Island Night Festival, as well as the Anniversary Church Service, Family Fun Day, Gala and Awards Ceremony, and Thank You Fête publicly showcased and recognised the versatile talents and exceptional hard work of ECCB staff, retirees and 40 th Anniversary Committee Members led by ECCB@40 Chair, Deputy Governor, Dr Valda F. Henry. The dazzling ECCB@40 Gala and Awards Ceremony, held on 9 December, notably acknowledged the exemplary contributions of key figures in the history of the central bank, including Saint Kitts and Nevis’ First Prime Minister and first Living National Hero, Dr the Right Excellent and Right Honourable Sir Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds. Sir Kennedy received special recognition as the sole surviving signatory of the ECCB Agreement signed on 5 July, 1983, and for his vision and exemplary contribution.

Read: ECCB@40 Magazine for more highlights from the ECCB’s 40 th anniversary celebrations

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