ECCB 2018-2019 Annual Report and Statement of Accounts

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| EASTERN CARIBBEAN CENTRAL BANK ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 18
GROWTH, COMPETITIVENESS AND EMPLOYMENT
The Growth and Resilience Dialogue with Social Partners forms a critical part of the growth agenda of the ECCB and its strategic partners:
the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the OECS Commission. Social partners from across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union met
on 14 February 2019 at the ECCB Headquarters, St Kitts and Nevis for the 3rd Growth and Resilience Dialogue with Social Partners under
the theme: Building Resilient Institutions and Infrastructure for Sustainable Growth.
The objectives of the session were to:
ƒ ƒ focus with greater intensity on two thematic areas: Institutional Strengthening and Infrastructure;
ƒ ƒ share effective best practices for growth and resilience from practitioners in other small states;
ƒ ƒ encourage the exchange of ideas while providing clarity from present and past implementers of methodologies and technologies of
productivity; and
ƒ ƒ forge further consensus on the key elements of the Growth and Resilience Action Plan.
Five presenters shared their perspectives on three areas of focus:
1. Dr Jim Randall, Professor - University of Prince Edward Island explored institutional strengthening for governance in small states;
2. Ernesto Franco-Temple - The World Bank and Dr Kieron Swift - Compete Caribbean examined institutional building for ‘Doing
Business’ to improve the global ranking of ECCU countries; and
3. Brian Samuel - CDB and Judith Green - International Finance Corporation focused on the role of a fit for purpose infrastructure to
ensure trade facilitation, logistics and connectivity. The infrastructure is intended to guide the development of a long-term solution
commencing with a viable regional fast ferry service.
Key Takeaways
ƒ ƒ Most island states with the greatest opportunities for growth are not remote but are connected and are export-oriented. Oceans
should be viewed as connectors rather than barriers. The “uniqueness” of islands allows entrepreneurs to provide creative solutions
to many of the issues they face. Solutions utilised in larger, more advanced economies may not be suitable to these islands.
ƒ ƒ The new paradigm for ensuring the Doing Business rankings are significantly improved are dependent on the potential for ECCU
member states to learn from each other’s best practices.
ƒ ƒ A regional fast ferries system could best be realised if there is (i) joint strategy and a plan with full commitment by all member
states; (ii) engagement of regional partners and stakeholders; (iii) implementation of the Damen Fast RoPax ferry model, which
allows for the transportation of passengers, cargo and motor vehicles.
3rd Growth and Resilience Dialogue With Social Partners
Governor Antoine with the OECS Youth Ambassadors at 3rd Growth and
Resilience Dialogue With Social Partners
Governor Antoine with members of the clergy at 3rd Growth and Resilience
Dialogue With Social Partners