There has been a first-time effort involving the Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition and the Anguilla Christian Council to discuss matters related to the island’s two indigenous banks with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.
A press release issued to The Anguillian by the Opposition and the Christian Council on Thursday, March 26, stated that the discussions were held with Sir Dwight Venner, Governor of the ECCB.
The full text of that release is as follows:
“The Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition, the Hon. Evans McNiel Rogers; Bishop Errol Brooks; Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs; and Mr. Victor F. Banks, former Member of the Monetary Council were invited to a video conference at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Resident Office in the Fairplay Complex, the Valley, Anguilla at 3.00 pm on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. The Video Conference was arranged to address current concerns on Anguilla regarding the indigenous Banks. Sir Dwight Venner, the Governor of the ECCB represented that Institution.
“The Conference was initiated by the ECCB on authority from the Monetary Council to have such consultations with Members of the Official Opposition on critical issues affecting the Currency Union. Mr. Rogers subsequently sought and received approval for the attendance of representatives from the Anguillian Christian Council at the Video Conference. This was in keeping with the importance of transparency on such matters and the mediating role that the Anguillian Christian Council has been playing in this matter.
“It was noted that in the midst of this heightened political campaign season the integrity of the consultations could become compromised. Both sides therefore agreed that the discussions should be conducted in an atmosphere of confidence to prevent any distortion of statements made at this time. Nevertheless, the exchanges were frank and open.
“The Anguillian delegation stressed the importance of Anguillian participation in any discussions and/or solutions being proposed for the indigenous banks. The Governor assured the delegation that no decisions will be made on these matters prior to the upcoming General Elections and even after that time consultations will have to be held with the incoming Government. It was also agreed that the need for better communication about the process of the conservatorship should be addressed where possible.
“The Conference ended on the cordial note that it was a helpful exercise for building a better understanding of the perceptions on both sides in forging the best way forward.
Parliamentary Opposition
Christian Council
March 26, 2015
(Press Release published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
