The month of October is being designated as Financial Information Month (FIM) by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. On Monday, September 30th, the bank hosted its 2019 FIM media launch from its headquarters in St. Kitts, via videoconferencing.
On this 18th year of FIM, the videocast was beamed to conference settings in all Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) countries including: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
During his welcome remarks, ECCB’s Governor, Mr. Timothy Antoine, stated: “Welcome to all of our partners. Throughout the communities of the Union, we can rightly say, ‘the problem is not money…the problem is you.’ This quote brings into sharp focus the challenge of financial management which, quite frankly, is a life-long endeavour.
“The ECCB commenced it financial literacy campaign in 2002. Now in its 18th year this campaign has the potential to become a veritable grassroots movement through which the citizens of the ECCU can be educated and empowered to follow their dreams and fulfill their God-given potential.”
Financial Information Month is a regional financial, economic busine ss and entrepreneurial education campaign executed in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union since 2002. It is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), ECCB member governments, financial and academic institutions, the media, other private and public sector institutions and community-based groups.
According to the local ECCB Office, Financial Information Month opened with a church service that was held at the St. Augustine’s Church on Sunday, September 29th. Throughout the course of the month, FIM partners will visit the various primary schools and the secondary school. There will also be school field-trips to various financial institutions.
In addition, activities for the month will feature financial tips on managing money which will be aired on radio and television outlets. With regard to radio and television, there will also be a FIM jingle and music video which would capture the FIM message. The jingle was released on Radio Anguilla on October 1st.
A financial fair will be conducted on Friday, October 18th, where ECCB partners will display their goods and services to the public and be on hand to engage in discussions with individuals about their financial needs and concerns.
The ECCB 2019 FIM programme will come to a close by making a financial contribution to a selected charitable foundation.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
