Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Timothy Antoine (file photo)
Today, Prime Minister Gaston Browne will officially assume the chairmanship of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Monetary Council.
The handing-over ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, July 17, at the Conference Center of the American University of Antigua in Osbourn, Antigua and Barbuda.
Prime Minister Browne is succeeding Cora Richardson-Hodge, who served as chair from February 2025 after her appointment as premier of Anguilla.
The Monetary Council, comprising finance ministers from the eight member governments of the ECCB, holds the highest decision-making authority within the bank.
The chairmanship of the Council rotates annually in alphabetical order among the member nations: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Christopher (St Kitts) and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The handing-over ceremony will include a ceremonial parade featuring the Antigua and Barbuda National Cadet Corps, a cultural performance by the Antigua and Barbuda Dance Company, and speeches from Timothy N. J. Antoine, the Governor of the ECCB; the outgoing chairman, Cora Richardson-Hodge; and incoming chairman, Prime Minister Gaston A. Browne.
This meeting of the ECCB Monetary Council marks a notable occasion, as the opening proceedings will occur in Antigua, followed by business sessions in Barbuda at the Barbuda Ocean Club (PLH Resort). Prime Minister Browne will present the final communique at the closing of the meeting.
Huh. The ceremony takes place at Osborne Antigua and Barbuda? Check ah you information please. Anyway PM we know you will represent well
Good representation for Antigua and Barbuda. Let’s see if this position leads to real benefits for us on the ground.
These ceremonial handovers are nice, but I hope they’re discussing the rising cost of living in the region.
Congratulations PM. Lets hope you make a difference this turn around.
Antigua and Barbuda leading the ECCB Monetary Council! Big responsibility. Hope it brings positive economic change for all of us in the ECCU.