The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank marked October 1 as the opening of its annual Financial Information Month 2014 of the Currency Union (ECCU).
In a release informing further of the much advertised month of activities, the ECCU said: “This year, the campaign for Financial Information Month shines the spotlight on the pursuit of success with the theme “Soar to Succeed”. The challenge to rise above the ordinary to achieve success is embodied in the logo, which is depicted by arrows moving along a curved path in an upward direction reminding citizens of the ECCU to surmount the obstacles and challenges in their way and focus on their goals to achieve success.”
The Union declares that throughout October, various initiatives will take place, including: a declaration speech by the Minister for Finance or his designate in countries of the ECCU; the FIM theme song and video; and radio and television discussions on the theme. Financial institution will also make presentations to schools and churches and conduct workshops focusing on business innovation, competitiveness and entrepreneurship to engage, enlighten, empower and challenge residents of the ECCU to strive to reach their full potential.
“Additionally, various contests specifically targeting students will seek to motivate and spur their productive, creative, innovative entrepreneurial ambitions,” it advised.
Financial Information Month is a collaborative effort among the ECCU member governments, financial and academic institutions, the media, private and public sector institutions and community–based groups. The month forms part of an ECCU financial education programme coordinated by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB).
The programme incorporates a series of initiatives designed to support the attainment of the goal of “a financially developed and vibrant ECCU region that fosters strong and sustainable economic growth and the improved well-being of the citizenry.”
Teachers train in Business Competitiveness
In preparation meanwhile, Four of the island’s teachers were among a group of 91 Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) teachers and youth officers who received training in Business Competitiveness.
The teachers, who were from the Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) and the Montserrat Community College (MCC) were exposed to information designed to increase their knowledge and understanding of business competitiveness during a workshop hosted by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) on September 24th.
According to the ECCB the interactive workshop was scheduled to usher in the activities for Financial Information Month 2014 (FIM).
The workshop, which particularly targeted teachers of business, economics, accounts and related subjects, was expected to build capacity among secondary school teachers whereby they could help sharpen the skills of their students in the areas of entrepreneurship and value creation opportunities.
The ECCB’s Corporate Relations Department Adviser, Sybil Welsh, facilitated the workshop which covered key areas such as: Value based pricing and purchasing; Business competitiveness checklist; Competitive advantage and Development of a competitive business idea.
