CASTRIES, St.Lucia, Jan 6, CMC – St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony says an era has ended at the Eastern Caribbean Central bank (ECCB), with the retirement of long-serving Governor, Sir Kenneth Dwight Vincent Venner.

Sir Dwight, who retired last month, returned home having served the St. Kitts Nevis based institution as Governor since 1989.

Prior to his service at ECCB, Sir Dwight was Director of Finance and Planning in the Government of St Lucia from 1981 to 1989.

Prime Minister Anthony who is also the Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, Planning and Social Security has praised Sir Dwight’s stewardship of the ECCB, noting the “deep concern and anxiety” the veteran administrator always had for ordinary citizens.

In a letter to Sir Dwight, Dr. Anthony thanked his for his service to the region.

“There can be no question that you have departed from the bank leaving behind an extraordinary legacy. Few, if any, could match your passion and commitment to our region. You gave us not just administrative leadership but also intellectual leadership. I have always been impressed by your fierce protection of the integrity and independence of the bank. You led with vision and integrity.”

The Prime Minister said he believes, Sir Dwight can take justifiable pride and satisfaction in the fact that he helped this region to navigate through one of its most intractable financial crises ever to sweep this region.

“Your stern but focused leadership was an asset to all of us who have been entrusted with the leadership of our region. Your understanding of our environment and our unique circumstances, helped us to manage as well as we did, the turbulent economic conditions that we faced.”

Anthony added that while it remains true that “we may not have always agreed on monetary and fiscal policy but there is no occasion that I have found myself doubting the sincerity of the advice that you offered. I will always remember the deep concern and anxiety that you had for the welfare of the ordinary citizens of our region.”

Anthony sits with the other Ministers of Finance of ECCB member governments on the Monetary Council, the bank’s highest decision making authority.

Anthony is currently the chair of the council.