Acting Premier, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering led a delegation to Antigua and Barbuda on behalf of Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE from October 27 to 28 to discuss issues and seek solutions relative to correspondent banking relationships and its consequence on the Caribbean.

Honourable Pickering was able to contribute to discussions with various regional leaders and stakeholders in the area of the Caribbean's participation in the global trading and financial system, including tourism, and compliance with anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing.

Honourable Pickering said, “All attendees left with a verbal commitment to redouble their regulatory and commercial efforts to satisfy the concerns held by the correspondent banks; and on a political and diplomatic level as well, a strong commitment was made to continue to advocate for the Caribbean region and its continued viability in the financial and banking services sector.”

Managing Director of the Financial Services Commission, Dr. Robert Mathavious and Financial Secretary, Mr. Neil Smith was part of the delegation.