Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith OBE joins the rest of the region in paying tribute to Former Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), Sir K. Dwight Venner who passed away early Friday morning.

Sir Dwight as he was affectionately called was certainly one of the most distinguished sons of the Caribbean, and an enduring colleague and friend of the BVI. Serving as Governor of the ECCB for 26 years, from 1989-2015, Sir Dwight provided steller service to the region in the field of Economics, Public Finance and Monetary Policy. An economist by training, Sir Dwight supported all member Governments of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, the BVI being no exception.

Premier Smith said, “Sir Dwight Venner will be remembered for his sound economic advice to many Leaders of the region over the last three decades. He was a committed regional public servant, diligent and dedicated to regional integration and building the economic resilience of the region.”

During his tenure at the ECCB, the Bank gained international recognition as a strong, stable institution. He provided timely advice to assist many governments, and regional institutions as they navigated various economic challenges. He has been instrumental in ensuring the stabilisation of the Eastern Caribbean Currency, the EC dollar and by extension the entire region.

Premier Smith added, “He was a brilliant economist and visionary leader.”

On behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands, we extend our condolences to his wife Lynda, his children and our colleagues across the region. 

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank was established on 1^st October, 1983 as the monetary authority for eight countries – Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.