Two public servants have been singled for special recognition at Thursday’s formal hand-over ceremony of the chairmanship of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union at the American University of Antigua.
Former Financial Secretary, Whitfield Harris, who served for more than twenty years as a board member of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and Lynnette Thwaites, Executive Secretary and Events Planner in the Office of the Prime Minister. Both were presented with awards.
ECCB Governor Timothy Antoine said of Harris that he served as Financial Secretary of Antigua and Barbuda for twenty years and an ECCB board member for twenty-three years. “We recognize Whitfield Harris for longstanding and outstanding service to our region and our bank,” the Governor noted.
In response, Harris said he is happy to have been afforded the opportunity to serve adding that if he had a chance to do it all over, he would choose a life of service. He noted that he first served former Prime Minister Lester Bird as Financial Secretary and has worked with Dr. Errol Cort, Sir Robin Yearwood, Harold Lovell and now retired following working alongside Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
He also credited Health Minister, Sir Molwyn Joseph, for recognizing that he had something to offer in the role of Financial Secretary.
In presenting a special token of recognition to Lynnette Thwaites, Governor Antoine noted that she has been an important interlocutor between the ECCB and Prime Minister Browne.
Speaking of the two, the Governor said public service is honourable as he thanked them for their service.
He also thanked Attorney General, Sir Steadroy Benjamin, who has made it possible for Antigua and Barbuda to be the leader in enacting legislation emanating from the ECCB. “Thank you Sir Steadroy,” he declared.
Congratulations to you both, for your outstanding service.