Fellow Grenadians, the time has come once again to greet you on the occasion of the celebration of Financial Information Month. As you would know by now, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has, since 2001, been partnering with financial institutions, the media, private and public sector institutions and community groups to promote a regional financial education campaign. This campaign, during the month of October, can be considered an annual event in the calendar of the islands of the region, focusing on improving the public’s understanding of financial and economic issues. The theme for this year is: “Make your Dreams a Reality…Save and Invest Wisely”. This theme could not have been more relevant at this time, given the financial turmoil that has been happening globally and the resulting challenges that are presented to one and all. As was said by our Prime Minister in his national address on September 7th, “we are all aware of the difficult and challenging times we face daily, as we seek to provide for our families and ourselves. Every country in this region, and indeed the world, is challenged.” In addition, Grenada has had the unfortunate experience of its citizens suffering losses through investments in CAP Bank, SGL Holdings, British American Insurance Company and CLICO. What this teaches us is that we need to exercise more caution and thoroughness in financial decision making. One of the solutions to preventing a reoccurrence of these experiences is individuals taking responsibility for their financial lives and managing their finances prudently. This means researching, analyzing and investigating prior to making expenditure and investment decisions. It also means sticking to a realistic savings plan and not falling for ‘get rich quickly’ schemes. The end result will be sound and prudent financial investments. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, then it is too good to be true. This year’s theme highlights the ultimate objective of the Financial Information Month initiative, which is to empower all persons to save and make the types of investments that will allow each individual to build wealth, become financially secure, and realize their future dreams. To this end, a number of initiatives have been planned locally, at the community level and for the schools. These include: 1. Discussions on radio and television on managing money, planning for retirement and other relevant topics; 2. Daily financial tips and radio quizzes; 3. School competitions; 4. Visits to Primary and Secondary Schools and Parent Teacher’s Associations by representatives from financial institutions, to hold discussions on savings, wise use of money, budgeting, financial planning and entrepreneurship; 5. A financial exhibition at the public libraries in St. George’s and St. John’s; 6. Mini Financial fairs in Carriacou and Grenville on Saturday October 9th; and 7. A grand Financial Fair on Friday October 22nd at the courtyard of the Esplanade Mall in St. George’s. I encourage everyone to participate in these activities and make good use of the opportunity to learn about making sound financial decisions. If you are in St. George’s on Friday 22nd, stop by at the Esplanade Mall Courtyard and get free financial advice and learn of the various products offered by our financial institutions. Don’t let such an excellent opportunity go to waste. And, as I have said in the past two years, although October is officially designated Financial Information Month, we must seek to continue these efforts beyond the month, if we really want to have a sound financial future and make our dreams a reality. It is therefore with great pleasure that I declare the start of Financial Information Month 2010. Thank you!