 The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank is experiencing its largest shock on record, so says Govna of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, ECCB Timothy Antoine, during his Christmas address. A decline of 16.2% has been projected for the Eastern Caribbean currency union, ECCU, as governments continue to grapple with significantly lower revenues while simultaneously expending considerable amounts on COVID-19 response measures. Govna noted, however, that the ECCU remains resilient in the face of adversity. Despite the economic and financial fallout occasioned by the pandemic, our countries have responded relatively well and our region is thankful that we have experienced only a small number of deaths. Additionally, we are grateful to have been spared the ravages of major hurricanes. Once again, we placed on record our performed gratitude to all our frontline warriors in healthcare, together with security, border control, and essential workers, including the media. The ECCB predicted, however, that the ECCU will bounce back from the current situation, building even stronger in the future. Govna Antoine also highlighted the ECCB's plans for the future. We project the ECCU will grow by 5% next year, as tourism, a dominant export, slowly recovers. The ECCB will implement the program of action for recovery, resilience, and transformation approved by the Monetary Council in October. Key actions include boosting food and nutrition security, increasing our use of renewable energy, and accelerating digital transformation. The ECCB will also unveil its new five-year strategic plan. Govna of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, ECCB, Timothy Antoine