THE FINANCIAL SERVICES Commission (FSC) today launched a public education programme as part of its efforts to raise public awareness and increase general understanding of its key role and functions.
Communications officer Lynette Taylor noted that since its establishment in 2011, the FSC had been working directly with the non-bank financial sectors which it regulates to ensure their understanding of relevant guidelines and legislation.
Speaking during a media briefing at the FSC’s Wildey Industrial Park offices, she said the agency had recently commissioned a study which was used to inform the public awareness campaign, as part of a medium to long-term corporate communications strategy.
She said the public wanted to get a better understanding of what the FSC does and how its core functions impacted their lives.
“What our programme is therefore seeking to do is to close those information gaps and bring clarity to public perception about our role and the contribution we make to the overall economic development of Barbados through the sectors that we regulate,” she said.
Acting chief executive officer Warrick Ward said the first phase of the programme would include the roll out of a revised corporate logo, media appearances and interaction with the local media.
He noted that in the first instance, employees of major corporate entities could also look forward to face-to-face information sessions as part of a move to educate them on their rights and responsibilities under the Occupational Pension Benefits Act.
Phase two of the programme will see more of these interactive sessions and education in all regulated sectors informing the public regarding insurance, credit unions and investment funds.
There is also a planned redesign of the FSC’s website which will be used to aid in the dissemination of information. (PR/NB)
