AFTER THREE YEARS in existence, Caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services Limited (CariCRIS) is starting to build momentum.

"Despite challenges, the concept of regional ratings is picking up speed, with CariCRIS now getting rating mandates from across Barbados, Jamaica, the OECS and Trinidad and Tobago," said chairman Terrence Martins at the company's third annual general meeting at the Hotel Courtyard Marriot in Port-of-Spain, recently.

He added that CariCRIS represented a unique contribution from the Caribbean to the world, being the world's first regional rating agency, and commended the shareholders' vision.

He also urged governments, regulators and Caribbean corporations – many of whom are CariCRIS shareholders – to offer their collective support and keep up the momentum.

The shareholders of the company include the central banks of Barbados, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, and Trinidad and Tobago; the Caribbean Development Bank; several financial institutions from across the Caribbean; and CRISIL Ltd, a subsidiary of Standard & Poor's.

Presenting an update on operations, S. Venkat Raman, chief executive officer and chief rating officer, announced that investors and the public could promptly access publicised CariCRIS ratings and detailed rating reports – easily and for free from its new and improved website, www.caricris.com (PR)