The throngs of tourists who populate the sunny climes of the eastern Caribbean's Lesser Antilles are attracted to the sandy beaches, tropical warmth, island relaxation and other frivolities absent from their everyday lives. While these holidaymakers may be aware of the islands' reputation as offshore financial centres, central banking seems a world away. But paradise too has a central bank: in fact, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) will be celebrating its 25th anniversary later this