The Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO) has announced a substantial royalty distribution of EC$1.3 million to rights holders, marking its second major payout in 2025 and signaling robust growth in the regional music economy. This December 4th disbursement represents a significant increase from the approximately EC$1 million distributed in June 2023, demonstrating a consistent upward trajectory in music collections throughout the Caribbean region.
A notable 52% of the total distribution will be allocated directly to ECCO members within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), while the remaining 48% will be channeled to international rights holders through ECCO’s affiliated societies. This distribution model reflects the organization’s strategic shift toward prioritizing local creators while maintaining global connections.
ECCO CEO Martin A. James attributed the increased local share to enhanced data collection methodologies and a refined operational strategy, particularly regarding live event monitoring. “The fact that over half of this payout stays with creators in our region demonstrates the vitality of our local music industry,” James stated, emphasizing the importance of sustained financial support for creators despite regional challenges.
Despite these positive developments, ECCO continues to face significant obstacles including widespread non-compliance with copyright regulations, insufficient enforcement mechanisms, and limited operational resources. A persistent issue remains the substantial number of musical works used throughout the region that remain unregistered in ECCO’s database, preventing proper royalty distribution to rightful creators. Unmatched funds are held in trust for up to three years before being reallocated to registered members.
Revenue for this distribution was generated through licensing agreements with broadcasters, live concerts, festivals, and hospitality venues across ECCO’s six territories: Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
Chairman Bruno Leonce highlighted the organization’s progress as evidence of the untapped potential within the Caribbean’s ‘orange economy’ (creative industries). “Both distributions in 2025 show what can happen when we support the rights of creators, even in a challenging environment of widespread non-compliance,” Leonce remarked. “Imagine the possibilities if every broadcaster, venue and business honored copyright laws. Our creators deserve a comprehensive system where their work is consistently and fairly compensated.”
Established in 2009, ECCO serves as a critical bridge connecting Eastern Caribbean music creators to the global rights management network. With both collections and distributions showing steady growth, the organization reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that Caribbean musical heritage is properly valued, protected, and monetarily rewarded.