The Central Bank of Barbados recently hosted an interactive session with members of the local media as part of its ongoing stakeholder engagement efforts ahead of BiMPay’s June 12, 2026 go-live.
The session brought together journalists, talk show hosts, advertising professionals, Barbados Community College Mass Communication students, and Starcom Network interns, ensuring that both current and emerging media voices are equipped with a clear understanding of the system and its national significance.
In his presentation, Governor Dr., The Most Honourable Kevin Greenidge asserted that BiMPay represents far more than a new e-wallet. He explained that it is the underlying payment infrastructure that will replace the current system and will transform how money moves across Barbados, making transactions faster, more accessible, and more inclusive.
A key benefit that he highlighted was the opportunity it creates for small businesses. With real-time payments available around the clock, vendors will be less likely to lose sales when customers do not have cash on hand. This shift is expected to support business continuity and improve cash flow, particularly for micro and small enterprises.
Governor Greenidge also emphasised BiMPay’s role in advancing financial inclusion. By allowing individuals to send and receive money even without a traditional bank account, the system provides meaningful access to digital financial services for underserved and unbanked populations.
The session included a live demonstration of the BiMPay app and an open discussion, giving participants the opportunity to explore how the system will work in practice and to clarify key features.
As the information session came to a close, the Governor revealed that the Bank’s approach to implementation is consistent with jurisdictions where instant payment systems have been successfully adopted. This includes mandating participation across financial institutions and executing a strong, sustained public education campaign to build awareness, trust, and usage from the outset.
With the go-live date approaching, the Bank reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all Barbadians have the necessary information to take advantage of the full functionality and benefits of this new national payment system. It also encouraged media personnel and commentators to play an active role in preparing the public for the new system by helping their audiences understand how BiMPay works and how it can benefit them in their daily lives.