Use the latest browser recommended by Microsoft
Get speed, security and privacy with Microsoft Edge
This article, the fourth in a four-part series, looks back at some of the Central Bank of Barbados’ activities and initiatives in 2024. Read parts one, two, and three.
In October, season three of the Central Bank of Barbados’s explainer series, “What it Means; Why it Matters,” premiered. This series, which has been hailed for its innovative approach to economic and financial education, breaks down complex concepts and relates them to everyday life.
Throughout the season, the series explored a wide range of topical issues, including instant payments, Barbados’ debt-to-GDP trajectory, credit reporting, tariffs, and the informal economy.
In November, the Bank hosted the 50th edition of its annual Sir Winston Scott Memorial Lecture, which this year focused on food security. The featured speaker was Dr. Agnes Kalibata, former President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and former Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources in Rwanda. Her presentation, titled “Feeding Tomorrow: Innovation Meets Climate Reality,” examined the urgent need for proactive strategies to address climate-driven challenges facing agriculture.
Following the lecture, Dr. Kalibata was joined by Minister of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security Indar Weir for further discussion where she highlighted areas where Barbados’ agricultural power can be leveraged.
Coming on to the end of the year, Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge earned both national and international honours. He was awarded the GUBA Black Star Award - Vanguard for Economic Leadership, recognising his contributions to economic policy and his influence across the African and Caribbean diaspora.
During the 2025 Independence and Republic Day Ceremonial Parade and National Awards Ceremony, Dr. Greenidge also received the Order of Freedom of Barbados, the nation’s highest honour, conferring upon him the title “The Most Honourable,” for his exceptional people-centred leadership as well as for his transformative role in guiding reforms under the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programmes.
Along with Governor Greenidge, three other central bankers, Cheryl Greenidge, Senior Director, Bank Supervision; Jennifer Clarke-Murrell, Deputy Director, Bank Supervision; and Estherline O’Neal, Senior Examiner, Bank Supervision, were awarded the Gold Award of Achievement for their role in the removal of Barbados from the FATF Grey List and EU Blacklist.
The third series of BOSS+ bonds, a $200 million issue that opened in June, sold out by year-end, with strong uptake from both individual and institutional investors. BOSS+ is a five-year investment that pays 4.5 percent interest per annum in two instalments.
The Bank also reported continued progress in payment modernisation. Its Digital Payments Index confirmed a clear shift away from cash and cheques toward electronic payments, reflecting increased use of digital and card-based transactions.