2018: A Look Back – Part Three

In 2018, the Central Bank of Barbados continued its longstanding tradition of not only being at the forefront of economic issues, but also of supporting and promoting non-economic activities, including the arts and education. This article, the third in a four-part series, looks back at some of the Bank’s activities and initiatives over the past 12 months. Read part one and part two.

Crop Over Visual Arts Exhibition

The Central Bank of Barbados sponsored Crop Over Visual Arts Exhibition was mounted in the Bank’s Courtney Blackman Grande Salle during the month of July. At the opening ceremony, Michael Carrington, one of the Central Bank’s Acting Deputy Governors, praised the artists’ creativity, noting that two pieces – those from the recipients of the Central Bank’s Purchase Award of Excellence and the Governor’s Award – would join the Bank’s collection.

Annual Review Seminar

In July, the Bank hosted its 38th Annual Review Seminar, which was themed “Macroeconomic Trends, Challenges, and Solutions Facing Developing Countries in the 21st Century.” The keynote was delivered by Dr. Wendell Samuel, Programme Coordinator at the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Committee (CARTAC). During his address, Samuel, whose presentation focused on small nations undergoing fiscal adjustment programmes, outlined four factors that can influence the success of a country’s economic recovery.

Debt Restructuring

In September, following Government’s domestic debt exchange offer, the Central Bank hosted a two-week forum to explain the terms of the offer to holders of government securities and other debt. The Bank also produced a video to educate the public about the offer.

In July, the Central Bank also announced its new Board of Directors.