Governor Greenidge Honoured with Prestigious GUBA Award for Economic Leadership

Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados Dr. Kevin Greenidge was honoured last night with the GUBA Black Star Award - Vanguard for Economic Leadership at a spectacular ceremony held at the Wyndham Hotel. The award recognises Dr. Greenidge's extraordinary contributions as a visionary economist, public servant, and scholar whose work continues to inspire policymakers and economists across the diaspora.

"I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the GUBA Award for Economic Leadership," the Governor commented after receiving the honour. "This recognition belongs not to me alone, but to everyone who has been part of my journey, from those who nurtured me as child, to the educators who believed in me, the mentors who guided me, and the many who continue to pack my parachute today. I share this award with each of you, and I say thank you. Together, we prove that with belief, support, and determination, extraordinary things are possible," Dr. Greenidge told the ceremony.

Her Excellency the Most Honourable Dame Sandra Prunella Mason, President of Barbados, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu 11, King of the Ashanti Kingdom of Ghana, and the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, attended the ceremony.

The recognition highlights not only Dr. Greenidge's personal achievements but also reflects positively on the Bank’s impact on regional and international economic development. His enduring legacy continues to chart a course toward a more connected and prosperous future for the region.

GUBA also honoured Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group, and Barbadian Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White, the first black female transplant surgeon in the USA at the 2025 event. The 2025 honourees join an illustrious roster of past GUBA awardees: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Director General of the World Trade Organization), Dr. Natalia Kanem (Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund), and Her Excellency Epsy Campbell Barr (Former Vice President of Costa Rica), among other global leaders and changemakers.

GUBA, which stands for Grow, Unite, Build, Africa, is a prestigious social enterprise founded by Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE, dedicated to celebrating excellence within the African and Caribbean communities. Since its inception in 2009, the GUBA Awards has become one of the most significant global platforms for awarding outstanding achievement in these communities.

The ceremony culminated the three-day gathering that included a trade and investment conference. This year's theme, "Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny – Connect, Build, Renew," emphasised collaboration and growth across the African-Caribbean nexus.