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During 2017, the Central Bank of Barbados was involved in numerous activities and initiatives, many economic in focus and others related to its public education, support for the arts and domestic outreach. This article, the final of a four part series, takes a look back at some of the Central Bank’s major happenings in the first quarter of the year. Read part 1, part 2, and part 3.
In October, the Central Bank of Barbados became the first central bank in the Caribbean to introduce a banknote app. The app, “Barbadian Banknotes: Are Yours Real?” is available for free from Google Play or iTunes, and is described as an “on the spot” counterfeit detection guide.
In November, the Central Bank hosted the 42nd Sir Winston Scott Memorial Lecture, which was delivered by Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Right Honourable Patricia Scotland.
The Dominican-born Scotland, who is also the first female Secretary-General presented on the topic “Responsiveness, Resilience and Regeneration: Building on Commonwealth Advantage for Good Governance, Prosperity and Progress”, speaking passionately about a range of issues, including the impacts on climate change – particularly as it relates to small states; gender inequality; and developing the youth.
The Bank capped off its 45th anniversary celebrations by officially naming its Grande Salle, a conference and exhibition venue, in honour of its first and longest serving Governor, Sir Courtney Blackman. Blackman, who served from 1972 to 1987, was the world’s youngest central bank governor when he assumed office at the age of 39.
During the naming ceremony, a number of prominent persons, including Acting Governor Cleviston Haynes; former Governor Winston Cox; Barbados’ economic advisor, Geoffrey Bell; and Minister of Finance Christopher Sinckler paid tribute to Sir Courtney, while current and former employees as well as family shared stories about their relationship with him in pre-recorded videos.
Sir Courtney’s son, Christopher Blackman, delivered his father’s prepared remarks on his behalf.