Both Sides of The Coin: The Story of The Central Bank of Barbados 1972-2017

Chapter 5: Some Notable Developments 191 The programme started in earnest on January 26, 1984, when Marion Williams addressed sixth form students at Harrison College; by year-end 14 schools had been visited. In 1986, the first series of lectures was the subject of two 30-minute videotapes entitled The Economy of Barbados , which were presented to all secondary schools. To signal the 10th Anniversary of the programme, the Bank arranged a re-launch which featured a welcome by Dr. Worrell and remarks by Ralph Boyce, the chief education officer. In the new series, the presenters included accountants, IT specialists and other non-economists. The sessions were held at the Bank or at the schools, whichever was more convenient for the students. When the presentations were held at the Bank, snacks were provided. Over time, the target group was widened to include the Barbados Community College and the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic. On occasion, the MIS Department provided special opportunities for the students to interact with its stakeholders. A good example of this was the IT Fair, themed Information Technology and Education; Investing in Our Future , that took place during 2004. The MIS Department partnered with the Barbados Institute of Banking and Finance, PRISM, and seven IT vendors, to give 1,200 secondary school students practical exposure to IT in the business environment. It was held on the Bank’s premises and declared open by Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Anthony Wood. In 2006 the Public Affairs Section and the Audio-Visual Aids Department launched a multi-media package for students; it included a DVD, workbook and poster entitled The CSME Story . The crew were all members of Project Oasis, an initiative to help boys on the block to be productive. The launch was addressed by Prime Minister Owen Arthur and Minister Wood. The lunchtime lectures In early January 1999, Dr. Bradley Niles, head tutor of what was then the School of Continuing Studies, called Governor Cox and