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

Chapter 5: Some Notable Developments 193 wider public. Dr. Worrell and Economist Carlos Holder were on the Steering Committee that established the Society. Worrell was its first president, and subsequently, that position and several others on the Executive, including the position of editor of the BES Newsletter , were held by Central Bank economists. The Bank’s technical staff also presented papers and were panellists and discussants at the Society’s public outreach events. The National Financial Education Programme During 2009, the Bank started a National Financial Education Programme to help Barbadians better manage their personal finances. The launch featured an address by Prime Minister David Thompson and the premiere of a play about the importance of saving. One of the six planned modules, on Budgeting and Saving, was presented to the public, receiving very positive feedback. Thereafter, the programme was discontinued, as the Bank’s public outreach programme was refocused. Cultural dimensions The Frank Collymore Hall and the Grande Salle The Bank’s support for culture and the arts has endeared it to the wider society. Two of the major planks of this support were the Frank Collymore Hall and the Grande Salle, which were opened in September 1986. A cultural feast styled City Nights , was held in the Hall from September 22 to 27 as part of the activities to celebrate the occasion. This event showcased a wide variety of Barbadian artistes in the areas of drama, dance, poetry, folk, calypso, gospel, classical music and jazz. City Nights was an instant hit and ran for three consecutive years until 1988. In that year, the programme included the world-famous Merrymen, the