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

Chapter 5: Some Notable Developments 201 Special issues were made to commemorate other national events, symbols and personalities. Significant events highlighted were the hosting of Carifesta (1981) and the UN Conference on Small Island Developing States (1994). Coins were minted to celebrate the Coat of Arms (1984), the 10th Anniversary of Independence (1976) and the Barbados Buckle, a cricketing artefact (1991). Cricket icons, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Everton Weekes were all honoured by the issue of coins in 2007. The natural beauty of Barbados was the theme of coin issues from 1974 through 1976 and in 1979 and 1980. Perhaps mindful of the adage that charity begins at home, silver coins were issued for the Bank’s 10th Anniversary in 1982 and its 25th in 1997. The numismatic programme was not driven purely by patriotic and nationalistic concerns. In 1978, 1983 and 1985, silver coins were minted in honour of Queen Elizabeth II (the head of State). Reflective of the Bank’s commitment to regionalism, the 10th Anniversary of the CDB and the 50th Anniversary of the UWI were commemorated in 1980 and 1998, respectively. The 250th Anniversary of the birthday of George Washington, the first president of the United States, (whose only trip outside of his homeland was to Barbados), was noted through an issue in 1982. Other international themes to be recognised include Human Rights, the Year of the Child and the Decade of Women. Charitable contributions In response to a constant stream of requests for assistance from the community, the Bank started from early to make charitable contributions to a variety of beneficiaries. These included educational institutions, individuals, service clubs and other non-profit organisations. The assistance took the form of cash donations, purchase of tickets for functions, permission to collect contributions from staff and free use of various facilities.