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

80 a temporary advance of $25,000 to the Ministry of Health in order to effect the move. During the last quarter of the year the site was finally cleared, the piling contract awarded and Consultant Project Management Services chosen to oversee the project. There was still some uncertainty about the size of the proposed auditorium but it was expected to be completed by 1982 and the office block by the following year. The project begins Early in 1981, eminent Brazilian landscape architect, BurleMarx, was chosen to provide a landscaping design; the actual landscaping was done by a local contractor, Growing Things. A pile-driving ceremony to break ground for the construction took place onMarch 6, 1981, with Prime Minister Adams driving the first pile. In his feature address the prime minister said: “In its short history the Central Bank of Barbados has established a reputation of being one of the most effective monetary institutions in the Caribbean and, indeed, the Third World.” On that occasion it was said that the Bank would construct an auditorium for the performing arts to seat 750 persons. It was also around this time that there was the first hint of any public discomfort with the project. Demolition and piling were completed by mid-year. However the Left: Prime Minister Adams driving the first pile while the governor looks on. Right: Staff witnessing the pile driving ceremony.