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

85 Cement Plant when it took delivery of 40 tonnes of cement. By mid-1984 the steel structure of the office block was completed, two months ahead of schedule. The “topping out” ceremony, a tradition designed to thank the workforce when the roof is completed, took place on September 5, 1984. The construction was just past the half-way stage after 71 weeks of labour and the total costs of the project were then estimated at $70 million. The “topping out” was attended by Governor-General Sir Hugh Springer and the prime minister, who, along with the governor, encased an airtight time capsule sealed with argon gas in the roof. It contained a number of items including the day’s newspapers, Barbados postage stamps and currency, a picture of the workforce on the project and a phial of choice Barbados rum. At the end of the topping out, the governor took the opportunity to respond to some of the criticisms of the building, pointing out that its proximity did not detract from the beauty of the cathedral and its immediate surroundings and that much of the construction cost would be recovered through rental income. During early 1985 enough of the work was completed to allow The topping out Ceremony. Left: left to right, Governor Blackman, Prime Minister Adams, Higgs and Hill Chairman, David Hill, General Manager, Edward Griffith, Anglican Bishop of Barbados, Drexel Gomez and Architect, Mervyn Awon. Right: the prime minister seals the capsule watched by the governor and Mr. Hill. Chapter 3: Consolidation: 1976 to 1986