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

98 Indicative of his experience with financial surveillance while attached to the IMF, Worrell started to put greater emphasis on financial stability and the Bank’s first Financial Stability Report was published. “Green” issues like recycling and alternative energy were given greater prominence and an overhaul of the business continuity programme commenced. Worrell worked to forge a closer working relationship with the Ministry of Finance. 61 He also sought to increase the Barbadian public’s exposure to international economic luminaries. He introduced the Distinguished Visiting Fellow programme and its flagship event, the Caribbean Economic Forum, that was broadcast on television and radio stations across the region. DuringWorrell’s tenure, the Bank spearheaded efforts to deepen relations with China through the sponsorship of the Fish and Dragon Festival, the introduction of classes in Mandarin and visits to China. Dr. Worrell was removed from office in February 2017 and Deputy Governor Cleviston Haynes was appointed to act as governor. Haynes was confirmed in that position in December 2017. He had joined the Bank in 1980 as a graduate trainee and served in several capacities, including chief economist, adviser and director of bank supervision. The Board of Directors Although the membership of the Board of Directors changed significantly after 1987, the combination of skills and/or interests represented was essentially the same. In March 1988, the Central Bank Act was amended to make the DFP, later the Director of Finance and Economic Affairs (DFEA) a member of the Board, thereby increasing the number of members to seven. Apart from the DFEA there was always an accountant, an attorney, a businessman and, except for the period between 1999 and 2001, an economist from the UWI at Cave Hill. Sir Governor Haynes being escorted on his first working day by Arlene Estwick.