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

Every Barbadian is familiar with the Central Bank of Barbados. Those who have never entered the premises on business or attended a show or exhibition in the Frank Collymore Hall or the Courtney Blackman Grande Salle only need to come to Bridgetown and the Central Bank Building is there for all to see. Both Sides of the Coin tells the history of the Bank from its infancy to adulthood. The book examines the Bank’s functions and operations and how they helped to build a modern society and economy. This history highlights those first members of staff - governor, general manager, secretary, maid and messenger - who laid the foundation for one of the region’s finest institutions. The story of the Bank is one of unremitting growth. From humble beginnings on one floor of the Treasury Building to occupying four separate locations in Bridgetown, the Bank expanded its operations until they required the office space that is Barbados’ tallest building. The growing demands on the Bank and the responsibilities resulting from an increasingly more complex and dynamic economy propelled the move to a single home at the Tom Adams Financial Centre. FOREWORD CLEVISTON HAYNES Governor, Central Bank of Barbados xiii