Central Bank takes to the road to promote BiMPay

Residents of St James, St Andrew, and St Peter recently learned more about BiMPay, the Central Bank of Barbados’ national instant payment system, which will be introduced in March 2026, when a team from the Bank, including Governor Dr Kevin Greenidge, visited those parishes as part of its public education campaign.

“At our launch event back in August, we promised that we would spare no effort to ensure that Barbadians understand BiMPay and are prepared for its introduction next year,” said Novaline Brewster, director of communications, information and outreach at the Bank.

“Since then, we’ve been using radio, television, newspapers, digital advertising, webinars, and, of course, social media to help the public get familiar with instant payments and how they work. But it’s still important to get out there and have those one-on-one conversations with people and answer their questions. That’s why we partnered with the Small Business Association (SBA) to participate in its Small Business Week roadshow.”

The six-hour tour included stops at several locations, including Payne’s Bay Fish Market, Massy Stores Holetown, and John Moore Bar in St James; Chalky Mount and the Bay Lounge restaurant in St Andrew, and Hayman’s Market in St Peter. At each stop, the team engaged with business owners and patrons as well as residents in neighbouring communities, explaining the ins and outs of the new system and giving away branded merchandise.

“Barbadians are excited about BiMPay,” said Governor Greenidge. “They are looking forward to being able to transfer funds to friends and family quickly and easily, regardless of which financial institution they use. And entrepreneurs and others with side hustles are interested in how it can help them improve their cash flow and enhance their record-keeping. They recognise the revolutionary impact it will have on payments in Barbados.”

The roadshow ended at the Emerging Entrepreneurs Manufacturing and Services Trade Fair and Expo held on the Hoyte’s Village playing field in St James on Saturday, where another of the Bank’s teams had been manning a booth throughout the day. The response there was equally positive, said Senior Communications Officer Natasha Beckles. “We had a steady stream of visitors to our tent, more than 100 people during the day that wanted to learn more about BiMPay, and they left pleased with what they heard.” (PR)