“Punching above his weight”

I was so impressed with Prime Minister Arthur that at the end of his leadership of Government, I wrote him the following letter dated February 2008 and repeated in my book:

“Dear Mr Arthur,

I join with tens of thousands at home and probably millions overseas to thank you for your most outstanding contribution to the development of Barbados and the Caribbean over the last 14 years. Your visionary leadership has positioned Barbados for a great future and history will acclaim your economic craftsmanship.

“Under your leadership, Barbados has been firmly established as the small island ‘punching above its weight’ in the international community. You have given me an opportunity to make a small contribution in this sphere, and I wish to thank you sincerely. It has been and continues to be an interesting, challenging and frustrating experience which together has provided me with a most stimulating and rewarding four years in the international community – especially in the WTO.

“In 2002, you said that international trade policy will be one of the most challenging issues our small country will face over the next ten years. You have taken steps to mitigate the impact of such challenges while entrusting me with the responsibility of ensuring that such impact is minimized. I will always remain grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to contribute in some small way to the realization of your vision for Barbados.

“On behalf of myself and the staff of the Permanent Mission in Geneva, we thank you for your service and look forward to your continued contribution to the building of our nation in whatever capacity avails itself. It was my great pleasure to serve under your leadership.

Yours truly,

Ambassador Clarke”

As Prime Minister and Minister of Finance presenting the Policies of the Government of Barbados on December 7th, 2004, the Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur cautioned that: “The hallmarks of managing a small economy are that the scope for adjustment is small, the range of options is limited, but the potential for catastrophic failure is vast.” COVID-19 must surely return this caution to the forefront of small economy leaders everywhere.

It was a pleasure seeing our dearly beloved Professor Arthur re-engaging in Barbados and Caribbean development issues from outside of the political arena he had left behind.

He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace as his inspiration lives on!

C. Trevor Clarke is a retired Chief Executive of Cable and Wireless Barbados and a former Ambassador in Geneva. His memoir can be found at ctrevorclarke.com.