By Anesta Henry
Former Governor of the Central Bank Cleviston Haynes has bid farewell to the place he spent all his working life.
And after giving 42 years of service to the institution, he told those gathered for his farewell service at the Hilton Hotel on Saturday, that he believes it will continue to grow and prosper.
“If there is one regret, it is that I leave with unfinished business, but that is the nature of life. I wish the institution well for its success is ultimately tied to that of our dear nation,” Haynes said.
He added that while many have suggested that he “get back out there” to lend his knowledge to national development, Haynes, who demitted office on January 31, quipped that after enjoying a month of rest and relaxation that might be a difficult decision to make at this time.
Taking his guests down memory lane, an accomplished Haynes, who aspired to be a cricketer, recalled that he joined the Central Bank full of enthusiasm and optimism, with the intention to contribute to nation building, achieve personal growth and eventually move on to some other calling.
He said that at that time, the bank was eight years old and many of the staff members were under the age of 30, working in an environment that was encouraging for those interested in career development and advancement.
“The road was not always straightforward but as [late] Prime Minister [Owen] Arthur was prone to say, you cannot become the finest steel without going through the hottest fires. Whatever my achievements, they have been based on my work ethic, personal sacrifices and commitment,” Haynes said.
Noting that success is seldom the result of individual effort, Haynes said over the years many colleagues with whom he served had supported him, including those who embraced his vision and helped to make him a more effective leader.
He acknowledged that “to whom much is given much is expected” and said he shared his knowledge and expertise with others within and outside of the bank.
The economist said seeing those he mentored grow and advance in their careers gave him a sense of fulfilment.
Haynes said he considers himself especially fortunate to have worked with several talented and highly motivated individuals.
“For example, in my first year in the bank, we had in the research department a complement of 11 trade economists, including those in the management team. That group produced two other governors and three deputy governors, so that is six out of 11.
A round of applause from those in attendance at the event for Former Governor of the Central Bank Cleviston Haynes.
“And I dare say that there were others in that group who, in my judgement, had the ability for higher office if they had stayed with the bank. Nature or nurture, you be the judge,” he said.
Through the efforts of its leadership and staff, Haynes said the Central Bank has built a reputation second to none within local public sector institutions, with its success reflecting the sound foundation created by its first governor.
He added that it also reflected the Bank’s tradition of recruiting talented individuals whose progress in the institution is based on merit, aptitude and attitude.
“This has always been the strength of the organisation and long may this continue. These characteristics have fostered a willingness to innovate while enhancing its ability to disseminate trustworthy information to the public. The professional integrity of its staff has been and remains crucial to that success.
“Central banking is constantly evolving. The Central Bank that I joined is not the Central Bank of today. The focus remains on economic policy and financial stability, and sitting in the governor’s chair for these past almost six years has been challenging as we address these objectives, but the Bank as an institution has to constantly adapt to its new challenges,” he said.
Haynes, who acted as Governor of the Central Bank for one year, was appointed in January 2018 as the seventh person to hold that post.
Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan Straughn, who attended the event, told Haynes that his stewardship had restored the credibility of the Central Bank.
He said Haynes took over at a time when the economy was headed in a direction that no economist wanted it to.
“I want to say that the public has greater confidence in the Central Bank today than when you took over as governor six
years ago. So I want to thank you,” Straughn said.
