New Central Bank Governor on the job

Economist Dr Kevin Greenidge took up his post as the eighth Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados on Wednesday promising to deliver “the best advice” to the Government.

During his first hour on the job, Greenidge interacted briefly with members of the media and said he felt humbled and privileged to be serving in that major role.

Recalling spending 17 years of his career at the Central Bank as a research officer, Greenidge said his appointment could be seen as him “coming back home”.

“I feel amazing to be here. It is great to be home,” he declared.

“The opportunity to come back and serve my country and lead this amazing institution is really a humbling feeling and a privilege.”

Greenidge, who was speaking ahead of meeting management and staff as well as the board of the Central Bank, said though the task ahead was huge he was prepared to build on the foundation and the work done by the previous central bank governors, adding that the country had been making tremendous economic progress.

He promised that in addition to ensuring that the island continues to maintain economic stability and protect the coveted exchange rate of BDS$2 to US$1, he would serve up “the best advice” to the administration while educating the public and investors on everything economic and financial.

“I come at a time where the bank continues to establish its reputation and is being seen as an institution of stability, credibility and an institution that persons have come to rely upon,” he said.

“While it is not an easy task, I believe that those who have gone before me have made it easier for me to come and hopefully step to the path they have created and to build on that.”

Greenidge, who takes over from Cleviston Haynes who demitted office on January 31 after serving the Bank for four decades with six years at the helm of the island’s premier financial institution, will serve a six-year term.

He was most recently a senior economist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and from 2018 until 2022, he took a leave of absence from that institution to act as Senior Economic Advisor to the Government of Barbados. Greenidge was instrumental in the design and implementation of the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programme. (MM)