BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Friday paid tribute to its third president, Sir Neville V Nicholls, whom it said “was not only a visionary leader within our Bank but also a formidable force in shaping economic development across the Caribbean region.”
Sir Neville died on Thursday at the age of 90. The cause of death was not disclosed, and the CDB said that Sir Neville served “ with unparalleled dedication and foresight from 1988 to 2001”.
The Barbadian, an attorney with an economics degree, joined the region’s premier financial institution on March 1, 1971. In May 1988, he was elected president, the first of three terms until his retirement in 2001.
“Under his stewardship, the Bank made significant strides in addressing critical development challenges, forging partnerships and programs that have left a lasting impact on our community’s economic landscapes.
“His adept leadership was marked by a keen understanding of the intricate balance required to drive sustainable growth while addressing social imperatives. Sir Neville was deeply committed to reducing poverty and enhancing lives in the Caribbean through proactive and innovative financial solutions.”
The CDB said, “genuine concern for people was evident in his policymaking and daily interactions. He inspired many with his unwavering optimism and relentless pursuit of excellence:”,
CDB acting president Isaac Solomon said, “In honor of Sir Neville Nicholls, we pledge to continue fostering the ideals he championed so fervently. His spirit will forever be a beacon guiding our endeavors towards a brighter, more resilient Caribbean.”
Appointed to the Privy Council in 1991, Sir Neville held offices with numerous public and private institutions, including the Public Services Commission, the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, the Committee of Governance University of the West Indies, and the Cave Hill Campus Council of the University of the West Indies.
Called to the Bar in London in 1957, Sir Neville worked as Chief Parliamentary Counsel in the Attorney General’s Chambers in Barbados. While working there, Sir Neville represented the Barbados government at several regional conferences on establishing the Caribbean Free Trade Association and the CDB.
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