A sharp drop in the value of assets and infrastructures linked to the mining, transformation and use of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) could also trigger a rush to sell the securities of the most exposed companies and may make it more difficult for them to cover their liabilities towards the banking system and the market, with consequences that could significantly affect the economic system and financial stability.
Let me take this opportunity to express condolences to my Barbadian colleagues on the recent passing of their beloved Prime Minister David Thompson, a true Caribbean patriot. Our sympathies and solidarity are also with our regional neighbours, who have been hard hit by hurricane “Tomas”. I am really delighted to see so many of you here coming from the region and further afield.