This is the first time in many years that your annual dinner is being held against the backdrop of high inflation. For most of the past decade the issue was that inflation was a bit too low, not too high. And for the couple of decades before that, inflation varied from year to year, but averaged 2½ per cent in Australia.
I give you the assurance of the Central Bank’s continued support for this Conference and for the wider work of the UWI, St. Augustine. I look forward to this 5th BBF Conference generating fruitful discussions, stimulating new thoughts and ideas on re-igniting growth in the Caribbean.