The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) joins the nation of Barbados in mourning the passing of Former Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford.

In addition to serving his country with distinction at the highest level, Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford was a regionalist who strongly endorsed the integration efforts of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This was evidenced by his support for the 1989 Grande Anse Declaration and Work Programme for the Integration Movement which paved the way for the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

Of note, was his foresight about the existential threat posed to small island developing states (SIDS) by climate change. His poem “Ode to the Environment”, delivered at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, astutely illustrated the vulnerability of Barbados and other SIDS and led to the first global conference on the sustainable development of SIDS in 1994 in Barbados.

As Barbados’ Governor of CDB, he was always ready with guidance, support, advocacy and goodwill for the work of the Bank. Undoubtedly, his stewardship has helped shape the development partner we are today.

As we celebrate and reflect on his contribution, we acknowledge his fierce belief that Caribbean people could overcome any challenge they faced.

On behalf of our Management, Staff, and Board of Directors we offer our deepest sympathy to his family and the Government and people of Barbados.