Edge
Use the latest browser recommended by Microsoft
Get speed, security and privacy with Microsoft Edge

Navigation

Contact Us

Email:
hrinfo@centralbank.org.bb - Human Resources Matters
hrapplications@centralbank.org.bb - Applications for Employment
More
Fax:
(246) 427-4074 - Accounts
(246) 437-3334 - Banking
(246) 437-3334 - Bank Supervision
(246) 429-9510 - Currency
More
Address:
Tom Adams Financial Centre
Spry Street
Bridgetown
Barbados
  • Home
  • Media
  • What It Means; Why It Matters (The Explainer Series)

Have a question about Barbados’ economy and how it works? Watch “What it Means; Why It Matters,” the series that breaks down key economic concepts and shows how they’re relevant to your life. 

Season 1

Episode 1: Inflation

What do droughts, wars, and people wanting to party have to do with what you pay at the cashier? This video will tell you. 

“I Don’t Even Want to Know How Much These Five Little Things Gon’ Cost Me” (Inflation)

Episode 2: Unemployment Rate

Just because someone isn’t working doesn’t mean they’re unemployed. Watch this week’s “What It Means; Why It Matters” to find out who counts as unemployed and how the unemployment rate is calculated.

“Who Really Counts as Unemployed?” (Unemployment Rate)

Episode 3: International Reserves

What's the big deal about international reserves? This video will tell you.

“You Like You Trying to Spend Up All the Country’s International Reserves

Episode 4: Debt to GDP 

Why do governments borrow? How much is too much? What do they do with the money? How do they pay it back? Watch this video to get the answer to those questions.

“He Like Governments; Always Borrowing” (Government Debt & Debt-to-GDP)

Episode 5: GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and Economic Growth

Have you heard about GDP but aren't sure what it is? Watch this video to find out.

“You Feel Dem at the Central Bank Know What They’re Talking About?” (GDP & Economic Growth)

Episode 6: Small Open Economy

Does a country's size matter when it comes to economics? Yes. Watch this video to find out why. 

“Why We Listening to What Goin’ On in the US Economy?” (Small Open Economy)

Episode 7: Revenue and Expenditure

Why do we pay taxes? And what does Government do with the money? Watch this video to find out. 

“They Took More of Our Money in Taxes” (Revenue & Expenditure)

Episode 8: Fiscal Balance and Primary Balance

Have you ever heard of the fiscal balance? How about the primary balance? Watch this video to find out what they both are.

“I Was Hearing About ‘Fiscal’ Something. Explain That to Me” (Fiscal Balance & Primary Balance)

Episode 9: Exchange Rate Peg

What's the point of Barbados' dollar being tied to the US dollar? Watch this video to find out. 

“The Exchange Rate Peg – Whatever That Is” (Exchange Rate Peg)

Season 2

Episode 1: Market Conduct

What is “market conduct”? And why has the Central Bank of Barbados issued guidelines related to it? It's about setting baseline standards for how commercial banks and finance companies interact with current and potential customers.

“The Real Focus is Accessibility to Financial Services for Everyone” (Market Conduct)

Episode 2: AML/CFT

Have you ever heard the acronym AML/CFT? How about KYC, PEP, or PF? Learn what they refer to and how they influence how financial institutions conduct their business.

“It was a Whole Alphabet Soup” (AML/CFT)

Episode 3: Credit Ratings

How do investors decide whether to lend to a country? And if they do lend, how do they determine much interest they should charge? It’s all about credit ratings. But what determines a country’s credit worthiness?

“I Want to Understand How Much Interest We Have to Pay on the Debt” (Credit Ratings)

Episode 4: Traded and Non-Traded Sectors

What do economists mean when they talk about traded and non-traded sectors? The Explainer breaks down the difference between the two and reveals why separating economic activity into these categories matters.

“It’s Really About the Flows of Money” (Traded and Non-Traded Sectors)

Episode 5: Economic Forecasting

Every quarter, the Central Bank publishes a report that both reviews Barbados’ current economic performance and gives a forecast for the remainder of the year. Watch this video to find out what goes into preparing the Bank’s outlook for the economy. 

“It Helps to Make Good Policy” (Economic Forecasting)

Episode 6: Imported Inflation

Did you know that when prices go up in foreign countries, prices in Barbados also increase? Watch this video to find out why. You’ll also find out why prices don’t decrease even when the inflation rate slows down.

“We Import Almost Everything We Consume” (Imported Inflation)

Episode 7: Exchange Controls

If you’re planning to take or send foreign currency out of Barbados, you’ll need permission. Find out why, and how to go about getting it.

“Why Do I Need Permission to Buy Foreign Currency?” (Exchange Controls)

Episode 8: Government Securities

Did you know that not only do government securities provide investment opportunities for citizens, they are also a source of financing for important projects that benefit the country and everyone who lives there?

“My Future is Mine and I’m Investing in It” (Government Securities)

Episode 9: Financial Stability and Financial Regulation

How do the Central Bank and the Financial Services Commission, Barbados' two main financial regulators, ensure that our financial system remains stable? Watch this episode of "What It Means; Why It Matters" to learn more about what they do to protect your savings.

“You Make This Sound Like This is Some Real Serious Business” (Financial Stability)

Episode 10: Investment

There’s no question that investment is good for Barbados’ economy, and for Barbadians. But where does this investment come from?

“It’s Not Just About Building Hotels” (Investment)

Episode 11: Tourism

If you’ve ever wondered why policymakers monitor the performance of Barbados’ tourism sector so closely, it’s because of the critical role it plays in the economy. How critical? Watch this video to find out.

“Tourism is Our Business. Let’s Play Our Part” (Tourism)

Episode 12: Balance of Payments

What is the balance of payments survey? What does it measure? And why is that information so important?

“All Money Flowing Out; All Money Flowing In” (Balance of Payments)

Episode 13: Bonus Christmas Episode

After 12 weeks of breaking down how Barbados’ economy works, what’s left for The Explainer to say? Watch this special bonus episode of “What It Means; Why It Matters” to find out.