KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Richard Byles prepares to step down from his post as Governor of the Bank of Jamaica later this summer, the outgoing central bank leader has opened up about his decades-long career, describing his public service for the Caribbean nation as one of the most fulfilling chapters of his professional life.
In an interview with Observer Online conducted Tuesday, immediately after the quarterly parliamentary finance committee meeting wrapped up, Byles emphasized that contributing to Jamaica’s progress through his work at the central bank and his previous role as co-chair of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC) has been unmatched in terms of personal satisfaction.
“It was a great honour to serve Jamaica through the Bank of Jamaica, just as much as it was an honor to co-chair EPOC. Helping Jamaica is the most satisfying thing that I’ve done in my life,” Byles told reporters. “Although I have spent nearly two decades building my career in the private sector, working for the government and the country at large is a wonderful, deeply rewarding experience.”
Byles’ current term as governor is scheduled to conclude in August. When asked about his plans for the next chapter, he said he intends to step back from full-time responsibilities to rest and recharge, but made clear he remains committed to supporting Jamaica’s economic development moving forward.
“I’m always open to help in Jamaica, to the extent I can,” he added. “If my opinion and my decades of experience can be useful, I’m happy to contribute — just not in a full-time capacity going forward.”
On the topic of potential adjustments or improvements he has considered for the central bank moving forward, Byles noted that any insights he has will first be shared with Jamaica’s Finance Minister Fayval Williams. “I feel it’s something that I should discuss with the minister first to put her in the loop of what I am thinking,” he explained. “She and the incoming governor can take those ideas forward if they see fit.”