The former President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr. William Warren Smith, has passed away. He served as the bank’s President from 2011 to 2021, earning respect and admiration from regional leaders for his commitment to the Caribbean’s development.
Guyana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, expressed heartfelt condolences in a statement that highlights Dr. Smith’s contributions and legacy:
“Sincerest condolences to the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) on the passing of Dr. William Warren Smith, the Bank’s fifth President, as well as to his dear wife, Dr. Anne-Marie Irvine, and his entire family. Dr. Smith served with distinction as CDB President from 2011 to 2021.
Dr. Smith’s leadership marked a defining era in the history of the CDB and in the Caribbean’s development journey. His strong stewardship, unwavering commitment to the Region, and deep belief in the potential of the Caribbean people strengthened the Bank’s role as a trusted and transformative development partner to its borrowing member countries.
Guyana’s long and valued relationship with the CDB was further deepened during Dr. Smith’s tenure. Under his leadership, Guyana benefited from the Bank’s thoughtful engagement, strategic support, and shared vision for economic resilience, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
His views on Guyana’s development prospects were perhaps best captured in an interview we did together in 2014, where he described the Guyana story as inspirational.
On a personal level, I had the honour of sharing a strong friendship with Warren. He understood Guyana’s political and developmental landscape and helped shape our response to the challenges we faced during his presidency at the Bank. His understanding of our development priorities, steady guidance, and generous support contributed meaningfully to advancing our national objectives.
Warren made sure that Guyana was the first country he visited, at my invitation, after he assumed the presidency, deepening his understanding of Guyana and his love for the Guyanese people.
Without a doubt, Warren’s affection for Guyana was influenced by the fact that his wife, Anne-Marie, had spent her formative years in Guyana while her father served as Vice-Chancellor at the University of Guyana.
Dr. Smith will long be remembered as a distinguished Caribbean statesman whose life’s work was devoted to strengthening institutions, empowering countries, and improving the lives of the people in this Region. His legacy will endure through the institution he helped to strengthen and the many lives touched by his service.
On behalf of all of Guyana, I extend heartfelt sympathies to Dr. Smith’s family, friends, colleagues, and the entire CDB family during this time of mourning. Guyana stands in solidarity with the CDB and joins the wider Caribbean Community in honoring the life and legacy of an exceptional Caribbean public servant and leader.”
Dr. Smith’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the Caribbean Development Bank and the region as a whole, ensuring a lasting legacy of excellence in public service and development.
