I was indeed saddened to hear of the recent death of Oscar B. Simpson, known affectionately to all as OB.
In 1980, from among the many bank regulators from all around the world present at the First International Conference of Banking Supervisors in London, England, five Caribbean central bank regulators met each other for the first time - OB from Jamaica, Harry Persaud from Guyana, Adrian Bryan from Trinidad and Tobago and Clyde Johnson and Desiree Cherebin from Barbados. This was the start of long and lasting working relationship and personal friendships. At a time when bank supervision played second fiddle to research at regional central banks,. OB played a critical role in getting annual training courses and conferences for Caribbean bank inspectors established and in laying the groundwork for harmonized approaches to bank supervision in the region. His role in improving regional bank supervision continues after his retirement when, as a International Monetary Fund Consultant, he willingly agreed to assist the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank with the development of its bank supervision procedures.
OB was always available to assist fellow regional regulators in dealing with the many regulatory challenges facing them in the 80s and 90s and he would also regularly solicit their assistance with the challenges being faced by Jamaica at that time. We looked forward eagerly to our regular meetings, not only to discuss regulatory issues, but also to enjoy each other's company. We particularly looked forward to hearing OB's stories about his turkeys and his mangoes. He was also known among us as the person who would always win at the casinos and I remember once in the 80s at Paradise island in the Bahamas, OB encouraging Adrian Bryan and myself to play the dollar slots as, in his words, playing quarters was a waste of time. I followed his advice and lost $100 in less than foe minutes and while agonizing on how much shopping I could have done in Miami, OB suggested I give it one more shot. I won $110, put it in my purse and spent the remainder of the night watching as OB and Adrian continued playing.
My friendship with OB continued after our respective retirements, with my husband Roger and I enjoying wonderful evenings with OB and his dear wife Winnie at their lovely home during our visits to Jamaica. He also gave us tow of his Keats mango plants which our friends in Barbados still marvel at how huge the mangoes are.
As fate would have it, the day before I heard of his death, I was sorting some old papers and came across a letter OB wrote to me in 1997 when I retired form the Central Bank of Barbados. As I reflected on his kind words wishing me well in the future, I cannot help now but feel that he was there with me at that time saying farewell. I have lost a work colleague and a true friend. To his dear wife Winnie and his children I offer my heartfelt sympathy. May God comfort you and continue to bring healing. May he rest in peace.