Oscar Benjamin Simpson was one of those rare, ebullient personalities in whose company you would yearn to be in good times and in bad, because he had the capacity to enliven all surroundings in which he found himself. central banking became his profession, and I dare say he enjoyed every moment of an oft challenging career. I first met him 36 years ago, but it was during his post-retirement stint as adviser to the governor of the eastern Caribbean central bank in the area of bank supervision that our friendship deepened. a devoted family man, a trusted friend and confidant, we shared many fine moments.

OB, as he was affectionately known, has had a good and fulfilling life. my family join with me in extending condolences to his wife Winnifred, his children, grand children, and other members of the bereaved family. and may his soul rest in peace.

A thousand memories run through my mind at this time after learning the news of our dear O.B. from my local colleagues here at the CBOB. The flicker of the life and light of the party, as I remember it fondly, has gone out. Now we are forced to re-set our Caribbean supervisory equilibrium. 

If at all possible, please pass on my condolences to his immediate and extended family.

I am sorry to learn of OB's passing. I first made contact with him in 1988 when I attended the Junior Course for Banking Supervisors in St. Kitts. He was an affable character.

Sincere condolences to his colleagues at the Bank of Jamaica and his family.

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.

OB was a true mentor within the Caribbean Group of Banking Supervisors. I can still remember his big smiles and pleasant personality, although I have not seen him for some years. 

Please convey my condolences to this family and the Bank. 

May his soul rest in peace.

Mr. Simpson's passing brings me great sorrow because he was one of my mentors who caused me to seriously consider a life-time career in banking supervision. I feel like my father passed away — my father in banking supervision. 

We must never forget those who paved the way for so many of us - those who stood in the background, ensuring that there was stability in the financial system so that our countries could pursue their economic dreams. These are the unsung heroes that many may never know. These are the men and women who should be honoured. For they built monuments in hearts of flesh that will never grow old. They live on in us. When we become tired in well-doing and selfless sacrifice, the memories of these true heroes and pioneers keep us going. He will be greatly missed. 

As I write this note my tears are flowing. I mourn with you and your colleagues. Please convey the Bahamas' condolences to his family and to the colleagues at the Bank of Jamaica.