THE Bank of Guyana (BOG) was early yesterday plunged into a state of mourning following the death of its governor, Mr Lawrence Theodore Williams. He was almost 60 years old.

Williams, who served the institution more than 25 years in various capacities, died at the Balwant Singh Hospital, in Georgetown after a prolonged battle with cancer.

The BOG, in a statement expressing its “profound sadness” at the death of its Governor, said Mr. Williams joined the Bank in 1979 and rose through the ranks of the organisation over the next thirty five years.
In 1995, Mr. Williams was appointed to the position of Banking Manager, the third highest position in the Bank’s hierarchy. At this level he was responsible for overseeing the Operations Department, International Department, and Accounts and Budgeting Department. He served in this capacity until November 2004 when he was appointed to act in the position of Governor.
On June 8, 2005 Mr. Williams was sworn in as Governor, Bank of Guyana, by the President of the Republic and remained in this position until his passing yesterday.
During his time at the Bank, Mr. Williams was a member of the Guyana Gold Board and the Guyana Rice Export Board. At the time of his death, he was also a member of the Governing Board of the Guyana Revenue Authority.

Mr. Williams leaves to mourn his wife Valerie Williams, his three children Runda, Lauren and Lawrence Jr. also known as Gavin and grand son Andrew Brown.

A book of condolences will be opened tomorrow (Friday May 9) at the Bank of Guyana.
Meanwhile, in an invited comment on Mr Williams’ passing, Board member Dr. Prem Misir, said that not only was it “a great loss to central banks throughout the Caribbean,” but Williams will also be remembered for his “professional pragmatism” in his approach to problem-solving, particularly the “formidable challenges that periodically” dogged the Bank of Guyana.
In closing, Dr Misir said, “I would like to sincerely convey deepest condolences to the Williams’ family, and the Bank of Guyana fraternity.”