– President Ramotar says on passing of former BOG Governor

THE passing of Bank of Guyana Governor, Lawrence Williams, has been described as a major loss to Guyana and the local financial sector by President Donald Ramotar.The Head of State, who signed the Book of Condolence yesterday at the Bank, located on Avenue of the Republic in downtown Georgetown, said he grew to know the financial expert during his ascension to office and had

several interactions with him. “I have found him to be completely professional and dedicated,” the President said.
President Ramotar stated that Lawrence gave invaluable service to Guyana and possessed a great knowledge of financial affairs, “which was of a very high calibre” for which he will always be remembered.
He added that Guyanese can be consoled by the fact that “he lived a useful, purposeful and dedicated life” and emphasised that there was no better life than when it is done in service of their country”.

In 1979, just after successfully completing the Bachelors of Social Sciences Degree (Management), Lawrence Williams joined the staff of the Bank as an Assistant Principal in the Exchange Control Department. In November 2004, Williams was appointed Governor (ag.) by the President of Guyana. On June 8, 2005, he was sworn in as Governor, Bank of Guyana, by then President Bharrat Jagdeo.

As the Chief Executive Officer, he was responsible for the overall management of the Bank. As Governor he was also Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Earlier in his career Williams was a member of the Guyana Gold Board and the Guyana Rice Export Board. He also attended a number of professional training programmes as well as numerous seminars, conferences and meetings including CARICOM.
Williams passed away on May 7, after succumbing to cancer.

(GINA)