Dr. Gene Leon Elected President of Caribbean Development Bank

The Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has elected a new President with Montserratian ties to direct its affairs going forward.

Dr Higinus ‘Gene’ Leon who is married to Montserratian Brenda Thomas Leon is scheduled to take up the post officially on May 1st.

He succeeds Dr. Warren Smith who has been the CDB’s president for the last 10 years.

The CDB says Dr. Leon has over 30 years of experience in economic development and has directed macroeconomic and financial policy support to government authorities in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia and the Caribbean. 

He has worked with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for more than 24 years, serving as mission chief for the Gulf States of Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates as well as The Bahamas, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. 

Prior to his engagement with the IMF, Leon was an associate professor at State University of New York at Old Westbury.

Leon holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom and a Bachelor of Science Degree (BSc) in Economics from the University of London.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Leon says he is deeply honoured by the trust that the Board of Governors has demonstrated in his experience and ability.

He adds that the CDB remains an instrumental partner in regional development…emphasizing that he looks forward to working with all Member States and a tremendous staff with zeal and unrelenting commitment.