Sadly, it falls on me once again to say goodbye, on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, to a true treasure in our midst — quiet and unassuming though he was.
Charles Tibbits, the long-standing partner at PriceWaterhouseCooper, key member of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry and respected tax consultant, passed away last Thursday, leaving a void that will not easily be filled.
Charles, whose expertise has been valued by several administrations over the years, was always the gentleman, no matter how strongly his opinion or perspective differed from yours.
That was certainly one reason why his quiet, authoritative voice was constantly sought after by the news media to make sense of some of the complex national and international tax measures, which our nation has had to deal with, in recent years, for the benefit of ordinary Barbadians, as well as members of the business community.
In fact, for many years, Charles’ post-Budget analyses and commentary proved to be critical components in helping Barbadians to understand not only the implications of measures Government would have employed, but why they would have been enacted. His was an approach that encouraged mature, sensible national discussion.
We shall miss him. On behalf of the Government,