FORMER prime ministers PJ Patterson and Bruce Golding are among a group of distinguished Caribbean leaders who have congratulated Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke on his appointment as deputy managing director of International Monetary Fund.

Clarke, who is scheduled to take up his new position in Washington, DC, on October 31, will succeed Antoinette Sayeh who steps down on September 12. He will be one of the fund’s four deputy MDs, the others being Gita Gopinath, the first deputy managing director; Kenji Okamura; and Bo Li.

Patterson, the statesman in residence at PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy, in his letter to Clarke said, “Jamaica and indeed the wider Caribbean are entitled to feel a sense of pride and joy that you have been deservedly chosen to join the illustrious band of our progeny in the highest echelons of leadership within an institution of such seminal importance to the global community.

“As the entire world is forced to grapple with persistent inequities and tackle new challenges to the universe, it is evident that at the level of policy innovation there are those who must bring to bear the searing experiences of debt and the urgency of sustainable development.

“We confidently anticipate that your tenure will be a strong voice for the developing states in the design of fitting structures that will promote monetary reforms in order to ensure growth and prosperity for every human being, regardless of their origin or where they currently dwell.

“As you embark on this new phase of endeavour, The PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy joins in a loud, bold salute with all those who call for a just international economic order to achieve the approved millennium goals on the single planet which all mankind must together share.”

Golding, who served as Jamaica’s eighth prime minister, said Dr Nigel Clarke’s appointment is a signal achievement for Jamaica.

“We should all be proud. However, it is a great loss to Jamaica, given the expertise with which he has carried the portfolio of minister of finance and the transformation that he has wrought to the fiscal management of the Government,” Golding said.

“We must be careful not to assume that he will be Jamaica’s man at the IMF but his deep and hands-on understanding of the circumstances and challenges of developing countries like Jamaica might cause the IMF to pivot from the orthodoxies of the last few decades and embrace the new reality and possibilities of the global economy not confined to the developed countries.

“I am saddened to see him leave us but I celebrate with all Jamaica his ascension to this prestigious position,” Golding said.

Former Opposition leader and People’s National Party President Dr Peter Phillips, in a post on X said Clarke’s appointment is a testament to his achievement, “and will provide Jamaica and the Caribbean with a welcome resource as we continue to strive for sustainable economic growth”.

Jamaican-American historian and sociologist Professor Orlando Patterson said the appointment holds profound significance for both the IMF and Jamaica.

“For the IMF, Dr Clarke’s appointment enhances its mission as a global organisation engaging with countries at all stages of development. For Jamaica, this milestone reflects its outsized influence on the world stage — not only in culture and athletics but also through the contributions of its intellectuals, activists, and statesmen,” added Patterson, the John Cowles professor of sociology, Harvard University.

“Dr Clarke brings to the IMF a rare combination of attributes: formidable intellect, successful business acumen, a distinguished career in national financial management, grass roots political insight, and a deep sensitivity to the unique challenges faced by emerging middle-income countries. Few among the IMF’s leadership can rival this breadth of expertise,” Professor Patterson said.

He also said that Jamaica stands to gain not only in global prestige but also through the nuanced understanding that Clarke will bring to the IMF of the nation’s distinctive challenges, strengths, and opportunities.

“His influence promises to amplify Jamaica’s voice on the global stage in powerful and lasting ways,” Professor Patterson said.

Former chancellor of The University of the West Indies Sir George Alleyne also congratulated Clarke, saying, “From my knowledge of international organisations I am sure the appointment at this level must be a testament to your own technical and managerial skills. But in addition, it must be a feather in Jamaica’s cap as well as a source of immense pride for all our Caribbean people.”

Sir George, who also served as the United Nations secretary general’s special envoy for HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean from 2003 to 2010, added, “I have no doubt that you will do yourself, your country, and your region proud. I look forward to seeing you in Washington.”

Former Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall, who is also patron of PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy, said Clarke’s appointment to “this esteemed position” is a testament to his “outstanding expertise, unwavering commitment, and profound dedication to the field of economics and financial governance”.

He said that Clarke, throughout his career, had “exemplified the highest standards of public service, consistently demonstrating a visionary approach to economic development and fiscal management”.

Added Sir Kenneth: “Your leadership has not only transformed Jamaica’s economic landscape but has also earned the respect and recognition of your peers on the global stage. As you step into this new and prestigious role I have every confidence that you will continue to contribute significantly to the advancement of global financial stability and economic resilience. Your appointment is a source of great pride for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.”