Professor Troy Lorde

Professor Troy Lorde is Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Director (ag.) of the Shridath
Ramphal Centre for International Trade, Law, Policy and Services (SRC) at The University of the
West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus. He is also WTO Chair for the Caribbean under the World
Trade Organization’s WTO Chairs Programme, where he leads research and capacity-building
initiatives on trade, development and institutional transformation in small developing states.
Professor Lorde holds a BSc in Economics and Accounting (First Class Honours) from UWI, an MA
in Economics from York University (Canada), and a PhD from the University of Surrey (United
Kingdom). An economist specialising in tourism economics, international trade and the
development challenges of small states, he has built a distinguished academic career grounded in
rigorous empirical research and strategic policy engagement. He has authored more than 60
peer-reviewed publications, presented widely at regional and international conferences, and is
ranked among the top economists in the Caribbean and Latin America by RePEc.
Beyond academia, Professor Lorde has contributed to national policy through service on several
public boards and advisory bodies in Barbados. His research and policy work focus on how
countries can strengthen productivity, diversify their economies, build resilient institutions and
create sustainable pathways to prosperity. He is a frequent adviser and commentator on
economic policy and governance.
Professor Lorde is also a respected public intellectual and author of the weekly newspaper
column, An Economy of Thought. Through his writing, he examines the economic choices shaping
Barbados’ future, arguing that long-term prosperity depends not only on sound macroeconomic
management but also on strong institutions, productive investment, entrepreneurship and
inclusive models of wealth creation. His commentary has become an important voice in national
discussions on economic policy, governance, and development.
Drawing on both academic research and practical policy experience, Professor Lorde brings a
unique perspective to the role of cooperative enterprise in economic development. His work
highlights how strong institutions, collective investment and locally owned enterprises can
mobilise capital, expand economic opportunity, and foster inclusive and sustainable
growth—making him an ideal contributor to discussions on the future of the cooperative
movement in Barbados and the wider Caribbean.