What Happened to Gabriel Abed?

Gabriel Abed, an early pioneer in the blockchain space and one of the first advocates for Caribbean crypto adoption, gained prominence as the co-founder of Bitt Inc., a fintech company aiming to modernize financial infrastructure through blockchain. Bitt made waves by pioneering central bank digital currency (CBDC) trials in the Caribbean — particularly in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean islands. But what happened to Abed after the initial hype around regional blockchain adoption began to fade?

A Diplomatic Shift

Beyond crypto development, Gabriel Abed transitioned toward diplomacy. He became Barbados' Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, representing one of the first efforts by a sovereign nation to integrate a digital economy specialist into diplomatic activity. This appointment signaled a substantial pivot from crypto entrepreneur to governmental strategist, blending statecraft with emerging technologies.

While this move elevated his global profile within policy circles, it also distanced him from the frontlines of decentralized finance innovation. Abed reiterated in various forums the importance of digital sovereignty and the potential for CBDCs to aid underserved communities — yet his direct involvement in crypto projects became less pronounced post-ambassadorship.

Challenges at Bitt

Though Abed co-founded Bitt and helped secure strategic partnerships — including with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank — the company faced operational hurdles. Leadership transitions, developmental lags, and increasing competition from other CBDC technology providers created friction in scaling their solutions. Gabriel Abed eventually stepped back from an executive role at Bitt, limiting his hands-on influence on the platform's evolution.

Remaining in the Crypto Conversation

Despite his reduced presence in direct crypto development, Abed continues to contribute to blockchain discourse through think tank participation and advisory roles. He has voiced public support for decentralized financial systems, often aligning with community-driven innovation models similar to those seen in projects like Canto Governance.

An enduring figure in Caribbean crypto policy, Abed remains aligned with blockchain's potential to drive economic inclusion, even if his operational focus has shifted toward broader diplomatic and advisory endeavors. For those still actively investing in or supporting decentralized infrastructure, exploring platforms that emphasize open governance and community empowerment — such as those covered in Unlocking Canto — may offer deeper hands-on opportunities tied to the ethos Abed originally championed.

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