The banking community in Barbados has partnered with the local branch of the International Red Cross to offer financial assistance to Dominica which was struck by Tropical Storm Erika last Thursday.
Senior officials of the five commercial banks which operate in Barbados today assembled at the Corporate Offices of CIBC First Caribbean International Bank in Warrens, St Michael, to pledge their support.
The financial institutions involved in the relief fund are CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, First Citizens, RBC Royal Bank, Republic Bank and Scotiabank.
Speaking on behalf of RBC Royal Bank, Market Head of Business Banking for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Kevin Darling pledged EC $50 000 to the relief fund, stressing that his institution had a long history of assisting persons in need.
Scotiabank also pledged EC$50 000, with Marketing Manager Amanda Lynch-Foster telling reporters that the recent disaster afforded the region the opportunity to realize that “ elusive Caribbean unity.”
Managing Director of Retail Business and International Banking at CIBC First Caribbean Mark St Hill, noting that with the new school term scheduled to begin next week, his bank would also donate EC $50 000 to assist in the process.
Republic Bank (Barbados) Ltd will have an account opened for the Red Cross, and General Manager of Retail Banking Susan Torry disclosed that members of staff had used their initiative and opened their own account in support of the cause.
Meanwhile, Director General of the Barbados Red Cross Edmund Bradshaw brought the bankers up to date on developments in Dominica, announcing that the French Red Cross had sent a water purification system which will provide potable water to 4 500 residents in the Grand Bay area in the south of the island. A second plant was being considered for another affected area, Edmund said.
He announced that in an attempt to simplify the process funds should be placed in the Red Cross Appeal for Dominica Account, which will be opened at all five commercial banks.
The appeal runs through to October 2, 2015 and Edmund said all funds will be forwarded to the Dominica Red Cross. (NC)