CIBC FirstCaribbean gave special farewell gifts to several health and educational institutions recently ahead of the closure of the bank there at the end of last month.
Country Head Stephen Lander said the bank’s closure “brought to an end 186 years of providing banking services to the people of Dominica starting with our heritage banks, The Colonial Bank in 1837, which became Barclays Bank in 1950 and then FirstCaribbean International Bank in 2002”.
He said the bank had “shared in your triumphs and heavy trials over the years especially the impact of devastating storms and hurricanes like David, Erika and Maria. We were there to help bring relief supplies and in the long rebuilding process after each setback.”
Lander said the bank was also very proud to have contributed to the success of many companies and individuals by providing the financing and advice to help them realise their ambitions.
He also praised the staff of the bank who “served the people of Dominica with commitment, passion and professionalism up to the very last day”.
Educational institutions, Wills Strathmore Stevens School and The Dominican Community High School were both presented with monetary contributions of EC $6,000.00 and EC $11,094.84 respectively.
Principal of the Dominica Community High School, Deborah Joseph expressed her gratitude for the timely contribution stating that the contribution will go towards much needed development in the school’s Plant and Agricultural Programme.
Another benefactor was The Dominica Cancer Society. President of the organization Mrs. Yvonne Alexander was presented with over EC $30,000.00 by Country Head Stephen Lander.
Mrs Alexander described the occasion as a bittersweet moment but was grateful to CIBC FirstCaribbean for its continued support over the years. With the financial assistance provided, the organization’s mission of providing cancer care and support to its members and others requesting their services is closer to being met.
Finally, The Ministry Education also received 30 computers from the bank. Senior Administrative Officer in the Ministry of Education, Jiselle Allport expressed how the receipt of the computers will benefit several learning institutions on the island.
