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Banks challenged to open accounts for differently abled students

The Principal (Ag.) of the Eslyn Henley Richez Learning Centre, Mrs Vansittart Huggins (left), has thrown out a challenge to banks in the Virgin Islands to open savings accounts for the differently abled students of the Centre. Photo: VINO
The Principal (Ag.) said the initiative would teach the children to save and to also give them some financial stability when they eventually leave the Centre. Photo: VINO
The Principal (Ag.) said the initiative would teach the children to save and to also give them some financial stability when they eventually leave the Centre. Photo: VINO
Members of the BVI Bankers Association present at the luncheon at the Eslyn Henley Richez Learning Centre on November 29, 2013. Left to right: Mr Roger H. Martin who is employed with Scotiabank; Ms Ebony Rhymer of First Bank; Mr Tomas Jones of the National Bank of the Virgin Islands and Ms Roslyn McMillan of CIBC First Caribbean International Bank. Photo: VINO
Members of the BVI Bankers Association present at the luncheon at the Eslyn Henley Richez Learning Centre on November 29, 2013. Left to right: Mr Roger H. Martin who is employed with Scotiabank; Ms Ebony Rhymer of First Bank; Mr Tomas Jones of the National Bank of the Virgin Islands and Ms Roslyn McMillan of CIBC First Caribbean International Bank. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Principal (Ag.) of the Eslyn Henley Richez Learning Centre, Mrs Vansittart Huggins, has thrown out a challenge to banks in the Virgin Islands to open savings accounts for the differently abled students of the Centre.

Mrs Huggins was at the time speaking at the luncheon hosted at the centre by the BVI Bankers Association on November 29, 2013.

The Principal (Ag.) said the initiative would teach the children to save and to also give them some financial stability when they eventually leave the Centre. She even suggested that the bank could pay the start-up money.

“One of our desires, at least from the administration point of view, is if you can go on a campaign, whichever bank comes first, and see if the students can open a bank account or if you can put up the first one hundred dollars for each child and in that way you are really teaching them how to save and to budget and when they leave here they would be leaving with some sort of financial stability to go on with life….at least a hundred dollars times 19 or 22 [students].

In that way we can invest in our children not only for today but forever,” Mrs Huggins told the members of the Bankers Association that included the Chairperson of the PR Committee, Mr Roger H. Martin who is employed with Scotiabank; Mr Tomas Jones of the National Bank of the Virgin Islands; Ms Ebony Rhymer of First Bank and Ms Roslyn McMillan of First Caribbean International Bank.

Mrs Huggins has in the past called on the public and private sector to employ differently abled students who would have graduated from the Eslyn Henley Richez Learning Centre.

Meanwhile, the very mannerly and orderly students were served up turkey, ham, tilapia, rice, macaroni pie, coleslaw and a host of other delicacies by the members of the BVI Bankers Association. “It has been done in the past and we just wanted to continue that tradition and spend a little time with the students of the Eslyn Henley Richez Learning Centre. Collectively, the banks in the community take great pride in sponsoring and taking part in such events,” Mr Martin had told Virgin Islands News Online.

12 Responses to “Banks challenged to open accounts for differently abled students”

  • bvi (03/12/2013, 09:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I AGREE WITH THE HEAD TEACHER
  • Well said (03/12/2013, 09:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now that makes sense. I hope they take the Principal up on that wonderful suggestion. Banks, remember that the kids would have a passport ID at least, but the usual requirement of 2 photo ID's would be unreasonable, so consider that as well. You call that putting your money where your mouth is.
  • farmer brown (03/12/2013, 10:23) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Where is the iron lady minister she missed another photo oops
  • Banker (03/12/2013, 12:12) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    banking should be introduce to all schools, so that the children can learn at an early stage.
  • VG (03/12/2013, 12:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    THAT'S A GREAT IDEA!!!!!!!
  • jennyjo (03/12/2013, 13:20) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good job Mr. Martin and team.
  • samdan (03/12/2013, 13:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is a shame that a territory such as the BVI do not pay enough attention to teaching financial fundamentals in the schools and HLSCC. We are known as a financial services territory and one would think that the schools would be focusing on finance literacy. Mr. Education Minister, the Principal obviously has a good head and vision, what about you and your Government?
  • JamesP (03/12/2013, 13:42) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Martin, First I wish to commend you and the banking association for such a great gesture in involving these very special people, I wished more organisations would follow suit. For years I have admired your customer service skills in the bank, didn't know you moved to scotia bank though. I know that you will be a great PR Chairman for the bank association. Can I suggest that for Christmas you and your members sponsor a party for the elderly with Christmas gifts such as nighties, pjamas, vests, socks, toiletries, etc. Well done - its nice to see a Belonger taking the lead, we need to see more of your kind in the news.


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