NDP put all energies to return banking on VG - Dr Smtih
The former Premier was at the time speaking to the Government Information Service (GIS) on the sidelines of the November 6, 2019, launch of Banco Popular in Valley, VG.
NDP started the effort - Dr Smith
In early August 2018, Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) had reported that the Scotiabank branch on Virgin Gorda (VG) was closing its door by the end of that month.
The bank officially closed on September 1, 2018, with Premier Dr D. Orlando Smith (AL)—in explaining the reason for the closure—saying that a revision of the bank’s mode of operation had been introduced regionally with greater emphasis on digital banking.
At the launch of Banco Popular, Dr Smith said that it was important that people in all communities have access to banking, as such, banking services are especially needed for people who live on the separate islands of the territory given the time and resources needed to travel to Tortola for those services.
"We saw it as a government and the government that came after us saw it as that important. And so, we put all our energies into getting this started," Dr Smith told GIS.
VG Brings Revenues
Meanwhile, Junior Minister for Tourism, Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL) said that as a resident of VG she was excited and pleased to see banking finally return.
"We've been without a bank for a long time, and as you know, Virgin Gorda as the Premier [Andrew A. Fahie (R1)] said, provides a lot of revenue to the government as well."
"It is a red-letter day for the entire Virgin Islands," she said. The Junior Minister for Tourism also noted that it is important that banking is now available for residents of the island and especially for tourists.
25 Responses to “NDP put all energies to return banking on VG - Dr Smtih”
Lol
He must know something brewing and a good stew for us under the current leadership.
Hmmmm.
I know people who would be dead if it wasn't for him. Money or nno money,he gave the sick his utmost. Bless him and his family.
VIP IN FOR JUST A COUPLE IF MONTHS YOU REALLY THINK THAT THIS AGREEMENT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT WITH THE ISSUE WITH SCOTIA BANK.
BANCO HAD TO ENSURE THAT THEIR SPOT IS SECURED. FURTHET HOW VG PEOPLE HAVE SHORT MEMORY.
IS SCOTIA THE FIRST BANK TO LEFT? WHAT ABOUT FIRST BANK AND CIBC FIRST CARIBBEAN? THEY WERE THERE BEFORE AND LEFT.
MAYBE IT IS JUST NOT PROFITABLE FOR THEM OR MAJOR TRANSACTIONS LIKE LOANS FOR MORGAGES, BUSINESS AND PROPERTY CANNOT BE DONE IN VG
These overzealous blind at any cost VIP supporters lack reasoning and common sense skills.
Not a good look for their Party trying to force credit where it does not and could not belong.