Premier Speaks to ScotiaBank recent announcements

We were informed that this is a continuation of what has already happened in the Bahamas and now Cayman Islands, BVI and the Turks and Caicos Islands and was the Bank’s direction to direct its customers more to use the heavily invested technological systems while allowing staff to focus on strategic goals.

We outlined our concerns to the Bank for its staff, its customers in light of the recovery and challenging internet services, the message being sent to the general public of these Islands and the Nation’s Capital specifically. We also requested of the Bank that its representatives meet with the public of Grand Turk and allow them to share their concerns and to advise on how the services will continue. This request has gone forward for consideration.

We do understand that this is a corporate decision and are grateful that the dates were staggered. We are aware of the staff challenges and the fact that the decision has been made from the highest office in Canada. However we believe that this is a rather unfortunate decision that could not come at a worse time.

I am aware that the Bank would have also today met with the Acting Governor and the Labour Commissioner today. We will continue our discussions with the Bank and critical stakeholders on this issue to see how we might be able to avert this decision, failing which, then how we may be able to assist with minimizing the impact of th closure of the physical space on the communities in Grand Turk.