CIBC Grand Turk Re-opening a Clarion Call

#Grand Turk, December 4, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – The Honourable Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, Turks and Caicos Premier, applauded the official re-opening of CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Grand Turk branch as a “clarion call to all financial institutions that the Turks and Caicos Islands, and particularly the island of Grand Turk, remain open for business.”

Her remarks were made at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the branch’s official re-opening on Thursday, November 29.  The celebratory occasion signified a new era of service and convenience for the people of Grand Turk, with CIBC FirstCaribbean being the only bank to offer a location for in-branch services on the island since the other bank pulled out earlier this year.

Mrs. Cartwright-Robinson said she was particularly gratified as the occasion represented a “commitment to ensuring ease of access to financial services for residents and visitors throughout the Turks and Caicos, and of course in the nation’s capital.”

Mrs. Cartwright Robinson’s remarks were followed by those of Her Excellency Anya Williams, TCI’s Deputy Governor.

“I believe [CIBC FirstCaribbean’s] investment in this branch should send a signal to other businesses, not only in Grand Turk but those outside of Grand Turk.  The fact that you’ve seen fit to make this investment demonstrates your commitment, and I hope that others follow suit.

“[CIBC FirstCaribbean] has been a longstanding member of our community and is enshrined in our history.  We thank them for their commitment to this island; for seeing fit to continue their investment in the branch here; for seeing fit to not use it as an excuse to downsize or exit the island; for looking to this island with optimism and not looking at the current state of affairs at the time but instead seeing the possibility of the future here in Grand Turk.”

CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Country Manager (TCI) Larry Lawrence expressed delight on behalf of the bank not only in being able to offer an updated in-branch space that will allow for better service and a more enjoyable client experience; but also, in being an integral part of the Grand Turk community.

“Today’s occasion celebrates the people of Grand Turk.  CIBC FirstCaribbean’s mission is to serve the needs of the individuals, families and businesses in Grand Turk, and certainly, the wider Turks and Caicos community.  Our new and improved branch will allow us to continue doing just that.

“Our commitment to the community goes beyond this newly renovated building,” Mr. Lawrence added just before donating $6,000 to Grant Turk Public Schools.  HJ Robinson High School, Ona Glinton Primary School and Eliza Simons Primary School were presented with a cheque for $2,000 each to assist with repairs as they each work to return to a state of normalcy following the destructive 2017 Hurricane season.

Representatives joined Mr. Lawrence at the podium to accept the donation on behalf of the schools.

Mr. Lawrence gave assurance of CIBC FirstCaribbean’s continued commitment to the people of TCI, and also applauded the contribution of employees in the bank’s success.

“Our success can only be achieved through incredible team work.  I am honored to work alongside some of the best in the business, and want to publicly acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our staff.”

Devastation by Hurricanes Irma and Maria forced CIBC FirstCaribbean to close its Grand Turk branch in 2017.  Initial repairs facilitated a quick return to business for the Grand Turk community, but complete renovation was continually underway culminating with the grand re-opening.

The event was attended by Her Excellency Anya Williams, Acting Governor; the Honourable Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson; the Honourable Goldray Ewing, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing; the Honourable Karen Malcolm, Minister of Education; the Honourable George Lightbourne, Member of the Opposition, the Honourable Temard Butterfield, Governor’s Appointed Member; the Hon. Lillian Missick, Former Governor’s Appointed Member and Desmond Morrison, Director of Finance, Financial Services Commission, among others.

Press Release: CIBC FirstCaribbean

Photo Captions:

Header: Queena Wilson, Grand Turk Branch Manager, CIBC FirstCaribbean; Clarence Simmons, one of the bank’s oldest customers in Grand Turk; Honourable Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson; Larry Lawrence, TCI Country Manager, CIBC FirstCaribbean; Her Excellency Anya Williams, Acting Governor, TCI and Jacqui Bend, Director of Retail Sales and Branch Operations, CIBC FirstCaribbean, cutting the ribbon to officially reopen the newly renovated branch and mark a new era of service and convenience for the people of Grand Turk.

Insert: CIBC FirstCaribbean donates $6,000 to Grant Turk Public Schools. HJ Robinson High School, Ona Glinton Primary School and Eliza Simons Primary School were presented with a cheque for $2,000 each to assist with repairs as they each work to return to a state of normalcy following the destructive 2017 Hurricane season.