Caribbean News
TCI: CIBC FirstCaribbean responds to complaints about long lines and slow service
#TurksandCaicos, May 9, 2021 – One of the TCI preferred banks has offered a list of remedies to their clients who find themselves in long queues under the scorching sun, waiting for long hours to be served.
A highly disappointed customer reached out to our news organization to look into what their bank was doing to rectify the painful and repeated circumstance of towing long lines for long stretches of time, only to find one bank teller and no empathy.
This and other such queries prompted us to seek answers from the national manager as to why there seemed to be a struggle in delivering fast services to the customers; the steps the bank’s management was taking to onboard people to their e-systems and what they could do until in the interim to improve service to their thousands of customers.
In his response email, the manager of the CIBC FirstCaribbean, Larry Lawrence stated that the currently daunting long queues were due to the strict protocols adopted by the bank to protect and comply with the regulations set by the TCI authorities.
“Improving our clients’ experience and meeting their expectations is at the heart of what we do as a relationship-focused bank. Where we fall short, we immediately seek to revise our approach as best as we can for the benefit of all.
However, the reality is that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the need to adhere to strict protocols aimed at protecting both our employees and clients as they interact with us daily.”
In an emailed repl, to our emailed questions Mr. Lawerence further explained: “Our challenge is not unique, as other financial institutions or other places of business in general continue to deal with maintaining and adhering to strict social distancing protocols. FirstCaribbean will always continue to follow all guidelines as mandated by the authorities in this regard.”
But is the explanation sufficient, whether for CIBC FirstCaribbean, RBC or ScotiaBank, which comprise the offering of commercial banks in this jurisdiction. Is better service encumbered by health regulations or by a lack of will or creativity on the part of the banking institutions.
The manager assured the vast amount of transactions being performed in recent weeks were related to the Government Stimulus cheques and encashment services.
Even though the manager tied the slow service delivery to the current pandemic, the slow service delivery at the branch had been an issue prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A strong recommendation from Mr. Lawrence was for individuals seeking to cash cheques to open accounts with the banks and benefit from the full range of supporting services that will eliminate the need to visit the branch for these routine transactions.
According to Lawrence, having accounts at the bank, allows the customers to access effortless and free e-banking services, and use their drop box to lodge cheques, thereby avoiding long lines.
“We know that while there are some transactions that may necessitate a visit to our bank, we have enhanced our digital channels – online and mobile banking – to provide a continued safe, secure option for clients to bank at their convenience without having to visit the branch,” the manager added.
In his closing statement, the manager thanked the clients for their patience and understanding and promised the bank will continue working to improve their client’s experience.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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