Development Bank building undergoes minor makeover

Mr Lenworth Harris, General Manager, Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis

BASSETERRE ST. KITTS (April 10, 2013) — General Manager of the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis, Mr Lenworth Harris, is advising the bank’s customers and members of the general public that maintenance work is currently being undertaken on the bank building which might cause slight inconveniences.

“The Development Bank apologises to its esteemed customers and members of the general public for the inconveniences they will undergo as this necessary renovation work is in progress,” said Mr Harris. The work which started two weeks ago might take another four weeks according to the contractor.

The General Manager said that the renovation was due and at the end of it, the Development Bank will offer its customers a more comfortable service. He advices persons coming to do business in the banking hall and members of the general public walking in the vicinity of the bank building situated on the corner of Church and Central Streets, to take all precautions.

“We have taken precautions to ensure the safety of our clients,” said Mr Harris. “However, as the country is currently experiencing interment inclement weather, it is natural for persons to seek shelter near buildings. Please keep clear of the railings that have been mounted to support workers on the outside of the building.”

Men at work: Rehabilitation work, on the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis building, on the corner of Church and Central Streets in Basseterre

The renovation job has been given to local contractor Mr Atumba Cornelius, who through his spokesman Mr Carol Raymore said that painting inside the building will be over this weekend. Painting inside the building is done over the weekends so as to not subject staff and customers to fumes from fresh paints.

“Initially we were just going to paint the outside walls, and the eaves and there was some lumber that we had to replace on the eaves,” commented Mr Raymore. “But on removing those materials, we discovered that there was significant deterioration which was not visible.”

The contractor will as a result remove the old cider shingles and install new treated hardwood shingles that originate from Guyana called walaba shingles, which he says are very resilient and can last for between 30-40 years.

“We have put up warning signs and the police are involved in controlling the traffic,” said Mr Raymore. “But people will still see the signs and will want to come closer, so we have to be mindful of the public as well, because they pass around while we are working on the heights and something could fall.”