National Bank Turns 40!

ZIZ News…Feb 16, 2011 – On the eve of the launch of National Bank’s 40th anniversary the directors, management and staff of the Bank turned out in their numbers on Sunday February 13, 2011, at the Wesley Methodist Church to give thanks to God. The service of thanksgiving was the first in the calendar of activities to mark the Bank’s achievements. The celebration is being held under the theme Vision, Resilience Stability…Hallmarks of Our Journey.

Sir Edmund Lawrence, Managing Director, in his opening remarks noted that the Bank started in 1971 with $50,000.00 and a staff of 12. The Bank now has $2.3 billion in assets and 170 employees. Other achievements of note mentioned, were the introduction of the Automated Teller Machines, Debits Cards, Online Banking and Mobile Banking to the domestic market.

In attendance was the Prime Minister, The Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, who brought congratulatory remarks from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Monetary Council and the Government of St Kitts Nevis. The Prime Minister in his remarks also stated that despite the challenges the company had faced over the decades, National stood as a beacon of banking in the region. He further indicated that the bank’s success was not only attributable to its management but also its hardworking staff who over the years had provided yeoman’s service to the institution.

Other attendees included Ministers of Government, other members of Parliament, shareholders, customers, various sports organizations and the Board of Directors and staff of the Bank’s subsidiaries who were richly blessed in song. The National Bank Chorale electrified the congregation with its soulful rendition of O Give Thanks by Hezekiah Walker and Total Praise by Richard Smallwood, moving the audience to a standing ovation as they gave thanks and praise to God for his blessings over the years.

The officiating clergy were Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs Superintendant of the St. Kitts Circuit of the Methodist Church, Rev. Nasel Ephraim, President of the St. Kitts Christian Council, Rev. Joyce Rohan, Methodist Minister, and Bishop Ron Collins, President of the St. Kitts Evangelical Association.

In a press conference on February 15, 2011 Donald Thompson, Senior Assistant Managing Director, unveiled an impressive calendar of activities which was designed to give back to all of National Bank’s stakeholders. Several committees comprising of bank staff have been established to organize and execute these events.

Some of the activities to be held include a tree planting exercise, customer appreciation day, a shareholders seminar, a schools career week and a gala banquet and awards dinner. All events are designed to reinforce National’s commitment to the various publics it has served over the last 40 years and heighten the Bank’s dedication to it corporate social responsibility. The management and staff of National Bank are excitedly anticipating the new opportunities to become more involved with the communities we serve.