PM Harris: Opening Of BON On St. Kitts Demonstrates Continuing Close Relationship Between St. Kitts And Nevis

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, April 6, 2021 (MMS-SKN) — Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, has hailed the opening on Tuesday April 6 of the Bank of Nevis Limited branch in Basseterre as a demonstration of the continuing close relationship between the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Prime Minister Harris, who is also the Chair of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Monetary Council, said the opening of the bank branch on lower Fort Street in Basseterre was a historic and auspicious occasion that brought several pleasant commentaries to the fore. The opening follows the successful acquisition of the assets and liabilities of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) on St. Kitts by the Bank of Nevis.

“One of the things that is certain is that today our people in St. Kitts and Nevis, residents and citizens all now have more choices, more options, when it comes to satisfying their banking needs,” observed the Honourable Prime Minister. “The opening of this St. Kitts branch, of the Bank of Nevis, also reflects the continuing close strong relationship between our two islands and of course it demonstrates what can be achieved when we work closely together.”

According to Dr Harris, the Bank of Nevis has always promoted itself of having an interest in ‘Improving the Quality of Life’, a motto that has inspired its leaders over the years to grow the Bank’s business, emerging from humble beginnings to become one of the leading providers of banking services on the island of Nevis and now in the Federation.

“The Board and management of the Bank of Nevis have determined that this is a good juncture to expand its footprint for the benefit of the people of St. Kitts,” said Prime Minister Harris. “This provides an opportunity for the Bank to grow stronger and influence the development trajectory of the Federation as a whole.”

Also delivering remarks at the ceremony included the Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Mr Timothy Antoine, and Premier of Nevis and Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon Mark Brantley.

The ceremony was chaired by BON Marketing Officer Mr Phéon Jones, and other remarks were delivered by General Manager of the Bank Mr Everette Martin, Chairman of the bank Mr Laurie Lawrence, and Project Manager Ms Dwane Williams.

In attendance included Governor General’s Deputy His Excellency Michael Morton, Minister of Tourism the Hon Lindsay Grant and Mrs Wendy Grant, first BON Manager Richard Lupinacci, Lady Sheila Daniel, widow of Nevis’ first Premier and National Hero the Right Excellent Dr Sir Simeon Daniel, and directors of the bank from Nevis and from St. Kitts. Lady Daniel, assisted by Prime Minister Harris, cut the ribbon to open the branch.

“This RBC Building is already well known to many people and has long played a role in the commercial life of our island,” pointed out Prime Minister Harris. “Today it will be renamed, and already it has been, The Bank of Nevis Limited, and will become the new home for Bank of Nevis customers. This name change is also an example of the modernisation of our economy, and the new choices people have when it comes to their finances.”

He added: “Today it is an honour for me to witness the culmination of the journey of the Bank of Nevis Limited since it took the bold decision to purchase the operations of RBC and RBTT operations in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.”