CIBC promises to help customers; gives $100K

While promising leniency to customers affected by Hurricane Irma, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank recently donated $100,000 to the Virgin Islands’ National Relief Fund.

The funds from the bank are to assist in the recovery efforts, following category 5 hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The bank’s country manager Stephane Burke presented the cheque on October 2 to Premier Dr D Orlando Smith during morning business hours at the bank’s Road Town branch.

“As part of the fabric of the Virgin Islands community, CIBC FirstCaribbean is committed to helping the territory recover following the terrible destruction caused by the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria,” Burke said.

“The support we are able to give is thanks to funds from the CIBC FirstCaribbean’s ComTrust Foundation to support organizations providing humanitarian relief in the territories that were affected by the storms,” she continued.

“Of the $550,000 set aside for such aid, I am very pleased that the BVI is the recipient of $100,000, which we entrust to the National Relief Fund to support plans for youth and education, health and wellness, and the community and environment.”

On accepting the donation in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Premier Smith noted the three ‘substantial events’ that affected the BVI in the past few weeks. They are a tropical wave that unfolded on August 7, followed by hurricanes Irma and Maria last month.

“It is a lot of the work that the territory has to be done, and I can’t emphasize enough the importance of our banks in this whole recovery effort. Without the banks, we cannot buy and sell. I want to thank you and the other banks for getting on the job as quickly as possible and opening the banks so that commerce can continue,” added Premier.

The CIBC country manager, in the meantime, acknowledged the bank’s staff, which returned to work one week after

Irma despite having personal experiences and losses.

She also addressed customers in the banking hall at the time she made the presentation.

Burke reassured the customers that all banking services are up and running, and she encouraged them to speak to a relationship manager for all requests regarding financing and moratoriums on loans.

“We are working closely with all of our clients, especially those whose homes, properties, and businesses were damaged or destroyed as a result of the storms.”

“Our aim is to provide manageable financial solutions customized to your individual needs and geared to helping you to get back on your feet. We are facilitating moratoriums and loan financing to assist in the rebuilding efforts, so we ask you to speak with a relationship manager to see how we can help,” she said.

Chief Executive Officer at CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank Gary Brown, in the meantime, said: “We are committed to working closely with our clients, colleagues, and communities to recover and rebuild. The road to recovery in some of the hardest hit areas will be long, but we will help each other through it.”