Gov’t negotiating with banks about loan payments of affected residents
CIBC First Caribbean International Bank is offering deferred payments and special loan financing to help its clients affected by COVID-19
In the face of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has begun to affect multiple sectors as well as job security, government is having talks with various banking institutions to offer residents more favourable deals on loans.
Addressing residents during a joint press conference with Opposition Leader Marlon Penn on Tuesday, Premier Fahie said: “We know that you are concerned about your bank loans. We are on the banks to give us the best deal.”
“We are not going to come off negotiations with them [because] we are in this together. All of us are in this together and your government is going to do its best.”
Willing to assist
In the meantime, the BVI Bank Association said in a recent public statement that “all banks within the territory are ready and willing to assist their customers as needed”.
It stated that customers must contact their respective banking institution if they are experiencing challenges at this time.
“We have no one-size-fits-all solution. But we are willing to work with our retail and commercial customers on a case-by-case basis as we continue to value your business,” the Association said.
CIBC offering deferred payments
At least one local financial institution, CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, has since said it is working with its client-base for those adversely impacted by the COVID-19.
That bank has said it is offering “deferred payments, special loan financing and other concessions aimed at helping clients cushion the financial impact of the pandemic on households and businesses across the region”.
Businesses need to remain viable
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Penn said he will be unrelenting in lobbying for the government to implement what’s in the best interest of residents.
He said: “We have to ensure that we do whatever is possible to make sure that our businesses remain viable and I will keep on the Premier to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to ensure that the employees and the businesses get the necessary support that they need to continue to remain viable and productive in our territory.”
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nice move
Will Government be paying by the 27th so that Government workers could have the means to shop and pay their April house rent. So assistance for those in need will come in if needs be any time after the 15th of April.
Just a suggestion
Why the Governor and his Deputy with their Department of Human Resources block we as public officers being paid on time to shop? Bad people.
MR PREMIER LET THE BANKS COME OUT AND SAY WHAT THEY WILL DO BECAUSE PEOPLE CANNOT FLOCK IN TO THE BANK AND WAIT ALL DAY FOR NOTHING YOU KNOW IT WILL TAKE A YEAR BEFORE YOU CAN SEE ONE IN THESE BANKS AND BY THAT TIME THEY WILL HAVE YOUR HOUSE FOR SALE AND THEIR RICH FRIENDS WILL EAT THEM UP. I KNOW THERE IS PEOPLE WHO ALWAYS LATE OR BEHIND AND IT HAVE THOSE WHO PAY ON TIME BUT IN THIS SITUATION THEY NEED TO DO FOR EVERYONE.
After Irma a particular bank decided to defer the payment for all customers with loans regardless. I had a direct debit for my loan linked to an account. When the last payment was made I noticed a significant increase. I inquired as to amount and was told that this is was the service charge for deferring the loan which was done by the bank for all customers. Did this happen to others or just me??