OpEd By Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
We, the People’s Democratic Movement, note with optimism the new Managing Director of the Royal Bank of Canada and welcome her to the Turks & Caicos Islands. The Presence of the Royal Bank of Canada in the TCI is welcome in equal measure.
Whilst we note without any form of Criticism of the meeting with Government officials, which included the Premier, Hon. C. Washington Misick, and the Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Kyle Knowles, we would like to press the following on the New Managing Director.
As the purpose of the meeting was stated to be for the discussion of Government funding requirements and potential avenues for RBC’s involvement in funding key Government projects, for talks to progress further than this, I believe the discussion on Financial Inclusion must take place: That is the opening of branches in our family islands providing much-needed access to banking services to individuals and businesses in our underserved communities. This can help improve financial literacy and access to financial products for the family islands population outside of Providenciales.
Secondly, a discussion on Supporting Economic Development must also be on the table: A caring government would have been soliciting the respective bank for more access to capital for our people on TCI-owned businesses. We are cognizant of the fact that by offering small to medium-sized business loans, banks can support entrepreneurship and economic development in our communities throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. Access to capital is crucial for small businesses to start and grow, and by providing loans, banks can help stimulate local economic activity and job creation.
Moreover, when banks invest in rural districts through branches and business loans, they contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of the community. Small businesses are often the backbone of rural economies, and by supporting them, banks can help these communities thrive.
I believe that Banks doing business should be concerned about Building Customer Relationships. Opening branches in our family islands and underserved communities of Providenciales, and providing business loans can help banks build long-term relationships with customers. By being present in the community and supporting local businesses, banks can establish trust and loyalty among residents, which can lead to increased customer retention and satisfaction.
This once again shows the differences in philosophy between the Peoples Democratic Movement and the Progressive National Party; My PDM Party believes in being a government of inclusion and giving attention to every one of our inhabited islands, and we seek to develop our people and see the growth and development of local business.
The PNP is not for this hence no discussion was put forward on these matters during their meetings. I believe it was the Premier and his government’s usual betrayal of public trust, as they prioritize corporate profits over the welfare of our local communities and their usual blatant disregard for the concerns and needs of the TCI people they were elected to serve.
I end by saying we deserve better from our banking institutions, the people of Providenciales where these banks are located deserve better, and our people in the family islands deserve better, therefore the TCI deserves better, and that is a PDM government who will work to foster a healthy and inclusive financial system that includes serving the interests of all our people in all our islands.
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