Banks offer relief, Govt
looks into social needs
PHILIPSBURG--Several commercial banks are coming to the aid of flood victims, while several business people have approached government to help. A report on the social needs of the victims will be drawn up.
Banks such as Windward Islands Bank (WIB) and RBTT are offering loans with low interest rates and favourable terms to clients. FirstCaribbean said it was assisting its clients as well.
WIB is providing relief to clients case-by-case, based on the individual’s circumstances, through special loans and/or granting a grace period for payment, said Marketing and PR Manager Rolando Tobias. “We normally do this in case of a natural disaster,” he said.
Tobias said several persons had already asked about the possibility of assistance. “We try to accommodate each person who comes in. Based on certain conditions, relief is offered,” he said.
RBTT Managing Director Wayne Kowlessar said his bank had special loans with low interest rates and terms that were “very easy.” “We extend the payment if necessary and we don’t ask for hard collateral,” he said, explaining the people would have to comply with certain conditions. “We want to be very flexible and offer genuine help. The approval process will be very fast. But people do have to come with an estimate of what they need.”
FirstCaribbean Manager Kevera Turnquest said his bank had been assessing requests for assistance on a case-by-case basis. “We want to say to our clients that we’ll certainly want to help,” he said. According to Turnquest, not “very many” have been coming in for help. “That is surprising,” he added.
Commissioner Sarah Wescott-Williams mentioned during Wednesday’s press briefing that several banks and insurance companies had come to the assistance of flood victims by, among other things, extending the monthly deadline for payment.
She extended government’s appreciation to businesses that had come to the aid of flood victims and encouraged others to do the same. Community councils, including St. Peters Community Council, have been approached and within “the next day or two” a meeting will be held to discuss how to go about assisting the victims.
Commissioner of Social Affairs Louie Laveist announced that government should be receiving a report on the social needs of the affected people. He called on Sector Director Stanley Hodge and Fire Chief Winston Salomon to “get cracking” and draw up a report within the shortest possible time so that government and others can evaluate how and where to provide assistance.
Laveist said his foundation, New Hope Foundation, would also be making contributions to families that have suffered losses. He called on people and businesses to “do what you can do.” He urged everyone to leave “political melee, rhetoric” out it. The suffering is beyond that, he said.
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