Mr. Ormond Cyril “OC” Forde was responsible for two major significant financial institutions in St. Vincent: The St Vincent Co-operative Bank Limited (at left) and St. Vincent Building and Loan Association
Penny Bank’, celebrated 77 years of service to the Vincentian public on February 1, 2022.
And although the 77th year of existence might not usually be referred to as a milestone birthday, that is not the case with the SVCB, which will mark its 77th year with much pride and elevated service.
Founding principles live on
Years have passed, and times have changed, however, the core values of the SVCB have remained constant –ensuring a true customer experience. In fact, the vision of the bank’s founders back in 1945 remain the guiding, operating principles today.
“We started when the international banks were giving locals a difficult time to do business, and that was the reason for our existence,” Melissia Bailey, Loans Manager at SVCB said.
Bailey has been employed at SVCB for over 18 years and has spent most of her years at the bank working in the Loans Department.
She said that of all her accomplishments, ensuring quality customer service is on top.
“We were founded to assist our fellow Vincentians; to afford them an opportunity with a local institution,” she continued.
All it took then was one penny to open an account, Bailey said.
And up to today, the financial institution has helped several people to achieve their goals and to accumulate wealth.
“What we strive for is more than just customer service but customer experience, because experience is more than customer service…the experience is forever,” said Bailey.
And customer service has resulted in customer loyalty. In fact, Bailey boasted that they have received a number of referrals through loyal customers.
“So that is what we are about…. providing the customer with an experience to become loyal to us,” she said.
Shadia Joseph, Loans Officer and who has been employed at the SVCB for the past 15 years, said that she values the Bank’s way of dealing with its customers.
“I take pride in going above and beyond,” Joseph said, adding, “It is comforting to see a customer come and grow with us.”
Looking beyond 77
As it nears 100 years of existence, the SVCB recognizes that change is inevitable… that the institution must change.
Bailey and Joseph commented on the bank’s move to becoming commercialized and more automated as recognition of the need to change… to adjust to the demands of the time.
Notwithstanding the new challenges, Bailey noted that the financial institution did not want to lose “the old-time tradition” upon which it was founded. That is the challenge that the SVCB is prepared to face head on.
And according to the bank’s Marketing Consultant, Juno DeRoche, the financial institution is looking to extend its social responsibility to the community.
On February 15, the bank pledged its commitment to supporting the Girls’ High School’s annual sporting activity for the next three years, and on February 18, members of staff will venture to the community of Fancy to distribute some tokens to one of the pre-schools there, and to continue its outreach to persons affected by the 2021 eruption of the La Soufrière volcano.
“There are many things that we will be doing. We are reaching out and giving back because that is our mantra… to give back to the community,” DeRoche said. (DD)