Banking on future

IN an effort to give primary school students an avenue to use their talents and energy, Christian minister Terry Scantlebury of the West Coast Ministries introduced a primary schools’ choir competition in 2006, but he couldn’t do it alone.  
He therefore approached the Barbados National Bank Inc. (BNB), and since then, according to Sharon Howell, marketing officer – communications/customer service, the bank has pledged to continue its support of this project and others involving children.
“We all know that children of today will be the men and women of tomorrow, our future leaders and we must do everything to ensure that they get the right start to guarantee their growth and development,” Howell said.
Scantlebury said the contest, known as the Northern Primary Schools Choir Competition, had its share of challenges but BNB’s input had opened a whole new world to the children – including the idea of saving.
“We believe that if it is possible for the BNB to start small accounts, maybe $20 or so for choir members, with the proviso that they cannot withdraw until it reaches about $500, then that would bring  business to the bank while at the same time encouraging both children and parents to be financially prudent,” Scantlebury said.
Meanwhile, he and others at West Coast Ministries are hoping to maintaining a strong, harmonious relationship with the bank. “We thank them for all they’ve done for us,”  Scantlebury stated. (GP)