The National Bank of Anguilla Group of Companies held a gala event on March 8 at the Anguilla Great House during which there were presentations to the 1985 Promoters of the Bank, to staff members for outstanding customer service in 2007 surveys and a dinner.

Seven of the eight NBA Promoters

The event, chaired by Company Secretary/Director, Timothy Hodge, was organised in celebration of NBA’s 23rd Anniversary and its achievement of one billion dollars in assets.

NBA’s current Management Team

In his welcome remarks, NBA’s Chief Executive Officer, E. Valentine Banks, made special mention of the shareholders who took the risk of investing in the bank’s initial share offering in 1985 and its additional offering in 2001; the promoters who showed so much foresight and who were wonderfully vindicated over the years; and the staff – the engine of the bank – some of whom have been with the bank since its beginning. He commended all for their desire, hard work and will to see the bank succeed.

NBA’s Awardees for outstanding Customer Service

He also welcomed members of past and present boards for their sense of purpose and for being pragmatic in directing the institution through the good and not so good years in Anguilla. Included in his welcome as well, was Sir Emile Gumbs, whose Government showed confidence in the people of Anguilla by approving the purchase of the assets of Bank of America thus giving birth to the National Bank of Anguilla.

NBA’s personnel at Open Day Food Fair

“This evening for me is more about staff than of a billion dollars or our 23rd Anniversary as based on our historic growth we can look forward to achieving many milestones in our assets and there will be other anniversaries as the years roll on,” he stated. “Staff are being celebrated and recognised primarily for their efforts over the last 23 years…NBA has been able to achieve numerous awards and kudos locally and regionally for its customer service, services and product offerings, community development and support.”

The Superfly String Band at NBA’s Open Day

Among those recognised during the ceremony were the Management Team of the Bank for their dedicated service and Olive Hodge whose two sons, Kennedy and Timothy were two of the original promoters of the bank.

Mrs. Jennifer Lewis-Hall

Keynote speaker, Mrs. Jennifer Lewis –Hall, said: “This is a very special night for NBA to sit back, relax and beam with pride at all your accomplishments.” She advised the bank that it was now time to build on its accomplishments. “You are living history and preparing to leave a legacy that will forever impact this island. NBA, you are a first and your accomplishments are many. From your rapid rise in assets to becoming the first bank on this island to have the online banking system in 1988 you are the first; and while NBA is called a national treasure by the Minister of Finance, Victor Banks, it is constantly making strides.

“The vision for NBA rests more than ever before on what its executives and employees can do together. Competition is fierce. We are in a global economy and we have fluctuating overseas markets.” She challenged NBA that now that it had made it to the top it needed to pursue other avenues of accomplishment to remain a national treasure.

Mrs. Lewis –Hall was also the motivational speaker at staff training sessions as well at meetings with Supervisors, Managers other Executives and Board Directors during this week.

Mrs. Richards and Farrah Banks at NBA’s Open Day

Following the speeches, First Vice Chairman and Past Chairman of NBA, Joseph Norris Payne, made presentations to seven of the eight Promoters of the Bank: Conrad W. Fleming, Fabian Fahie, Kennedy Hodge, Timothy Hodge, George Kentish, Cecil Niles and Ralph Hodge. The eighth promoter, Albert S. Lake, was not present. The presentations were replicas of a painting of the promoters on display at the bank.
Mr. Fahie replied on behalf of his fellow promoters. He said in part: “NBA is near and dear to our hearts. We are extremely proud of its leadership in Anguilla’s banking sector and its sterling achievements over the last 23 years. The bank has greatly surpassed the highest expectations we had when we reached agreement with the Bank of America negotiators on December 6, 1984, and incorporated the company on December 20 of that year.”

After his remarks, a number of employees were given honourable mention for their fine display of customer service shown by 2007 surveys. Some 15 others were presented with glass plaques in recognition for their outstanding customer service. The presentations were made by the newly-appointed Human Resources Manager, Mrs. Lyndell Simpson.

Chairman of NBA’s Board of Directors, Conrad W. Fleming, said he was delighted by the success of the bank over the years and in particular its achievement of one billion dollars in assets. “I am pleased to announce that in recognition of the outstanding performance, hard and dedicated work of our staff, the Board of Directors have approved a monetary award for each member of staff based on their length of service to this great institution.”

The gala event ended with a Vote of Thanks by Lucia (Bernadine) Horsford, Manager of NBA’s Loans Department.

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