Buying land, building a home or turning savings into investments can start with a question. But for some Saint Lucians, the prospect of walking into a financial institution is enough to stop that conversation before it begins.
The Bankers Association of Saint Lucia is seeking to break down that barrier, bringing banks and other financial institutions to Derek Walcott Square for a one-day activity offering free financial information to the public.
Association President Ron Leon said the outreach responds to an issue the sector has recognised: people want guidance, but approaching a bank or credit union can feel intimidating.
“So we’ve recognised the need to not wait for persons to come to us, but to go out to them to make the information freely available,” said Leon, who also serves as Country Manager of Republic Bank.
The activity formed part of Financial Information Month, observed in collaboration with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). It brought participating institutions together in one location, giving members of the public an opportunity to compare options and ask questions without the immediate pressure of buying a financial product.
For people hoping to own property, the conversations could help clarify what is required to purchase land or finance construction. For those already saving, the focus could be on understanding how to take the next step into investing.
“They want to know, how exactly do I do that? I’ve saved up. I know how to save, but I want to take it to the next step and invest that money so I could get more out of it,” Leon said.
He stressed that the initiative was about equipping people with information to make better financial decisions, rather than simply marking another observance on the calendar.
“The ECCB, along with the Bankers Association, feels it absolutely necessary to ensure we empower persons with financial information. And I stress on the word information,” he said.
By gathering institutions under one roof, the association also sought to remove the inconvenience of visiting several offices to find answers.
“You don’t have to go into individual financial institutions to get that information,” Leon explained. “Now we’ve made it convenient and it’s all available to you.”
Leon said the initial response was encouraging, with members of the public taking advantage of the opportunity to speak directly with financial representatives.
The association intends to undertake more public outreach, extending financial education beyond institutional walls and helping Saint Lucians move from financial ambitions to informed action.
