The Bankers Association of Saint Lucia has established three committees to address customer-service concerns, improve access to financial services, and tackle issues affecting the wider financial sector.
Association President Ron Leon announced the formation of the Service Excellence Committee, Activities Committee and Immovable Securities Committee on September 10, signalling a more public-facing and accountable approach by the organisation.
Speaking at the launch, Leon said the Association’s role extends beyond representing the interests of financial institutions.
“We exist to help foster Saint Lucia’s economic growth and development, encourage cooperation among financial institutions, and build strong partnerships with regulators to improve the safety and efficiency of the financial system,” he said.
The Service Excellence Committee will be overseen by Shanya Evans of Bank of Saint Lucia Limited. It has been tasked with improving service standards, addressing common customer concerns, strengthening transparency and supporting financial inclusion.
The committee is also expected to examine customers’ experiences across the banking sector and identify areas where financial institutions can work collectively to improve service delivery.
Tishanna Jeffers of 1st National Bank will head the Activities Committee, while Hermine Thomas, also of 1st National Bank, will oversee the Immovable Securities Committee.
Leon said financial inclusion and easier access to financial services would remain central to the work of all three committees. He stressed, however, that the availability of financial products does not automatically make them accessible to the public.
“Access is not only about whether a financial product exists. It is also about whether people understand the requirements, whether processes are efficient, and whether the wider legal and administrative framework supports the responsible delivery of service,” he explained.
He also underscored the importance of accountability, saying the launch was intended not only to make the public aware of the Association’s mandate but also to allow it to be held accountable for delivering on its commitments.
The Bankers Association currently comprises 10 member institutions; four retail banks, one development bank and five non bank financial institutions.
Leon said the Association intends to use its collective voice to advocate for meaningful changes within Saint Lucia’s financial sector, including legislative reform where necessary, while supporting financial solutions that improve the lives of customers.
