PLANS ARE being put in place for the restructuring of the People's Co-operative banks in St. Ann, as part of an all-island thrust to reorganise and improve these institutions.
Cluster manager for the St. Ann PC banks, Donville Lawrence, said the restructuring exercise was expected to increase efficiency and make the institutions more effective and profitable.
Noting that more persons "are using the banks now, than some five years ago", Mr. Lawrence said there was significant growth in business activities in the parish.
He said one of the objectives of the restructuring exercise was to transfer business from the underperforming branches, by merging them with others, in an effort to strengthen the services to customers.
Highlighting other aspects of the institutions, Mr. Lawrence said that as part of the bank's social responsibility, "We accommodate students from the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), Heart Trust/NTA, and community colleges, for work experience in the field."
The cluster manager mentioned however, that as the institution continued to provide funding, there was a decline in borrowing for agricultural projects, which he blamed on the effects of globalisation.
Turning to the farmers, he said, "We appreciate the problems associated with marketing that you face, but a way must be found where you can address your repayment, so that we can continue to help others through this revolving method."
