November 20 - 26, 2010
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
17
NATIONAL
IBG customers praise “excellent” service PROVO’S newest bank – which opened in July pledging unrivalled customer service – claims feedback so far proves it has achieved just that. International Banking Group, a subsidiary of Cayman National, opened in Graceway four months ago promising to take the headache out of on-island banking. Its president Ivan Browne said a recent survey showed an excellent response from the public. “Over 85 per cent of our customers surveyed told us that our account opening process was ‘excellent’, the other 15 per cent said it was ‘good’. We are very proud of this feedback. “We have expended great energy in creating an account opening process that is transparent, smooth and easy, for example, we are the only bank in this market to provide account opening requirements and forms online allowing persons to ensure that when they come to the bank they know what to bring and what questions to expect. “We also visit potential customers at their workplace to facilitate
account opening. “Recently, for example, team members spent a few hours at Beaches talking to interested persons about our products and services. “We have worked hard to make sure our staff are knowledgeable about our products and can provide solutions for clients’ specific needs, as well as clear and concise information about account fees and functions. “We provide same day account opening services and have set up a ‘switch pack’ – a one stop shop for customers to move over to us, taking the hassle out of moving banks as we will do the work for them. “We have started on a strong footing and will only improve going forward.” Elanor Finfin, Beaches’ public relations manager, said: “It was an absolute pleasure opening my account at International Banking Group. “The service was exceptional.” Donna Dandie, a teacher at Ianthe Pratt primary school, agreed saying: “I loved when I walked in the bank
and they knew me, and everyone was going ‘Hi Miss Dandie’ from the very first day. “Every single person, from the manager to the receptionist, did what they could do to ensure that I had a wonderful experience. “It showed that there was communication about customer service within the bank and that the managers believe in it too. When I left it was like wow, this is what good customer service looks like.” Matt Neff, food service director at IGA supermarket, said he was also “very impressed” with IBG staff. “They agreed to meet me at my place of work to open my account, and went out of their way to make the process as easy for me as possible. I would definitely recommend the experience.” International Banking Group opened to the public on July 19 as a full service retail and commercial bank serving people and businesses in the TCI. Bosses aim to replicate the success and market-leading service of parent Cayman National.
TCI steps up fight against diabetes By Paul Baker
TCI has been fighting back in the war against diabetes. The Islands held a whole host of events to mark World Diabetes Day last Sunday, and World Diabetes Week. These included free screenings and advice roadshows, healthy lunches and question and answer sessions with health professionals. Supported by the Ministry of Health and Human Services and the Turks and Caicos Islands Diabetic Association, hundreds of people took the chance to find out more about the condition and what to do if diagnosed with it. One of the busiest events was at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Provo, where Interhealth Canada held a free screening session. “The message certainly got out there,” said Interhealth Canada TCI chief executive, Roger Cheesman, “because we were really busy. “What we offered was free blood sugar screening and blood pressure checks, along with advice about diet, exercise and other factors that help reduce a person’s risk of becoming diabetic. “Anyone whose tests were on the high side were then able to make immediate GP appointments and so it was a kind of one-stop diabetic advice centre. “Diabetes is a crippling
this week
Saturday, November 20 to Thursday, November 25 Saturday, November 20 Some of the TCI’s hidden artistic talents are preparing to showcase their skills under one roof at a pioneering exhibition this Saturday. The first ever TCFAF Art & Craft Expo 2010 will take place between 10am and 4pm in Turtle Cove Marina. Artists set to appear include Lucie Winton Stubbs, Emma Halliday, Alex Skye, Stacie Steensland Gaudet, Jackie Walker, Middle Caicos Co-op, Gem Braithwaite and Annie McCloud to name a few. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Arts Foundation (TCFAF). Shape those muscle groups you never knew you had during an early morning resistance training session at IGA Sports Centre. The session begins at 8.30am and costs $12 for one or $100 for 11. Mums and Tots Dance Party classes are held every Saturday at The Athletic Club in Saltmills Plaza for mothers and their little ones. Mothers, bring your little ones to dance, jump, twist and shake! Children have fun learning movement basics to fun music and mums get a light exercise while spending quality time. Mums and Tots classes begin at 10am and cost just $10. Dads are welcome! Call Shara Bowen on 244-1103 for more details.
Enjoy Arabian Nights at Lemon café this Saturday from 6pm with great food and live entertainment. There will be belly dancing, fire spinning and tarot reading while you enjoy your meal. To reserve a place call 941-4059 or email info@lemon-cafe.com
Monday, November 22 Islanders were offered free blood sugar screening and blood pressure checks, plus health advice.
condition which can be spotted and prevented in many cases. I congratulate the Ministry of Health and Human Services and the Turks and Caicos Islands Diabetic Association on their excellent work and urge anyone worried about diabetes to speak to their doctor right away.” World Diabetes Day is celebrated
every year on November 14 to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, first conceived the idea that led to the discovery of insulin in 1922. The campaign engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness, with this year’s slogan ‘Let’s take control of diabetes, NOW!’
Girls and boys aged 11 to 19 years old are invited to take part in a fun singing group. The TCI Youth Chorale rehearses every Monday at 6pm at the Edward C Gartland Youth Centre, downtown, Providenciales. For more information call 3317176. Get rid of the Monday blues with an intense non-traditional aerobic routine with Anca Vasile. The exciting class takes place 7pm at IGA Sports Centre and includes fun and interesting
choreography. Classes cost $12 for one or $100 for 11.
Tuesday, November 23 Step it up this Tuesday evening with a fun fitness class at IGA Sports Centre. From 6.30pm you will be taken through a number of step combinations mixed with conditioning exercises like squats, push ups and triceps dips. Classes cost $12 for one or $100 for 11.
Wednesday, November 24 The Turks and Caicos National Museum in Grand Turk will be open from 1pm to 5pm every Wednesday throughout November and December. Museum manager Jackie Garbarino said: “We want the museum to be accessible to the divers and local tourists and residents. “If we have a good response then we will consider extending beyond December.” Normal hours are 9am to 1pm Monday through Saturday and on days the cruise ships are in, the museum will be open from 9am until one hour before departure, about 4pm. To check the cruise ship schedule visit www.grandturkcc.com/ Scheduling.aspx Are you in need of inner peace? Interested in a healthy lifestyle and a toned and flexible body? The you need David Bowen’s yoga classes at The Athletic Club in the Saltmills Plaza. Come along on Monday, Wednesday or Friday at 7am, Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm or Saturday at 9am. Call 941-8686 for more details.
Thursday, November 25 Burn off your week’s excesses during with an energetic kickboxing class at IGA Sports Centre. The class begins at 7pm and will include 45 minutes of kickboxing drills followed by 15 minutes of conditioning exercises. Classes cost $12 for one or $100 for 11. Celebrate good health with wellness coach Benneth Williams every Thursday evening. Come along to Williams Block, suite number six, on Lower Bight Road, Providenciales, from 7pm. There you will get a free wellness consultation and an hour of fun. For more details call Benneth at 246-0300 or email hls_com@ yahoo.com