The Tribune

CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank made a $100,000 donation to the Bahamas Red Cross, and unveiled financial concessions, as its contribution to Hurricane Dorian relief efforts.

Colette Delaney, CIBC FirstCaribbean chief executive and chair of the bank's charitable arm, the FirstCaribbean International ComTrust Foundation, detailed a series of initiatives the bank has undertaken to aid Dorian recovery during the donation to the Bahamas Red Cross.

"We have an unwavering commitment to our staff and clients in the Caribbean, and we're determined to do all we can to facilitate them as they rebuild their lives, homes and businesses," Ms Delaney said.

"To this end, we've put together a suite of special loans, deferred payments and other concessions aimed at helping our staff, retail and corporate clients, credit card holders, and other Bahamians who qualify to receive this special financial assistance.

"We've also partnered with the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, to offer immediate support to 17 students from the Abaco islands and Grand Bahama whose lives were upended by the storm, but who will still travel to the campus in Barbados to commence their studies."

The announcement came as Ms Delaney presented a cheque for $100,000 to aid Hurricane Dorian relief efforts to Bahamas Red Cross president, Terez Curry. Ms Delaney added that the donation was part of a larger contribution of $150,000 made by CIBC as a whole.

"Your pain and loss here is equally ours because we're a part of this community, and we remain deeply committed to The Bahamas. Together, we will rebuild and heal. Rest assured, Bahamas, that we're with you and we're with you for the long haul," she said.

Ms Curry said: "CIBC FirstCaribbean has been a corporate partner with the Red Cross over the years, and has come to our aid with donations for the many hurricanes we've had in previous years.

"We've all seen the heartbreaking devastation on the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama, in which we've seen lives lost, homes destroyed, and people's daily lives completely disrupted. However, we are a resilient people, and those affected islands will be back up and running in short time."