Banks to open for limited service during state of emergency

ST GEORGE’S:

Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has secured a commitment from the Grenada Bankers Association to reopen banks to provide limited services to the public during the current state of emergency.

It is reported that the prime minister initiated the meeting with executive members of the association on Sunday to discuss the resumption of banking operations.

The discussions ended with an agreement that banks would open on Thursday and Friday of this week, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (local time).

The procedure to give effect to this service requires the Cabinet to advise the acting commissioner of police of the need to grant an exemption to bankers to operate as provided for in Section 5 (1) (i) of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) regulations

At the end of the meeting, the prime minister commended the banking sector representatives for recognising the need to provide this much-needed service to the public.

“I am heartened by the agreement of the Grenada Bankers Association to partner with the Government in responding to the crisis of the people. The COVID-19 pandemic has put us in uncharted territory, and while protecting public health and safety is the top priority right now, we must also ensure that citizens are afforded an opportunity to access cash to meet their basic needs.”