Antwon Todd Jr. and Claude Julien, two young men participating in the National Training Agency’s (NTA) Mandatory Workforce Preparatory Program, opened savings accounts at the Post Office Savings Bank (also known as the People’s Penny Savings Bank) on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

Mr. Todd and Mr. Julien, studying culinary arts and auto mechanics respectively, were inspired by the Agency's Executive Chair, Agatha Marcelle’s powerful message on choice and personal transformation.  That message also inspired the NTA to launch “Have the Life You Choose,” an empowering initiative to inspire young Bahamians to cultivate both financial discipline and community-minded leadership.

The Executive Chair said, “This is a very new initiative for us.  We need them to understand how important financial literacy is and how important it is for them to save.

“We want them to deposit $20, $30, or $50 from their paycheck so that they would be well on their way to establishing a better life for themselves.”

She added, “We want them to learn how to begin making sacrifices for their future and it starts right here.”

Through the initiative, the NTA aims to encourage young people to develop healthy savings habits, embrace personal responsibility and uplift others along the way.

As part of this initiative, participants are being introduced to the Post Office Savings Program, a trusted and accessible platform that supports their journey towards financial independence.

The NTA is providing the initial deposit for the two participants symbolising the first step toward their financial empowerment and long-term growth.

A Dispatcher at the Post Office, Hollis Cox said the Savings Bank does not give cards in order to encourage people to save.

She explained that members of the public can open savings accounts for children but an adult must act as a  trustee until the child turns 12.

Antwon Todd Jr. and Claude Julien, two young men participating in the National Training Agency’s (NTA) Mandatory Workforce Preparatory Program, opened savings accounts at the Post Office Savings Bank (also known as the People’s Penny Savings Bank) on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Mr. Todd and Mr. Julien, studying culinary arts and auto mechanics respectively, were inspired by the Agency's Executive Chair, Agatha Marcelle’s powerful message on choice and personal transformation.  That message also inspired the NTA to launch “Have the Life You Choose,” an empowering initiative to inspire young Bahamians to cultivate both financial discipline and community-minded leadership. The Executive Chair said, “This is a very new initiative for us.  We need them to understand how important financial literacy is and how important it is for them to save. “We want them to deposit $20, $30, or $50 from their paycheck so that they would be well on their way to establishing a better life for themselves.” She added, “We want them to learn how to begin making sacrifices for their future and it starts right here.” Through the initiative, the NTA aims to encourage young people to develop healthy savings habits, embrace personal responsibility and uplift others along the way. As part of this initiative, participants are being introduced to the Post Office Savings Program, a trusted and accessible platform that supports their journey towards financial independence. The NTA is providing the initial deposit for the two participants symbolising the first step toward their financial empowerment and long-term growth. A Dispatcher at the Post Office, Hollis Cox said the Savings Bank does not give cards in order to encourage people to save. She explained that members of the public can open savings accounts for children but an adult must act as a  trustee until the child turns 12.

Grand Bahama residents are to be given the chance to explore digital finance with a community forum on Wednesday, October 22.

The Future of Pay Community Forum event will present solutions to islanders facing the ongoing challenge of living and working without convenient access to brick-and-mortar banking facilities.

Central Bank of The Bahamas governor John Rolle will be the keynote speaker, while there will be presentations from the Bank of The Bahamas, Fidelity Bank, Kanoo, the Teachers and Salaried Workers Credit Union, FCIB  and Commonwealth Bank, including demonstrations of live online banking and digital wallets. There will also be giveaways and door prizes.

This is the latest in a series of events around islands of The Bahamas. Mr Rolle said after an event in Andros in August: “Hearing directly from financial services firms with more understanding of products and platforms is extremely valuable.”

The forum will be held from 5pm-8pm at Christ The King Hall in Freeport, Grand Bahama. Admission is free.

The Master of Ceremonies will be Felix Bowe Jr, the Economic Development Committee Chair of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, and the welcome will be given by Carina Ferguson, Treasurer and Budget and Finance Committee Vice-Chair. Closing remarks will be given by Dillon Knowles, President of Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce.

The series of Family Island town halls has been spearheaded by Central Bank and the Clearing Banks Association as part of a Live Digital educational campaign designed to build awareness of practical solutions to what, for many, can be a frustrating experience with finding ways to pay or get paid.

Mr Rolle said the events are an opportunity to explain in detail – and in person – a number of payment solutions that would eliminate anxiety over paying bills, depositing funds, arranging loans or even applying for credit.

The Pay Fast, Live Digital campaign is a two-year initiative designed to increase the public level of comfort with digital payments that include credit cards, digital wallets, money transfers, cash apps, online banking and peer-to-peer payments. The aim is to create a widespread understanding of how individuals can pay and receive payments digitally.

Grand Bahama residents are to be given the chance to explore digital finance with a community forum on Wednesday, October 22. The Future of Pay Community Forum event will present solutions to islanders facing the ongoing challenge of living and working without convenient access to brick-and-mortar banking facilities. Central Bank of The Bahamas governor John Rolle will be the keynote speaker, while there will be presentations from the Bank of The Bahamas, Fidelity Bank, Kanoo, the Teachers and Salaried Workers Credit Union, FCIB  and Commonwealth Bank, including demonstrations of live online banking and digital wallets. There will also be giveaways and door prizes. This is the latest in a series of events around islands of The Bahamas. Mr Rolle said after an event in Andros in August: “Hearing directly from financial services firms with more understanding of products and platforms is extremely valuable.” The forum will be held from 5pm-8pm at Christ The King Hall in Freeport, Grand Bahama. Admission is free. The Master of Ceremonies will be Felix Bowe Jr, the Economic Development Committee Chair of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, and the welcome will be given by Carina Ferguson, Treasurer and Budget and Finance Committee Vice-Chair. Closing remarks will be given by Dillon Knowles, President of Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce. The series of Family Island town halls has been spearheaded by Central Bank and the Clearing Banks Association as part of a Live Digital educational campaign designed to build awareness of practical solutions to what, for many, can be a frustrating experience with finding ways to pay or get paid. Mr Rolle said the events are an opportunity to explain in detail – and in person – a number of payment solutions that would eliminate anxiety over paying bills, depositing funds, arranging loans or even applying for credit. The Pay Fast, Live Digital campaign is a two-year initiative designed to increase the public level of comfort with digital payments that include credit cards, digital wallets, money transfers, cash apps, online banking and peer-to-peer payments. The aim is to create a widespread understanding of how individuals can pay and receive payments digitally.

In a few weeks, every individual in The Bahamas, regardless of where they live or whether there is a bank or not, will have equal opportunity to handle their financial transactions and obligations, thanks to the rapid expansion of a digital payment solutions provider.

The news came in a statement today from SunCash, a company launched in 2017 to provide an answer to the problem of how to ‘bank’ in places where there are no brick and mortar institutions or ATM facilities.  

“As we mark our eighth anniversary this month, we are extremely pleased to report that the number of SunCash accounts now tops 85,000,” wrote Shawn Smith, principal and director. “That number is not just about our success as a provider – it is a reflection of the need for a solution to the problem of how to conduct your financial affairs if you live on an island where banking facilities are scarce or non-existent. For those of us in New Providence or Grand Bahama, we don’t stop to think about what it is like to conduct the simplest of transactions, paying a BPL bill for instance, or depositing wages. But for those living in Acklins, Mayaguana, Inagua, even closer to home in Andros or the Berry Islands,  seemingly routine obligations can be complicated, challenging and often expensive.”

The challenges can be even greater, said Mr. Smith, in cases of a medical emergency or natural disaster where cash is needed urgently.

“Sometimes those challenges can be life-threatening,” he added. Even routine matters pose challenges on those islands where banks either never established a presence or pulled out as several have in recent years.   

For decades, residents of remote islands have had to organize the equivalent of a money posse, sending a trusted member of the settlement to Nassau carrying envelopes of money to pay bills for residents back home, or deposit wages or shop revenue into a bank account in the capital.

“The struggles associated with that kind of financial exchange are not only slow and inconvenient, they put the individual carrying the money at risk for their safety. In an age when the ability to conduct transactions digitally is at our fingertips, burdening someone to transfer cash makes no sense,” Smith said. “It is too great a risk, too slow a solution, too inefficient and expensive as the carrier of the funds has to be paid for not only the bank deposit or withdrawal but for the act of taking money around to pay bills for community members.”

So while the number of accounts is impressive, he notes, SunCash is calling financial inclusion and empowerment the real story of its success.

“SunCash is now on every island in The Bahamas with any population over 50 persons with the exception of Acklins and we are only waiting for the mailboat to be back in the water to deliver the equipment that is ready to go to Acklins,” Smith said. “Then, for the first time in Bahamian history, there will be full financial inclusion for every resident whether they live in the heart of Nassau or the most remote corner of Mayaguana.”

SunCash, which is regulated by The Central Bank, was the first digital payments provider to offer full payroll services in SandDollars, the official digital currency of The Bahamas. That service was immediately grabbed by the upscale Kamalame Cay Resort in Andros whose owners said it transformed a monthly payroll hurdle into a smooth process as convenient as it would be in a city with full banking facilities. The availability of a digital solution came at a time when the banking presence in Andros went from limited to non-existent as the last bank pulled out.

SunCash operates 15 storefronts and a network of more than 200 ATMs and kiosks with services that include deposits and withdrawals, payments to individual beneficiaries, sending money to relatives abroad, paying insurance premiums or tuition, creating automatic payments. The firm is establishing more partnerships with government departments to allow individuals to pay for numerous essential services through SunCash.

In a few weeks, every individual in The Bahamas, regardless of where they live or whether there is a bank or not, will have equal opportunity to handle their financial transactions and obligations, thanks to the rapid expansion of a digital payment solutions provider. The news came in a statement today from SunCash, a company launched in 2017 to provide an answer to the problem of how to ‘bank’ in places where there are no brick and mortar institutions or ATM facilities.   “As we mark our eighth anniversary this month, we are extremely pleased to report that the number of SunCash accounts now tops 85,000,” wrote Shawn Smith, principal and director. “That number is not just about our success as a provider – it is a reflection of the need for a solution to the problem of how to conduct your financial affairs if you live on an island where banking facilities are scarce or non-existent. For those of us in New Providence or Grand Bahama, we don’t stop to think about what it is like to conduct the simplest of transactions, paying a BPL bill for instance, or depositing wages. But for those living in Acklins, Mayaguana, Inagua, even closer to home in Andros or the Berry Islands,  seemingly routine obligations can be complicated, challenging and often expensive.” The challenges can be even greater, said Mr. Smith, in cases of a medical emergency or natural disaster where cash is needed urgently. “Sometimes those challenges can be life-threatening,” he added. Even routine matters pose challenges on those islands where banks either never established a presence or pulled out as several have in recent years.    For decades, residents of remote islands have had to organize the equivalent of a money posse, sending a trusted member of the settlement to Nassau carrying envelopes of money to pay bills for residents back home, or deposit wages or shop revenue into a bank account in the capital. “The struggles associated with that kind of financial exchange are not only slow and inconvenient, they put the individual carrying the money at risk for their safety. In an age when the ability to conduct transactions digitally is at our fingertips, burdening someone to transfer cash makes no sense,” Smith said. “It is too great a risk, too slow a solution, too inefficient and expensive as the carrier of the funds has to be paid for not only the bank deposit or withdrawal but for the act of taking money around to pay bills for community members.” So while the number of accounts is impressive, he notes, SunCash is calling financial inclusion and empowerment the real story of its success. “SunCash is now on every island in The Bahamas with any population over 50 persons with the exception of Acklins and we are only waiting for the mailboat to be back in the water to deliver the equipment that is ready to go to Acklins,” Smith said. “Then, for the first time in Bahamian history, there will be full financial inclusion for every resident whether they live in the heart of Nassau or the most remote corner of Mayaguana.” SunCash, which is regulated by The Central Bank, was the first digital payments provider to offer full payroll services in SandDollars, the official digital currency of The Bahamas. That service was immediately grabbed by the upscale Kamalame Cay Resort in Andros whose owners said it transformed a monthly payroll hurdle into a smooth process as convenient as it would be in a city with full banking facilities. The availability of a digital solution came at a time when the banking presence in Andros went from limited to non-existent as the last bank pulled out. SunCash operates 15 storefronts and a network of more than 200 ATMs and kiosks with services that include deposits and withdrawals, payments to individual beneficiaries, sending money to relatives abroad, paying insurance premiums or tuition, creating automatic payments. The firm is establishing more partnerships with government departments to allow individuals to pay for numerous essential services through SunCash.

Cornèr Bank (Overseas) Ltd. proudly announces a trio of prestigious accolades from the International Investor Awards, including Best Private Bank – Bahamas 2025 and Excellence in Banking Innovation – Bahamas 2025. Additionally, the bank's Chief Executive Officer, Christine Russell, has been named Woman in Finance, Banking CEO of the Year-Bahamas 2025.

This marks yet another time in recent years that Cornèr Bank has earned the coveted Best Private Bank title.

“We are honoured to receive these recognitions as they reinforce Cornèr Bank's reputation as a leader in private banking and innovation both in The Bahamas and within the global financial community,” shared Christine Russell, CEO of Cornèr Bank (Overseas) Ltd. “Our clients are at the heart of our organization, and this client-centric philosophy drives our relentless pursuit of excellence. By continuously adapting and innovating, we provide personalized financial solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clientele.”

The International Investor Awards celebrates organizations and individuals who demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation, and leadership across finance, banking, and investment.

Established in The Bahamas in 1996, Cornèr Bank has consistently embraced emerging industry trends, particularly in technology, security, and customer experience. Its distinction as Best Private Bank in The Bahamas underscores the bank’s unwavering dedication to personalized client services and bespoke wealth management strategies, ensuring a holistic approach to financial planning.

Christine Russell, the first woman to serve as CEO of Cornèr Bank (Overseas) Ltd., brings over 33 years of experience in the financial services sector. Since her appointment in 2017, she has spearheaded initiatives that have driven the bank’s growth and innovation. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to mentorship and empowerment, fostering a culture of excellence within the organization.

The Excellence in Banking Innovation award highlights Cornèr Bank's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies into its operations. This proactive approach positions the bank at the forefront of an evolving financial landscape. A notable advancement includes the recent launch of its iCornèr App which enhances client accessibility and security.

Beyond its banking operations, Cornèr Bank demonstrates a strong commitment to cultural sustainability in The Bahamas. The bank established the Cornèr Bank Direct Art Scholarship Award at the University of The Bahamas, fostering local talent and contributing to the nation’s cultural enrichment.

As Cornèr Bank looks to the future, it remains committed to expanding its services and embracing innovations that align with its core values of excellence, security, and client satisfaction.

Cornèr Bank (Overseas) Ltd. proudly announces a trio of prestigious accolades from the International Investor Awards, including Best Private Bank – Bahamas 2025 and Excellence in Banking Innovation – Bahamas 2025. Additionally, the bank's Chief Executive Officer, Christine Russell, has been named Woman in Finance, Banking CEO of the Year-Bahamas 2025. This marks yet another time in recent years that Cornèr Bank has earned the coveted Best Private Bank title. “We are honoured to receive these recognitions as they reinforce Cornèr Bank's reputation as a leader in private banking and innovation both in The Bahamas and within the global financial community,” shared Christine Russell, CEO of Cornèr Bank (Overseas) Ltd. “Our clients are at the heart of our organization, and this client-centric philosophy drives our relentless pursuit of excellence. By continuously adapting and innovating, we provide personalized financial solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clientele.” The International Investor Awards celebrates organizations and individuals who demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation, and leadership across finance, banking, and investment. Established in The Bahamas in 1996, Cornèr Bank has consistently embraced emerging industry trends, particularly in technology, security, and customer experience. Its distinction as Best Private Bank in The Bahamas underscores the bank’s unwavering dedication to personalized client services and bespoke wealth management strategies, ensuring a holistic approach to financial planning. Christine Russell, the first woman to serve as CEO of Cornèr Bank (Overseas) Ltd., brings over 33 years of experience in the financial services sector. Since her appointment in 2017, she has spearheaded initiatives that have driven the bank’s growth and innovation. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to mentorship and empowerment, fostering a culture of excellence within the organization. The Excellence in Banking Innovation award highlights Cornèr Bank's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies into its operations. This proactive approach positions the bank at the forefront of an evolving financial landscape. A notable advancement includes the recent launch of its iCornèr App which enhances client accessibility and security. Beyond its banking operations, Cornèr Bank demonstrates a strong commitment to cultural sustainability in The Bahamas. The bank established the Cornèr Bank Direct Art Scholarship Award at the University of The Bahamas, fostering local talent and contributing to the nation’s cultural enrichment. As Cornèr Bank looks to the future, it remains committed to expanding its services and embracing innovations that align with its core values of excellence, security, and client satisfaction.