Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 14, 2025 — Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 14, 2025 – Under the banner of its flagship corporate social responsibility programme, National Cares, National Bank and its subsidiaries took a bold and practical step in support of the Government’s newly implemented ban on single-use plastic bags. Demonstrating its continued commitment to environmental stewardship and the nation’s Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA), National Bank and its subsidiaries have commenced the distribution of 20,000 reusable shopping bags with the intention of assisting households across the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

The Government’s decisive move to ban single-use plastic bags, effective April 1, 2025, signals an important milestone in the nation’s journey toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. In direct alignment with this progressive policy, National Bank and its subsidiaries provide a tangible and immediate solution to help citizens transition away from plastic dependency, while reinforcing the Federation’s regional leadership role in sustainable practices.

In a statement on the initiative, Bernice Grant-Kelly, Acting CEO of National Bank, underscored the importance of collective action:

“As a proud corporate citizen, National Bank and its subsidiaries stand firmly with our nation and our government’s bold leadership in advancing the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA). Through National Cares, we are using this initiative of distributing reusable bags to help carry the collective responsibility of promoting a healthy environment for a healthy society.”

Diana Williams, GM of National Caribbean Insurance, explained how this initiative underpins National’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals:

“With this effort we are demonstrating that we embrace the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of protecting our coastal and marine ecosystems, recognizing that our future prosperity as a small island state is inextricably linked to the health of our natural surroundings. The ban on single-use plastics is a crucial turning point, and together, we are choosing a cleaner, greener St. Kitts and Nevis for generations to come.”

The reusable bags, designed for durability and daily use, will be distributed over the coming months. The programme not only seeks to replace single-use plastics but also to raise national awareness of sustainable living practices that align with the country’s environmental objectives.

The Honourable Geoffrey Hanley, Acting PM, expressed the gratitude of Government for this generous gesture:

“It is indeed a privilege and an honour for me to thank the St. Kitts-Nevis Anguilla National Bank Limited and its subsidiaries for the donation of bags. As we move towards a sustainable island state, it is indeed prudent for us to have banned t-shirt plastic bags. This donation today will allow shoppers to bring home their groceries in a more sustainable way,” Mr. Hanley said.

The Honourable Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Environment, Climate Action, et al, thanked the National Bank and its subsidiaries for supporting her ministry’s ban on single-use t-shirt plastic bags:

“On behalf of the Ministry of Environment, I want to say a hearty thank you to the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank and its group of companies. Corporate social responsibility is the only way in which the government of St. Kitts and Nevis can really get to a sustainable island state. The donation of these reusable bags to help us in our ban on single-use T-shirt plastic bags is very much welcome. Thank you,” she said.

This latest effort by National Bank and its subsidiaries is part of an ongoing drive to lead with purpose and action, reinforcing the position as an institution deeply rooted in the well-being and prosperity of St. Kitts and Nevis.

About St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Limited

Founded in 1971, St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank is the leading indigenous financial institution in the Eastern Caribbean, providing a full suite of banking, insurance, and investment solutions. With a commitment to innovation and customer excellence, the Bank continues to be a pillar of financial strength in the region.