PRESS RELEASE: The performance of the Agricultural Industrial and Development Bank of Dominica (AID Bank) was commended by Hon. Reginald Austrie in his address at the 17th Annual General Meeting of the institution, held in Roseau recently.
Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Hon. Reginald Austrie stated that any financial institution that has survived the global financial crisis should be commended.
“You have shown that not only have you survived the crisis, but you have done reasonably well in the circumstances,” the then Acting Prime Minister said.
Hon. Austrie also highlighted some of the bank’s achievements in the last year. These include:
- Net Profit increased by 48.7 percent over that which was achieved in 2008
- The return on assets was 0.93 percent compared with 0.63 percent in 2008
- Non performing loans were reduced to 18.66 percent from 20.02 percent in 2008
The Minister also noted the other initiatives taken by the bank to enhance and improve its performance. Most notable, the Minister added, was the finalisation of the strategic and operational plan which outlines the mission, goals, objectives and strategy for making the bank more meaningful and relevant to the needs of the citizens of Dominica.
Hon. Austrie reiterated that the Government of Dominica supports the programmes that are being implemented by the Bank. He also indicated that Government recently gave approval for the guarantee of a line of credit from the Caribbean Development Bank and the BANDES Bank of Venezuela.
“ It is our expectation that these facilities will assist the Bank in meeting its objectives of providing affordable financing to various sectors in the economy,’’ Hon. Austrie stated.
At the AGM, Chairman of the Board of the AID Bank, Mr. Ambrose Sylvester presented the annual report for the financial year ended June 30th 2009. Mr Sylvester reported a net profit for the financial year of EC$1.22 million ECD.
– Sean Douglas, Government Press Secretary
Which Ministry does Hon. Austrie occupy now?
I DISPISE Aid Bank and the interest rates..They receive grants to help out the poor people and then they are charging 10% interest on a student loan?…..of course they will survive the Global Crisis!! Ask them why do they have to make it so difficult for poor farmers to get a loan!!!