Scotiabank’s decision to close its Rockley branch in Christ Church may cost it some customers, but management says the move is necessary.
A notice sent to clients of the branch, which was also posted on its doors, said the branch would be closed on May 23 and informed clients their accounts will be relocated to the Bridgetown branch.
Outside the branch on Wednesday, a woman who requested anonymity said she had not been made aware.
Convenient
“I think it’s horrible. I live in Oistins and it’s convenient to come here. I have my account here and I do my business with this branch.
“It can be hard to get here with traffic, so it will be even worse getting to Town and then, you can’t find a park. I may have to move my business elsewhere,” she said.
A man on crutches, who gave his name as “Daniel”, said he, too, was thinking about making a switch.
“I’m looking to close out my loan, then done with Scotiabank altogether. How can I move around Town easily with these crutches? I think I will open an account with CIBC and done with it,” he declared.
Drive-through
Hyacinth Barker was using the drive-through ATM service. She said she hoped it would remain, as it was the only service she used and was very convenient for her.
A business owner in the area, who declined to be identified, bemoaned the situation, adding he did business with the bank and having to go elsewhere would be a major pain.
“I not only have a personal account but we do night deposits there as well. Plus, we walk across when we need change, which is daily. Now, I will either have to stop in Town or find another bank. This is a convenient location for a lot of businesses. I can’t understand what is happening. I feel it’s a cost-cutting measure,” he said.
Sales assistant at Prerna, Renesha Straughn, said she too could not understand the logic.
“That branch is always busy. The majority of the cars parked here are driven by people going to that bank, to the point where sometimes you can’t find a park.
“That building was erected 13 years ago specifically for them and now they are taking away their footprint from the South Coast,” she lamented.
Straughn said many tourists staying along the coast would go there to get their money changed to local currency.
She also said the branch benefited the businesses in the area as some people
would browse the shops while waiting for someone conducting transactions in the bank.
In response to queries by the Weekend Nation, Scotiabank’s management said the decision was based on the changing preferences of their clients.
“Our significant investment in technology provides our clients with safe and convenient digital alternatives for their day-to-day banking needs. Over time, we’ve seen a decrease in the number of clients who visit our branches, as they are choosing to use digital solutions for their day-to-day transactions. Branch visits are now reserved for more complex needs.
Preferences
“Based on our clients’ changing preferences and upon review of our branch and service delivery network in Barbados, a decision was made to consolidate the operations at our Rockley Branch with our Bridgetown branch.
“Effective Friday, May 23, 2025, the Rockley branch will close its doors to the public and its operations will be transferred to the Bridgetown Branch,” the bank explained in a statement.
“This decision was not taken lightly and was completed only after careful consideration of several factors, including changing client needs.
“We thank all our clients for their continued business and, just as importantly, their continued trust. We remain dedicated to serving all clients in-branch and via our best-in-class mobile and online channels.”
The statement added that the ATM will remain and the other three branches – in Bridgetown, Warrens and Haggatt Hall, all in St Michael – were open for business.
Staff are to be redeployed where possible and a compensation package provided for those who cannot be accommodated “in accordance with the law and applicable collective agreements”, it added. (CA)
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