Protest pressure builds on North Andros banking woe

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE MP for North Andros and the Berry Islands yesterday issued a “plea” for intervention to resolve his constituency’s banking crisis with pensioners now forced to fly to Nassau to access funds and conduct financial services business.

Leonardo Lightbourne, addressing the House of Assembly during the 20232024 Budget debate, said:

“I would like to plead on behalf of the people of North Andros and the Berry Islands for an intervention and the presence of a local bank. An ATM (automatic teller) machine cannot meet the needs of the people. The North and Central Andros community needs a physical presence desperately.

“This is indeed a pressing issue that must be looked into urgently. Additionally, this is important to economic building and attracting investments in these islands. The people have suffered long enough and we need a bank now.”

Mr Lightbourne said the absence of a physical bank branch in his constituency has forced some pensioners to travel to Nassau to conduct transactions, slicing their fixed income in half.

Residents also frequently spend hours commuting to

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