Elderly get royal treatment on RBC’s ‘Gift to Our Seniors’ day

“They have certainly lived up to their motto that ‘It’s All About You’,” said a smiling Grace Ramdoo, pensioner, of St James, who couldn’t believe that that she spent only a few minutes to conduct business when the RBC St James branch opened its doors.

“This gesture was very thoughtful from Royal Bank. It was so convenient for us since we would normally have to come to the bank long before opening hours and face a long line,” said Ramdoo, as she received a token to mark the occasion from branch manager Catherine Burkett.

RBC is the only bank that opens on a Saturday (nine branches across Trinidad). The first of the month is commonly referred to as Pensioners Day.

Since July 1 fell on a Saturday, the bank decided to open all of its branches to accommodate seniors.

“We wanted to bring some banking convenience to our seniors who are sometimes challenged by extended wait times when they come to the bank on the first of every month. We decided to dedicate this Saturday to them and give them priority to conduct their monthly transactions. Our seniors have helped build this country and we want to show our appreciation,” explained Darryl White, managing director, RBC Royal Bank.

White explained that working on the Saturday was voluntary, while the bank paid overtime, and many employees came out to support. “We asked employees to volunteer and I am thankful that so many of them gave up their Saturday to serve our seniors.

I always admire and appreciate the dedication and commitment of our employees,” White added.

At RBC’s Maraval branch, which opens for regular business on Saturdays, manager Gillian Beharry decided to open 15 minutes earlier to accommodate her customers.

“We have a designated line for senior citizens to speed up the process and we took the time to talk with clients about the benefits of using our digital channels for their transactions, rather than having to come into the branch for those things.” David Chin Chung, an RBC Maraval client for more than 40 years, said he was happy he decided to come out on Saturday to do his business.

“Although people are doing different transactions today, we are getting through real quickly.

Now I don’t have to face the long line on Monday. I wish every month could start on a Saturday,” joked Chin Chung.

Muriel Perry Chapman, 80, of San Fernando, a customer at the High Street branch, said: “This initiative is very welcomed since I don’t have to face the heavy traffic and long lines on Monday morning (July 3). Whoever came up with this idea should be given a promotion.

It was really smooth sailing today.”