BASSETERE, St. Kitts - THIS publication is still awaiting official word from a representative of the local branch of the Royal Bank of Canada over the apparent decision to impose a $25-fee plus vat per month on some of its accounts.
The news of this began circulating sometime yesterday (May 17) with several individuals indicating that they would be going into the establishment to discontinue their accounts.
SKNVibes understands that quite a number of individuals did visit their Fort Street branch with a view to withdrawing their service. Some even took to social media voicing their concern and outrage over the decision to impose the fee on the savings accounts, effective May 23, 2016.
This publication made attempts yesterday to contact a member of the management of the Bank but they were all unsuccessful.
Today, further attempts were made by two members of the SKNVibes team and were told on different occasions that Country Manager Chad Allen was engaged in a meeting. Subsequent calls to Allen were successful and he indicated to both SKNVibes representatives that he was in the process of dealing with a customer but assured he would return the calls at his earliest convenience.
He also took the contact information of both representatives and indicated that a press release on the fee would be forthcoming.
As at press time, SKNVibes did not received said press release or any other correspondence from Allen.
SKNVibes understands that in at least one other Caribbean territory customers were flocking the Royal Bank of Canada outlet, reportedly to close their accounts. They too, according to reports, were incensed and discomforted having heard of the implementation plan.
The proposed service charge could result in about $351 being deducted from a savings account per annum.
