The public will also be invited to vote by texting the person’s name to 7568 using their LIME phone or via a secure online voting system on SKNVibes during the period 2 10 November 2009. There are no restrictions on the number of votes per person and the candidate receiving the highest number of votes is considered the winner of the award. Those voting via text may be eligible to win a prize from LIME. Additionally, each text provides five votes as opposed to a single vote associated with each click of the mouse when voting is done on line.
The Everyday Financial Hero who receives the most votes will be awarded a prize valued at $5,000.00. Two randomly selected text voters will also receive a cash prize of $100.00 each.
The voting period has been rescheduled to take place from 2 - 10 November 2009 to provide the public with an opportunity to get to know the finalists before voting.
The Everyday Financial Heroes Award is being implemented in collaboration with LIME and SKNVibes as part of the activities commemorating Financial Information Month, 2009 and is sponsored by the following participating financial institutions: the Bank of Nevis Ltd; Nevis Cooperative Credit Union; Caribbean Financial Associates Inc; Development Bank of St Kitts and Nevis, ECCB; Eastern Caribbean Home Mortgage Bank; Eastern Caribbean Institute of Banking and Financial Services; Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange; FINCO; FCIB; St Kitts Nevis Anguilla National Bank; NAGICO; Royal Bank of Canada; RBTT, Bank of Nova Scotia, St Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board; St Kitts Co-operative Credit Union and SNIC.
Meet one of the Finalists for the Everyday Financial Heroes Award
Ms Agnes Crossley has been a market vendor for some fifty years. In looking back at her journey, she noted that “there were good days and bad days; everyday was not the same.” In her younger days she recounted how she sold vegetables six days a week, now she sells at the market three times per week. You would be sure, however, to meet her in her usual location at the market on Saturdays.
How she got started
She began by buying vegetables in small quantities from farmers, 20lbs here and there and then she graduated to purchasing larger quantities. “Years ago when I started I used a cart to transport my vegetables. As the business grew and we were able to save money, we were able to purchase a car and my grandson began transporting me and has been doing so every since. I did not start out in the market, I used to sell in front of Coury’s on the Bay Front and then Mr Bradshaw (The Honorable Llewellyn Bradshaw) said that vendors should move to the market to sell and this is where I have been ever since.”
What she likes about selling vegetables
“In the market you get to meet and greet a lot of people. I will answer their questions and explain the various types of vegetables. Tourists would ask about how to cook them.”
Her guiding principles on saving
“Save something, carry it to the bank, and then when you have enough, approach the bank to lend you money to buy property,” she advised.
