ADB at UWI’s techAgri Expo for third consecutive year
UWI’s Faculty of Food and Agriculture (FFA) hosted its third techAgri Expo which aimed to engage students with a passion for science and food production; through its 2019 theme Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Over 100 booths featured the latest innovations in agricultural and scientific technology, as well as livestock and locally grown produce. Guided tours were given to patrons to various parts of the Faculty, including the Herbarium’s “Jungle Talk” on seeds and beads, along with mini workshops, a local food village and a mini zoo. In addition to basic techniques for food production, students from primary and secondary schools accompanied by teachers, also gained valuable insight into the lucrative agriculture industry from the Agricultural Development Bank, which sought to provide new and creative ways to market the goods and encouraging them to pursue careers and/or hobbies in agriculture. ADB was a proud sponsor at this three day expo, which was held at the Main Administration Building West Field from March 29th to the 31st, 2019. The techAgri exhibition was deemed a success, broadening the reach of the many aspects of agriculture, and enriching the public with knowledge of what the Bank can provide to the sector.
New Fishing Loan Product – ‘Sea to Shore’ launched by the ADB
In December, 2018 the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) launched its new Fishing Loan Product in Tobago. The product is branded as the ‘Sea to Shore’ facility with the tag line ‘Funding Fisherfolk Responsibly’. The Honourable Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Mr. Kelvin Charles, delivered the feature address at the event. The ‘Sea to Shore’ loan facility provides support to fisherfolk in the artisanal fishing sector, while ensuring alignment with national objectives for the management, conservation and sustainable use ofTrinidad and Tobago’s fisheries resources. Thee loan further promotes and encourages the adoption of sustainable fishing practices, sustainable fishing gear and the practice of safety at sea. In his address, the Chairman of the ADB, Mr. Winston Rudder, indicated that the facility was part of the Bank’s strategic initiatives to satisfy the needs of its clients inclusive of fisherfolks while addressing the issue of Food and Nutrition security. The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sheivan Ramnath, in his remarks emphasized the importance of the fishing industry towards agriculture’s GDP and the critical role it plays in terms of the socio economic development of our twin island. The ADB has historically financed the Fishing Sector through tailored loans accessed under its flagship loan product, the New Reality Loan. However, the option to offer a loan product specifically targeting the artisanal inshore fishing sub-sector and value chain was explored and found to be feasible, thus stimulating the introduction of this new loan product – ‘Sea to Shore’.
ADB Launches new South Branch Office and Reintroduces Mobile Banking Unit
On Saturday 15 September, 2018 the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) launched its new South Branch Office and reintroduced the Mobile Banking Unit at an event held at its new office at Gordon Street, San Fernando. Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries delivered the feature address where he commended the ADB on its 50th Anniversary milestone and launch of its new South Office. The Honourable Minister expressed his satisfaction with the reintroduction of the Mobile Banking Unit and articulated his enthusiasm with its use in expanding the ADB’s reach to rural communities, such as his hometown of Mayaro. Chairman of the ADB, Mr. Winston Rudder in his address, spoke of the ADB’s relevance in the sector and the Bank’s important role of providing that needed financial support to the agri-entrepreneurs along the agricultural value chain in an effort to ensure that their projects are successful. In the CEO’s opening remarks, Mr. Sheivan Ramnath spoke of the Bank’s Strategic Plan for the period 2017-2020 and identified the four key pillars designed to propel the Bank forward – Client and Stakeholder Relationship Management, Image, Operational Excellence and Organizational Realignment. The new South Branch Office and the Mobile Banking Unit are direct off springs of the Bank’s Strategic Plan, as the Bank aims to create a work environment for its valued staff members that is comfortable and motivating while creating a sense of belonging. It is designed to ensure that clients and all other stakeholders feel safe while recognizing that they are part of a first class financial institution which will continue to support them in the future. The Mobile Banking Unit builds on the concept of ‘taking the Bank to the people’. It is a different way of doing business and lends further support to the five-branch network and two sub offices as the ADB continues to pursue innovative ways to satisfy all its stakeholders; especially its valued clients.