On the evening of Wednesday, January 31st, 2024, former CEO of the National Bank of Anguilla, Mrs. Sharmaine Vaughan bid farewell to her post at an elegant gathering at Davida’s Restaurant, attended by many her colleagues, friends and business associates.
Mrs. Vaughan had assumed the position of head of NCBA in 2019 at the time when the bank held a bridge-bank status. She worked assiduously for five years to develop the financial institution, bringing it to a fully-fledged commercial bank in 2021.
The Honourable Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ellis Webster, was among many who spoke at the ceremony. He delivered farewell remarks on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla.
“Mrs. Vaughan,” he said. “You have shown us how a local bank can actually be the engine that drives an economy that is dependent on the bank being there to provide the necessary funds to help persons who may have a business idea, or a dream, whether it is to start a home, to start a business, to develop a business or to help send young people to school.”
“I want to say that it has been an honour to have known you,” Premier Webster said. “And even though we are saying farewell, we know that this is not goodbye. We trust that you will remember us, and you will be there for us if we need to call upon you for advice.
“So, on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, and on behalf of myself, I want to say thank you for all that you have done to make NCBA become what it has become as it rose like a phoenix out of the ashes of NBA and CCB back in 2016. Because of you and your efforts and the confidence you have given us, we are assured that the bank will be going to bigger and better places.”
The Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, based in St. Kitts, was on hand to pay tribute to Mrs. Vaughan for her tenure at NCBA. He noted that the bank is in a sound position some eight years after the formation of NCBA, five years of which were under the leadership of Mrs. Vaughan.
“NCBA is standing tall,” he said, “and as the largest bank on the island it continues to play an increasingly critical role in the socio-economic development of Anguilla. This bank is critical to the growth trajectory of beautiful Anguilla. We are proud of all that the staff of NCBA has accomplished over the past five years under the directorship of Mrs. Sharmaine Vaughan.”
In responding to the various remarks, Mrs. Vaughan stressed that she was happy to have written an Anguillian chapter in her life story.
“I am happy that my efforts at NCBA have made a positive impact in transforming the lives of many,” she said. “I have witnessed how a small loan can help a young entrepreneur start a business. I have seen a lot of that through our SME programme last year. We have met persons with ideas and we were able to transform those ideas into realities.
“We were also privileged to encourage persons to embark on meaningful savings plans that would help then afford to meet their financial goals. We have seen many persons who have utilized our savings and investment strategies to secure their financial future, and we have seen how a financial education programme can help a community overcome poverty and improve their lives.”
“I believe that being a banker is not just a job,” she insisted. “I have always told my staff that we are servants to our customers. Once we are in the service industry, we are not just bankers, but in this industry we have to be servants. The bank is here to serve the public. So banking for me is not just a job, but it is a calling – a way to serve others in order to make our community a better place.”
“Serving as a banker is the best way I know to express my gratitude for the opportunities and blessings that I have received in my life,” the outgoing CEO reflected. “For me, there is an immense joy and gratification in helping others. And I am indeed thankful for the opportunity to have written an Anguillian chapter in my life story.”
In a previous message relative to her departure, Mrs. Vaughan said: “It has been a privilege to lead NCBA alongside such a fantastic team of individuals and serving the people of Anguilla. I am truly thankful to have been able to participate in the bank’s evolution. NCBA is well positioned for great success in the coming years. The bank is well capitalized and is growing strongly. I have no doubt that NCBA will continue to grow in influence within the banking sector, and I wish NCBA all the best in the future.”
The Anguillian wishes Mrs. Vaughan all the best in her future endeavours.
