Loyal Bank funds the renovation of the Calvin Nichols Wildlife Aviary Complex in St. Vincent: officially opened on 4th October 2013

After three years of careful preparations the renovation and reconstruction works at the Calvin Nichols Wildlife Aviary Complex, located within the Botanical Gardens in Kingstown, St. Vincent, have been completed well in time for the upcoming cruise line tourist season that runs from October to April each year. The Botanical Gardens in Kingstown, established in 1767, are one of the oldest public gardens in the Caribbean and are popular with tourists and locals alike: the aviary houses several specimens of the colourful, noisy and unique St. Vincent parrot, pictured below, which is highly endangered and of which only around 700 birds remain. The parrot is only found on the island of St. Vincent and an image appears on one side of Loyal Bank’s EUR Cirrus / Maestro Bankcard.

The St. Vincent parrot

This project was entirely funded by Loyal Bank Limited at no cost to the taxpayer, and our contribution is attested by a memorial plaque at the main entrance. As part of this project:

• Cages were repainted and repaired
• Dilapidated doors were replaced by long lasting and maintenance – free doors and gates made of heavy duty aluminium and greenheart, a very strong wood similar to mahogany with an inbuilt resistance to insect attack
• Two new visitors viewing benches were built of concrete and greenheart wood
• Unsafe walls and railings were renewed and extended
• Worn paving was replaced

Loyal Bank has been a dedicated supporter of social and environment protection projects in St. Vincent since our opening in 1997. Over the years the Bank has donated funds on numerous occasions for one-time charitable events as well as on-going projects. The renovation of the Aviary Complex is part of the bank’s on-going support for community – focused projects in St. Vincent that benefit society and the environment.

The memorial plaque

The official handing-over ceremony and unveiling the plaque took place on the 4th of October, 2013 in the presence of representatives of the authorities in charge, Loyal Bank and the local TV, radio and print media. Stephen Kostyal, Chairman of Loyal Bank formally declared the facility open and Agnes Varga, Chief Operating Officer SVG and Adrian Baron, CEO, where also there from the Bank. The authorities were represented by Senior Forestry Supervisor, Mr. Cornelius Richards and Director of Forestry, Mr. Fitzgerald Providence. Mr. Andrew Wilson, Director of National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority as well as Mr. Gordon Shallow, Curator of the Botanical Gardens also passed their remarks at the handing-over ceremony.  

For more on the history of the Botanical Gardens please visit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botanic_Gardens_St._Vincent