Aunty Charlie – A BANK STALWART OF A DIFFERENT KIND

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]unday June 10 marked the 100th birthday of Mrs. Murial Elaine Charles, who is distinguished at CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank as one of the institution’s oldest active account holders. The Morne Fortune resident, affectionately known as Aunty Charlie, commenced her banking relationship with one of the bank’s parent institutions, Barclays Bank Plc, in June 1986. With her 100th milestone falling days ahead of the bank’s annual Client Appreciation Day programme, staff from CIBC FirstCaribbean’s retail unit visited the centenarian on her birthday, bearing floral bouquets and a birthday cake.

The team also joined friends and family in a celebratory church service in honour of Mrs. Charles “to highlight the significance of the occasion and demonstrate our highest regard”.

Branch Manager Mrs. Smerna Pompelis said it was “remarkable and gratifying” for the team that, despite her age, Aunty Charlie was able to remember some of those present. “Throughout our journey in banking we meet customers who touch our lives and allow us to form lasting bonds and relationships with them. We are privileged to celebrate such milestones, especially with one of our most cherished and beloved customers,” Mrs. Pompelis said.

Customer Service Manager Angelina Nathaniel described the centenarian as “a legend” among staff, whose energy and vigour was an opportunity for customer service representatives (CSRs) to live out the principles of service excellence espoused by the bank. She is remembered as one who demanded the best in customer service, and who would refer new CSRs to their supervisors when they did not meet her standards. As a result she built relationships with those who provided the exceptional service.

Mrs. Charles’ exacting standards in customer service were honed in the late 1960s in the United States where she worked as a caregiver for several families, later joining the staff of the Dobbs Ferry Hospital where she cared for patients and was recognized as a model employee during her 15 year stint there.

Mrs. Charles was born on June 10, 1918 in Kingstown, St Vincent. She traveled to Curacao where she met and married Saint Lucian Gerald James Charles. The two are parents to Haynes Anthony James and Catherine Marie James. In 1985 Aunty Charlie and her husband retired and returned to Saint Lucia to settle.

— Source: Right angle Imaging INC.