The St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank under its Cooperate Social Responsibility Programme, has begun its distribution of 20,000 reusable shopping bags with the intention of assisting households across the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

According to a press release, the bank has taken a bold step in supporting the government’s ban on single-use plastic bags which officially started on April 1^st, 2025. This decision signals an important milestone in the nation’s journey toward a cleaner, greener, and a more sustainable future.

In a statement on the initiative, Acting CEO of National Bank, Bernice Grant-Kelly underscored the importance of collective action. She was quoted as saying “As a proud corporate citizen, National Bank and its subsidiaries stand firmly with our nation and our government’s bold leadership in advancing the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA). Through National Cares, we are using this initiative of distributing reusable bags to help carry the collective responsibility of promoting a healthy environment for a healthy society.”

Additionally, on behalf of the government, Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Geoffrey Hanley expressed gratitude to the bank for the kind gesture and added “It is indeed a privilege and an honour for me to thank the St. Kitts-Nevis Anguilla National Bank Limited and its subsidiaries for the donation of bags. As we move towards a sustainable island state, it is indeed prudent for us to have banned t-shirt plastic bags. This donation will allow shoppers to take home their groceries in a more sustainable way,”.

Minister of Environment, Climate Action, et al, Hon. Joyelle Clarke also chimed in and thanked the St. Kitts-Nevis National Bank and its subsidiaries for supporting her ministry’s ban on single-use t-shirt plastic bags. She said: “Corporate social responsibility is the only way in which the government of St. Kitts and Nevis can really get to a sustainable island state.