FOR most Saint Lucians and corporate citizens, the highlight of the month of February was the island’s 37th Independence celebrations. For the management and staff of Financial Investment & Consultancy Services Ltd. (FICS), the celebrations were two-fold as the financial institution simultaneously observed its 24th year of doing business in Saint Lucia.
FICS opened its doors to the general public in 1992 under the leadership of its founder and current Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. George Theophilus. Twenty-four years later, this native financial institution is still cultivating and empowering sons and daughters of the soil while successfully operating at two branches: one on Bridge Street, Castries and the other in Rodney Bay.
On February 24, at both these locations, the company celebrated the double occasion with customers and staff. For many persons who visited that day, it was business as usual sprinkled with high energy, beautiful colours, sweet music and delicious food.
“We would never have made it to 24 years if not for our customers and the relationships we have fostered with them over the years,” said the Managing Director of FICS, Ms. Wendy Theophilus. “And because we are a local financial institution, we take our culture, heritage and national pride very seriously which is why we join the rest of the nation every year in celebrating the day that Saint Lucia received her independence.”
Management and staff of both branches adorned themselves in national wear while they served and treated customers to breakfast, small tokens of memorabilia and local entertainment in the form of traditional folk music played by the Visually Impaired Band and MamaiLacaye Folk Bands.
Leader of the MamaiLacaye Folk Band, Augustin Julian, who also goes by the name Charlie, lauded FICS for remaining grounded in the island’s culture and heritage. A handful of outspoken customers also took the opportunity to thank the institution for assisting them in a very professional and personal way throughout the years.
According to the Chairman and Founder of FICS, George Theophilus, “I was a birthday and independence anniversary the company will never forget.”