Scotiabank Expresses Appreciation

Marva Bernard (2nd l) former President of Netball Jamaica proudly displays the award that had just been presented to her by Jacqueline Sharp (r), President and CEO Scotia Group. The award was an expression of appreciation from the Bank for all the work she had invested into the development of netball over the years.
Sharing the moment are Heather Goldson (l), Regional Marketing Director and Yanique Forbes Patrick (r), Vice President Marketing, both of Scotiabank.

Scotiabank has reached out, and made a special presentation to Marva Bernard, former President of the Netball Jamaica, for her contribution to the development of the sport. The presentation was made by Jacqueline Sharp, President and CEO of Scotia Group in her office at the ScotiaCentre, on Tuesday, May 3, 2104.

"We have seen your dedication and handwork and wanted to personally express our appreciation to you for all that you have done for netball over the years", said Sharp. "Our netballers have risen to such great international prominence in recent years, and I think it is safe to say that a lot of this success has been attributable to your determination", continued Ms. Sharp.

Scotiabank has been supporting the Jamaica Netball Association since 2006 when Ms. Bernard first made an appeal to the company for assistance.

In her response, Ms. Bernard expressed her delight at the recognition. To say I'm overwhelmed would be an understatement", she said. I have always felt like a part of the Scotiabank family. My job was made much easier because I have never felt uncomfortable to ask for help", she continued. And of course she had to share her own words of wisdom. "it's really about relationship building" she said. Ethics and accountability are important. Sponsors need to know that you are using their money wisely". She also added that "If you don't have supportive friends, the road can get lonely, but it's not what you get, it's what you become that is important".

In this new phase of her life, Bernard says she is enjoying retirement. "There are days I wake up and I want to do nothing", she said. However for the most part she has become involved in swimming in the mornings, training for a 5K, and assisting her church with a number of projects. She remains open to organisations who may want to lean on the expertise she has gleaned over the years.

The specially designed tombstone reads 'Presented to Marva Bernard, Past President Netball Jamaica, for passionate advocacy, dedicated administration, outstanding service and sterling contribution to the development and growth of netball in Jamaica. The event was attended by Scotiabanker who have worked closely with Ms. Bernard over the years.

In the end, by email, she concluded "Thank you Ms. Sharp for facilitating this wonderful event. I felt truly honoured and special and count myself fortunate to be a member of the Scotiabank family.

About Scotia Group Jamaica Limited (SGJL) Scotiabank has been in Jamaica since 1889 and is the premier financial institution in the country with just over 2,000 employees and 35 Branches Island wide. SGJL is a subsidiary of Scotiabank (Canada) and offers a diverse range of products and services including personal, commercial, and small business banking, wealth management, insurance, and mortgages. SGJL is an award winning institution having been named on numerous occasions as the Bank of the Year and Best Bank in Jamaica by international financial publications – the Banker, Latin Finance, Euromoney, and Global Finance magazines. SGJL has JMD$ 414 billion in assets (as at January 31, 2015). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com/jm.