Commercial and industrial loans fell at community banks in both 2002 and 2003 but at a much slower rate of decline - less than half a percent in each year - than at larger institutions. Capitalization is another area of contrast.
They are able to reduce costs and be more competitive because wages for skilled professionals in Barbados are so much lower. They are able to offer the same quality of service because Barbados boasts international levels of social and economic infrastructure, and excellent communications with North America, Europe and beyond.