Bank of Nova Scotia says it will contribute $530,000 (US$500,000) toward Hurricane Dean relief efforts in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Scotiabank’s country heads in the regions will ensure the bank’s contribution is directed to relief agencies in each country.

“Our thoughts are with the people of the Caribbean and Latin America who were struck by this tremendous force of nature,” says Rick Waugh, Scotiabank president & CEO. “Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad.”

Scotiabank is in five Latin American countries, with about 15,200 employees, 830 branches and nearly 1,700 automated banking machines. The bank has been in the Caribbean and Central America since 1889. With operations in 24 countries in the region now, Scotiabank has about 11,250 employees, as well as 850 ABMs and 380 branches.