Belize Bank Inaugurates New Branch in Independence
Banking just got easier for businesses and residents in South Stann Creek with the launch of a new Belize Bank branch in Independence. For many years, the bank has extended services to the two main industries in that district, but not until now has it established a physical location in that community. A new office in Independence also ensures that Belize Bank will gain a foothold in the financial sector in the south, since the Port of Big Creek is just a stone’s throw away. News Five’s Isani Cayetano reports.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
A new branch of the Belize Bank Limited is open for business in Independence Village, joining another lending institution in serving the financial needs of residents of southern Belize. This afternoon at an inauguration ceremony, Chairman Lyndon Guiseppi spoke of the bank further expanding its reach to the lower half of the country where economic activity in Big Creek and other areas within Stann Creek District is also looking up.
Lyndon Guiseppi, Chairman, Belize Bank Ltd.
Lyndon Guiseppi
“Fourteen years ago, in 2007 to be exact, the Belize Bank opened its first branch in the Stann Creek District on the Placencia peninsula. During that period we served approximately three thousand customers and performed in excess of six hundred thousand transactions. We also collaborated with many local businesses, helping them in the process to grow and serve their clients in the best possible way. Today, the Belize Bank is building on that strong foundation and that great legacy with the inauguration of our Independence branch.”
The new branch location, according to Agata Ruta, Head of Digital, Retail & Business Banking, is part of a systematic approach that would bring Belize Bank closer to its customers.
Agata Ruta
Agata Ruta, Head of Digital, Retail & Business Banking
“I think it’s worth mentioning that we are not leaving Placencia. Actually, we have just expanded our ATM network in Placencia and we will be visiting our corporate clients on a regular basis to ensure the smooth operations. This branch here is part of the Belize Bank strategy to grow the distribution footprints at the location to bring us closer to our clients. The branch opening, and with the wide spectrum of services, it’s a part of the overall approach to make banking easier and more convenient and to bring and spread financial inclusion to the community.”
The addition of another local office on the other side of the Placencia Lagoon is beneficial to all clients who transact with the Belize Bank in that community.
Lyndon Guiseppi
“Our decision to move from Placencia to Independence was not taken lightly and was indeed a very difficult decision. It followed deep consultation and analysis with both customers and staff, but we left those discussions with absolutely no doubt that relocating to Independence Village was a win-win solution for both customers and for potential and existing clients as well.”
Despite only just establishing a physical presence in Mango Creek, Belize Bank has been integral in financing the agricultural mainstays in this part of the country, those industries being citrus and banana.
Lyndon Guiseppi
“The Belize Bank, this afternoon, believes that Independence has a lot to offer and we are saying through our investment in this branch, in this head office that we are here to stay and we want to participate in the growth and development of Independence. In other words, ladies and gentlemen, we are staking our claim in the Independence pie. Interestingly enough, while we may only be now physically relocating to Independence, in truth or fact, we have actually been serving the community for many, many, years. Why do I say this? Well for many years, even continuing today, the Belize Bank has been the largest lender in the country to the banana and citrus industries located in the Stann Creek District.”
Isani Cayetano reporting for News Five.
