BSP Gulf closes for indefinite period following break-in

BANK South Pacific (BSP) in Kerema, Gulf, has been closed indefinitely following a break-in on Saturday.
Contrary to report by the police commander, Maria Johns, K1 million was not stolen but about K220,000 in cash from the sub-branch.
As a result, the sub-branch has been closed for an indefinite period. BSP group general-manager, retail, Daniel Faunt, said: “BSP is the only bank operating in Gulf and while we regret to inform the public of our sub-branch closure during this time, law and order issues such as this affects service delivery and at the same time, disrupts economic development of rural people.
“The safety of our staff, branches and properties are fundamental requirements for BSP to continue to provide banking services in any community and in some cases, where no other banks do in some areas of Papua New Guinea,”
In 2008, BSP closed its Kerema sub-branch after it was subjected to a robbery and in June 2014, BSP returned to Kerema.
BSP group chief executive officer Robin Fleming said: “BSP has experienced ongoing issues of criminal activities in the past which had disrupted its services to the respective areas.
“While banking services is an essential service aimed at increasing financial inclusion for rural people, BSP sub-branches and agencies will only continue to operate in an environment where safety of bank assets and staff are guaranteed by the community concerned.”
Earlier this week, BSPs sub-branch at Hoskins was subjected to an attempted robbery, which resulted in the branch being closed temporarily.