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Banco Popular closes VG branch 'until further notice'

- Sister Island back to 'dark days' of no local banking service
Less than 24 hours after a daring March 20, 2020 daylight robbery where an undisclosed sum of cash was carted of by bandits at the Virgin Gorda branch of Banco Popular, the bank announced its decision to close the location 'until further notice.' Photo: VINO/File
For the branch on Tortola, the operating hours will be Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 1:00pm and 1:00pm - 3:00 pm, for the Drive-Thru and Walk-up Teller Service and Virgin Gorda branch will remain closed indefinitely. Photo: Banco Popular
For the branch on Tortola, the operating hours will be Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 1:00pm and 1:00pm - 3:00 pm, for the Drive-Thru and Walk-up Teller Service and Virgin Gorda branch will remain closed indefinitely. Photo: Banco Popular
Banking services were finally returned to VG on November 6, 2019–after several months without–with Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) remarking that the people deserved better and hence, his government worked hard to deliver on the promise of returning banking to the island. Photo: VINO/File
Banking services were finally returned to VG on November 6, 2019–after several months without–with Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) remarking that the people deserved better and hence, his government worked hard to deliver on the promise of returning banking to the island. Photo: VINO/File
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI - Less than 24 hours after a daring March 20, 2020 daylight robbery- where an undisclosed sum of cash was carted of by bandits at the Virgin Gorda branch of Banco Popular- the bank announced its decision to close the location "until further notice."

While Banco Popular did not say the closure was as a direct result of the robbery, the announcement came soon after with the bank posting new operating hours; which they say is as a result of preventative and response measures to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Closed for COVID-19?

"We are taking additional preventive measures to ensure the well-being of our customers and employees and to continue providing essential financial services while ensuring the safety of our customers, employees and community in the Virgin Islands," the bank said. 

For the branch on Tortola, the operating hours will be Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 1:00pm and 1:00pm - 3:00 pm, for the Drive-Thru and Walk-up Teller Service.

The Virgin Gorda branch will remain closed indefinitely and the Tortola branch will offer only Drive-Thru and Walk-up Teller Service from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturdays.

VG back to no banking on Island 

With the announcement to close the VG location, it means the sister island is now returning to a state of having no local banking services yet again.

Banking services were finally returned to VG on November 6, 2019–after several months without.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) had remarked at the opening that the people deserved better and his government worked hard to deliver on the promise of returning banking to the island.

At the launch, Premier Fahie said, “Over the past months, you the people of Virgin Gorda shared some of the inconveniences being experienced such as having to pay close to $100 in transportation fees via boat from Virgin Gorda to Tortola and on land upon arriving to Tortola as well as other unavoidable expenses that were occurred such as food among other expenses just to change a $150 cheque.”   

Arrests already made 

With regards to the robbery, “Arrests have been made and these persons are assisting with the investigation,” the RVIPF said in a press release on Friday, March 21, 2020.

The RVIPF is asking that anyone with pertinent information about this incident, to make contact with the force at its three-digit access number 311 or the Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.

9 Responses to “Banco Popular closes VG branch 'until further notice'”

  • Sigh (22/03/2020, 10:38) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't live on VG, but geesh I feel their struggle. So,now it's back to hopping on the ferry to come Tola to use the banks SMH. I hope the bank only closed for a bit so that they can step up their security measures.
  • GG (22/03/2020, 11:15) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look at that, months of hard work gone down the drain and everything back to square one... absolutely ridiculous.
  • VG (22/03/2020, 11:58) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    Such events have taken place on Tortola before and the banks were back in business within a day. Let's hope that Banco won't use this as an excuse to make their escape. The majority should not suffer as a result of a few fools.

    I am trusting that the management of the bank will step up security and continue to serve the community.

  • Why (22/03/2020, 12:18) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    can we get a chance to spend 5 minutes with these guys
  • one eye (22/03/2020, 12:43) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is sad
  • o (22/03/2020, 14:16) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Theylle be released after questioning , back to tortola for banking
  • So pissed (22/03/2020, 14:26) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Now I have to travel to Tortola to the bank. Thank you very much you INGRATES for managing to mess things up again. All I need is ten minutes out side the police station with my baseball bat and pass the INGRATES to me.
  • GG (22/03/2020, 16:04) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    You see this rubbish. An entire island suffering because of senseless guys who don't want to work for money. Look parents and family members, if you have sons or guys in your family who are robbing local businesses and citizens -- turn them in. This crap needs to stop!
  • No Security on Duty (23/03/2020, 16:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Banco, this is unfortunate, but no one was hurt, so please don't use this as an opportunity to leave and I know you've fought long and hard to get in. Please as I always ask when I enter the Bank! Where is the Security Officers? COVID19 outbreak and we got a Full-time Human Sanitizer. Please reopen with a Guard or a better Door System OR BOTH!


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