The San Pedro branch opening of the First Caribbean International Bank took place this weekend on Sunday, January 28, 2006 making San Pedro one of the only communities to boast of having a branch of every banking business established in this country.
There are much bigger towns and communities in Belize that are much larger in size and population than San Pedro, but our island community can now be proud to boast of this. And this is only an indication that the banking enterprise has faith on our robust economy, particularly that of Ambergris Caye. To our local business it means more banking services and investment opportunities as well as job opportunities.
Justin NicholasIn his address, Mr. Julian Murillo, Executive Director of retail banking for First Caribbean stated that customer service is the number one priority for the bank and that its mission is to be the bank of choice for customers in Belize and the Caribbean. He stated that the bank intends to be a major part of the continuing economic and social development of the island and pledged to be a good corporate citizen of San Pedro.
First Caribbean International Bank is the largest and leading financial services provider in the Caribbean region. The bank provides a wide range of services including Internet and phone banking where customers can pay bills, send wired payments/transactions or check their account balances and the only bank to offer real time banking through all their branches. One service the bank provides which will attract foreign investments to the island is that of international mortgage.
Inside BankMayor Elsa Paz invited the bank to grow along with our flourishing community. “With this growth come many demands and the addition of this bank to our community is indeed a benefit for its residents, commented Mayor Elsa Paz. “With the influx of other Belizeans and foreign investment to our shores the need for more banking options is a necessity and thus the people have embraced First Caribbean International Bank with open arms.”
Guest speaker Hon. Mark Espat spoke on behalf Prime Minister Musa and conveyed his congratulations and his best wishes for the success of this branch office. He said that he believes in the economic importance of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye for Belize as it has been an anchor for the tourism industry since the early 1960’s.
“Such propitious conditions in this dynamic financial market place have no doubt inspired First Caribbean to invest in this new branch office,” commented Hon. Espat. “Prime Minster Musa and our government recognize and appreciate the expansion that this new branch represents and more importantly the expression of faith that the growth of First Caribbean portfolio in 2006 will represent…In small and so called emerging economies like Belize, competitive financing makes the difference in most industries and enterprises. In this environment First Caribbean’s expansion in Belize and in our region is impressive indeed.”
San Pedro Bank Branch Manager, Mr. Justin Nicholas, commented on all the hard work that First Caribbean has placed into opening their branch on the island and that they are proud of this new accomplishment.
“I am very honored to have been chosen as manager of this branch and excited for the opportunity to truly provide the best customer service to each and every one of our customers and I am proud of having a team of committed and professional, hard working staff.”
The ceremony concluded with the ribbon cutting ceremony by Mayor Paz and Hon. Espat who then invited guests for a tour of the new First Caribbean building. A reception followed with great food and local music by Wil & Dale.
Photo Caption:
1. Mayor Elsa Paz and Hon. Mark Espat do the honors of cutting the ribbon.
2. Branch Manager Mr. Justin Nicholas addresses guests.
3. Mayor Paz, Area Representative Heredia and Hon. Mark Espat were first to tour the building
