Thursday night was an evening to remember for staff members and friends of the Bank of South Pacific (B.S.P).

At the Taumeasina Island Resort, the bank celebrated its first birthday in Samoa with an extravagant gathering attended by the business community and who’s who of Samoa.

Guests were made to feel like royalty as they drank the night away while being entertained by Talavou Manaia dance group.

The Central Bank of Samoa granted B.S.P. a banking license in April 2015 and then officially opened doors to the public on the 11th of July 2015.

The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La’auli Leuatea Polataivao congratulated the bank. He spoke on behalf of Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi who is outside of Samoa.  “B.S.P. is the largest bank in Papua New Guinea and one of the major banking operators in the South Pacific region,” he said.

“The decision by the government of Samoa to grant a banking license to the group, affirmed our confidence in the bank’s prevalent financial backing.

“As well as its robust banking platform that will make banking more accessible, reliable and easier for the Samoan people in both the urban and rural areas.

“This is important because commercial banks play a fundamental role in the financial system and the economic development of Samoa.”

La’auli highlighted the importance of having high standards.  “We expect them to always put their customers’ interest first and to deal with anyone whom they transact with, in precisely the same respect they would expect from others,” he said.

“The government of Samoa is especially pleased with the vision of B.S.P, to be the leading financial service provider in Samoa, helping customers, staff, shareholders and the community to prosper.

“And in pursuit of this vision, we have noticed that B.S.P. has invested heavily in the community by offering educational scholarships and contributing to numerous public initiatives.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Samoa, I congratulate B.S.P. and in particular, the chairman Sir Kostas Constantinou, the Board, Management and all the staff.” After all formalities, Member of the Board of Director, Tupuola George Hunt, cut the birthday cake.