BSP celebrates loyalty, commitment

Integrity, honesty and commitment were the key attributes to keeping the job for over 20 years.

For all the staff that commemorated their long service, Bank South Pacific (BSP) was and has been the only employer for them since day one; and they had nothing but praise for their employer.

On Saturday 26th January, BSP hosted a special awards night in recognition of 26 of its long service staff, six of which celebrated their 40 years of service while 20 marked 25 years of service.

Commemorating 40 years of service were Karen Ijape, Andrew Ningisere, Josephine Komoru and Kessie Mormor, all of whom joined the bank in 1978 and 1979 when it was under PNG Banking Corporation (PNGBC).

Andrew Ningisere, who joined the bank in 1978, said the most memorable moment for him was to be accepted for the first time to the bank as his first ever paid job.

Back then, not many Papua New Guineans were in the workforce.

“It was important for me to work hard, to be professional and adapt to the changes over the years,” said Ningisere. “Everything is special to me with BSP, from a fresh 19-year-old teen to a 60-year-old now, BSP has always been a special part of my life and family,” said Ningisere.

For another long service awardee, Josephine Komoru, this was the building block for her. She started with BSP as a Postage Clerk in 1979 at Boroko Branch and today heads the Lae Market branch as Branch Manager.

“Every day is a great opportunity to learn and I have been given the opportunity to grow in my career,” said Komoru.

While many commented on growth and career building opportunities within the bank, other awardees simply acknowledged that BSP contributed to improving their life and that of their family.

Ekop Hane, who clocked 25 years, started with the bank as a part time teller in Goroka in 1993. 

“The most memorable event for me was when my eldest daughter was selected to Unitech, Lae and I did not have the money to pay for her fees. I had sleepless nights. The due date approached and I decided to go speak to my manager. 

“As I walked into my manager’s office, I broke down in tears. I explained my situation and with recommendations from my manager; my loan was approved. I had tears of joy when I paid my daughter’s fees. If we are honest and we take care of our employer, our employer will take care of us,” said Hane.

For Koru Nana, who is the Staff Lending Loan Officer 25 years on, and looking back, her most memorable experience was having her first housing loan approved and finally moving into the property with her family.

“It created wealth for my family and I am appreciative, I put on my uniform with pride and I am thankful,” added Nana. In her line of work, she continues to help other staff with advice in achieving their dreams – owning a home.

“My family and BSP share a few things in common; my commitment, loyalty and my motivation. My family has always been my backbone and the driving force for me to achieve better things.

“BSP the customers and people I serve have always been the driving force for me to be a better person in the community,” added Caroline Koa from Popondetta Branch, who also marked 25 years of service.

For Nelson Duna, the Team Leader - Security Team in Wewak Branch, “25 years on, I have changed a lot as a person.  The core values of BSP have shaped me to be the person I am today.”

Kevin Smith, who is the delivery officer for Corporate Banking in Madang Branch, said: “The award is important as I know that bank appreciates what I do. The staff who I work with and the environment in the workplace makes me feel important and I know I contribute to the whole of the bank.”

BSP also awarded special 40 year awards to two staff from BSP Cook Islands, Ngametua Tuakana and Marjorie Toru.

Toru in her comments at the presentation thanked BSP saying: “This is something I didn’t expect BSP to do. This award means so much to me because BSP just came on board and they are acknowledging our time working as bankers and the service we provide not only to the bank but to the people we serve.

“While the banks have changed, I am able to serve as a banker, and it’s been 40 years. It shows me that this bank cares about their staff and their families as well; I don’t think other banks would recognise.

“The special part of BSP as a bank is that, while we work to serve our customers and our people, the organisation is an employer of choice because, it is a PNG and Pacific Bank and understands the important value of community and family. Thank you BSP.”

(From left: Caroline Koa, Nelson Duna and Andrew Ningisere receiving their awards)

Author: 
Press release