The Tribune

Commonwealth Bank is moving operations at is Oakes Field branch to a temporary location next month, following last week’s fire damage.

“Oakes Field is a very important branch in our network, one that serves many customers from the immediate area, including the College of The Bahamas, who come into the bank by foot, so we wanted to find another location that would as convenient as possible. “ said Commonwealth Bank president, Ian Jennings. “We have identified a temporary site on Thompson Boulevard and hope to be in and operational by mid-June.”

In the meantime, Mr Jennings said Saturday banking will be available at two locations only in New Providence - Prince Charles Drive and Golden Gates. Hours are 10am to 1pm at both.

“Unfortunately, our two ABMs at Oakes Field are also out of service, but we do encourage customers to use any of the more than one dozen ABMs at bank branch and off-site locations,” said Mr Jennings.

Police are continuing their investigation into the fire that broke out the same night as a freak storm that dumped more than 16 inches of rain on parts of New Providence, and Mr Jennings praised the Royal Bahamas Police Force Fire Unit for responding during the height of the storm.

Just days before, at the bank’s annual general meeting (AGM), Commonwealth executives told shareholders that the Oakes Field branch was slated for a major expansion later this year because business demand had been so strong.

Mr Jennings said that as soon as police completed their investigation, and the bank could re-enter the premises, they would assess expansion plans and make critical design and construction decisions.