Banco Popular Celebrates New Sunny Isles Branch Groundbreaking

December 9, 2024

Numerous officials attended the groundbreaking for the new Sunny Isles branch. From left: Sammuel Sanes, Administrator, Office of the Governor, Darren Vanterpool, Manager, BVI Commercial Banking Center, Senator Marise James, of the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, Oran Roebuck, Senior Vice President & Division Manager, VI Region, Luis Cestero, Executive Vice President & Group Manager, Retail & Business Solutions, Vivien Montañez, Division Manager, Retail & Business Core Channels, Maureen Burke-Ventura, Manager VI Facilities, Herman Hart, Manager, Facilities & Securities Administration. (Photo courtesy Banco Popular)

On Friday, Dec. 6, a celebratory groundbreaking event was held at the construction site of a new branch of Banco Popular at Sunny Isles Shopping Center on St. Croix.

“Popular is excited to announce the groundbreaking of its new Sunny Isles branch,” according to a press release from Banco Popular. “The construction of this new branch is part of the bank’s commitment to enhancing its services and accessibility for customers in the Virgin Islands,” the press release stated.

The event was attended by multiple representatives from Banco Popular and several officials with the government of the Virgin Islands, including Sen. Marise James of the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands and Sammuel Sanes, administrator of the Governor’s Office.

Officials noted that the new branch—which will be built on a lot located across the street from the current Banco Popular location—is expected to be operational within 18 months or less. The construction project is expected to create jobs on St. Croix and will feature an upgraded facility for customers to conduct their banking needs. (The current Sunny Isles branch will remain open until the new building is completed.)

Banco Popular displays a rendition of its new Sunny Isles branch location on St. Croix during a groundbreaking celebration on Dec. 6. (Source photo by Jesse Daley)

The press release from Banco Popular offered the following details about the new branch:

“The construction site consists of approximately 6,500 sq. ft. that includes a single-story building and an Autobank Canopy for a Drive-thru terminal. With a modern design, the new branch will feature state-of-the-art facilities and enhanced functionality to provide a better user experience, with ample parking space, stations for tellers and Autobank services, additional ATM equipment, conference rooms, lounge areas, and more. Additionally, it will have eco-friendly elements, like solar panels, an emergency generator, and an energy-efficient lighting system. The branch will also offer a full range of banking services, including personal and business banking, loans, and investment services.”

The Source spoke on camera with Oran Roebuck, senior vice president and division manager of Banco Popular’s Virgin Islands Region, to learn more information about the construction of the bank.