ST. CROIX — Banco Popular executives and government dignitaries celebrated the opening of the bank’s new branch in the Sunny Isle Shopping Center during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Monday under a tent in the parking lot next to the newly constructed building.
Banco Popular, which was founded in 1893 and has operated in the territory for more than 40 years, previously had a Sunny Isle branch next to The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy. Its new branch is in the Sunny Isle Annex between the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority and Caribbean Cinemas.
Darren Vanterpool, Banco Popular senior vice president and division manager for the Virgin Islands, thanked all the bank personnel, contractors, government agencies, and individuals who contributed toward the project, including the team at Sunny Isle Developers who leased the space.
“The new branch reflects our unwavering commitment to St. Croix to provide our customers with the very best banking experience,” he said.
Vanterpool noted features like drive-through services, ample parking, full-service ATMs, and conference rooms. He stressed that Banco Popular’s mission goes beyond transactions and bank account numbers.
“We are here to empower your families, support your businesses, and strengthen the community we serve,” he said. “When our communities thrive, we have found that we all thrive.”
Vivien Montañez, Banco Popular division manager, Retail & Business Core Channels, said she recalled attending the groundbreaking ceremony on December 6, 2024 as she made the trip from Puerto Rico to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. She said, however, it has taken Banco Popular more than a year to get to this point.
“It started like 10, 12 years ago with our vision,” she said. “So now we have this as a reality, and I’m proud to be here and continue to see how our vision and commitment has come to life.”
Even though she retired from her role as division manager for the Virgin Islands region on March 31 after 25 years of service, Oran Roebuck participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. She was instrumental in advancing the project to construct the bank’s new branch. Montañez acknowledged the role Roebuck played, thanking her for “that vision.”
Montañez said Banco Popular strives to serve and continuously improve how its presence and services go out to the communities it serves, noting the bank’s pledge is no different in the Virgin Islands.
“This has been our legacy for the last 132 years, and with this new branch, we hope to continue with that support and commitment to this community,” she said.
Senate Vice President Kenneth Gittens said the new branch represents Banco Popular’s continued dedication to fostering economic growth on St. Croix and throughout the territory for more than 40 years. He said the bank’s four decades of partnership reflect its deep-rooted investment in the community, noting that Banco Popular has grown alongside the territory — supporting families, empowering businesses, collaborating with the government, and contributing to the development of the local economy.
“The opening of this new branch is a symbol of Banco Popular’s confidence in our potential and of its ongoing commitment to the future of the Virgin Islands,” Gittens said. “I am certain that this stand-alone location will be a resounding success, providing improved access, modern conveniences, and enhanced services for the people of St. Croix.”
Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach commended Banco Popular for its accomplishment, welcomed its continued partnership with the Virgin Islands, and expressed his thanks for investing in “our people and territory.” Discussing the branch features, Roach noted customers do not even need to enter the building to complete certain transactions considering the banking machines “do everything.”
“Still, we know that there’s an element of our population who wants and needs the physical interaction that is present when they come to a building like this and meet some of these wonderful men and women who work at Banco Popular,” Roach said.
The ceremony concluded with the official ribbon cutting and a tour of the building.
