5 Feb 2009

American Samoa lawmakers meet with bank officials

9:56 am on 5 February 2009

Three territorial lawmakers met with officials from the ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank, Bank of Hawaii and the government owned Development Bank of American Samoa to discuss ways to improve banking services for the Manu'a Island group.

Senator Galea'i Tuufuli says full banking service is only available on the main island of Tutuila making it difficult for Manu'a residents to receive proper banking services.

ANZ closed down its Ofu Island service two years ago when three staffers were accused of embezzlement and the senator says currently ANZ is providing very limited services.

ANZ's president and chief executive, David Whitby, says the bank is reviewing the options.