For over a month, New Caledonia, and in particular its capital Nouméa, has been experiencing a period of unprecedented unrest. The local economic fabric was severely affected by the violent attacks, with hundreds of businesses looted, destroyed or burnt to the ground. The New Caledonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) estimates that 7,000 direct and indirect jobs were lost by June 3, 2024. In addition to these attacks on the economy, Caledonians also endured days of violence during which travel was dangerous or impossible, difficulties in accessing supplies and healthcare, and atrocities including looting and burning of homes.
Unfortunately, the BCI has not been spared, and today regrets the loss of four branches (Vallée du Tir, Kenu-In, Médipôle and Païta) and more than twenty ATMs.
Against this unstable backdrop, the BCI managed to maintain the continuity of its essential activities with a reduced workforce, by continuing to process incoming and outgoing transactions, while ensuring the safety of its employees through the immediate deployment of teleworking. The crisis unit was activated immediately, enabling stakeholders to exchange views and find appropriate solutions on a day-to-day basis.
Employees mobilized to reopen branches as soon as the situation stabilized, particularly in the southern districts (the least affected in the capital), in Brousse and on the islands. BCI was the first bank to reopen a physical service, enabling its customers, both individuals and businesses, to regain access to all cashier services and physical contact with their advisors. Staff from the destroyed branches were either telecommuted or redeployed to nearby branches.
Koné (Brousse) and Orphelinat (Quartiers Sud) branches on reopening day
The HR teams worked to ensure the well-being of the teams by offering a telephone helpline and remote relaxation sessions. The crisis unit and General Management communicated daily to keep in touch with all employees and keep them informed of developments as quickly as possible.
Although unrest continues in various parts of New Caledonia, particularly in the northern districts of the capital and in the commune of Le Mont Dore, life is slowly returning to normal.
New Caledonia wakes up, wounded and sad, amidst the ashes. But BCI believes in its country and its people, and is working in concert with local institutions (local government, IEOM, insurance companies, etc.) and the State to put in place exceptional measures to support New Caledonia’s economic fabric, and enable it to rebuild.
The teams work tirelessly with individuals, professionals and businesses, carefully processing hundreds of applications for deferred payment and providing advice and solutions to deal with immediate difficulties, but also to look further ahead and anticipate the reconstruction phase. The BCI will be there in the coming years to help New Caledonia get back on its feet, by working with it to imagine the country of tomorrow.
Once again, BCI’s General Management would like to express its gratitude and pride in its employees, who have been present despite the difficulties (personal, transport, etc.) and are determined to support their customers and work with them to find ways out of this situation.
More than ever, this crisis has demonstrated the strength of our values of Trust, Agility and Proximity, which, beyond the slogan, motivate each and every one of us, and make BCI a solid and efficient banking institution, serving all Caledonians, individuals and businesses, throughout the Territory.