An anonymous source reaching the Freedom Newspaper, says the Arab Islamic Bank, must have been burnt down by disgruntled cashiers, who faces daily reprisals, coaching and financial exploitations from their seniors. Bank cashiers, who had financial shortages, in their daily transactions, often have their salaries deducted, coached and in some instances fired from their jobs, the Freedom Newspaper was told.
“I read again the second fire incident at the Arab Islamic Bank Branch, at West Field junction .Really, it is very disturbing, but I just want to tell you the other side of a story, that I will like you to investigate. It seems that there is a foul play. One thing I will like you to know is that almost 85% of our Bank Cashiers in all the banks in The Gambia, are paying money due to float shortages or overpayments, which they usually used as a back up or excuses, but the real truth is the poverty, low wages and the country’s ailing economic problems. If you could remember the first fire was just few weeks before Tobaski ,when some cashiers were needing cash to solve their economic needs.” said our source.
Our source went further to say that most of the Cashiers are underpaid and as such are tempted to steal Customers hard earned monies. He suspects that the Bank was set ablaze by a disgruntled Cashier(s), who might have a beef with the Bank’s management for alleged work related problems.
“I think is now time for the Arab Bank to tell the truth or people will start withdrawing their savings, as some have already started withdrawing their monies from the Bank. Just few weeks ago, I spoke to one of the Cashiers, who have a problem to settle six thousand Dalasis from his/her float. The problem is only low salaries for The Gambian Bank Cashiers. I hope that you will investigate on this matter. Next time, I will tell you some banks system programs used, which is very outdated and questionable.” said our source.
An official of the Arab Gambia Islamic Bank, who spoke to the Freedom Newspaper, admits that indeed there exists a problem between Cashiers and some member of Management. The official said such problems was as a result to what he calls “ unaccounted cash shortages.” The official said he was not in the position to confirm whether the recent blaze was as a result of staff sabotage. There are many theories being associated with the incident. I do not want to speculate as to the actual cause of the fire. I advise that you talk to the Bank manager, for any additional information on this matter.” said the official.
The Bank’s manager was indisposed for comments at press time. Police say investigations into the incident, were still underway. The police spokesperson says Bank officials were invited for questioning shortly after the blaze. He says once their investigations are complete, they would communicate it to the public.