Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson in Funafuti

Tuvalu marks ‘momentous occasion’ with unveiling of its first ATMs

National Bank of Tuvalu CEO Siose Penitala Teo tries out the Pacific nation’s first ATM machine
National Bank of Tuvalu CEO Siose Penitala Teo tries out the Pacific nation’s first ATM machine. Photograph: Tala Simeti/The Guardian

Tuvalu, one of the world’s most remote nations, has unveiled its first ever ATMs, at the headquarters of the National Bank of Tuvalu in the village of Vaiaku on Funafuti, the country’s main island.

Tuesday’s ceremony marked a historic shift for the island nation of 12,000 people, which has never before had access to electronic banking. Attended by prime minister Feleti Teo, the governor general, traditional leaders, members of parliament and representatives from the diplomatic and business sectors, the event celebrated a long-anticipated move toward financial modernisation.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.