Following closely on the heels of the establishment of a branch at Lethem, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) has set up its eighth branch at Providence in the Buddy’s International Hotel building.
It offers the full line of financial services, including savings, checking and time deposit accounts; personal, commercial and housing loans; cambio and other foreign business services; ATM and Night Depository and Visa Card cash advances.
Speaking at a launching ceremony held in the lobby of the hotel yesterday, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said the facility’s location not only makes commercial services more readily accessible to people living on the East Bank, but is also an indication of the “coming of age” of the country’s services sector.
He urged the replication of such an effort, which he said was a logical example of the integration of businesses.
“This model should be replicated and it is an integration which enhances the experience of all who will visit these premises,” Singh asserted.
The minister said, too, that the bank’s latest facility represented more expansion of the country’s banking sector.
He said he was pleased to be a part of the opening ceremony and added that the new branch brought world class and state-of-the-art commercial banking services to the residents and businesses in the area.
The minister also alluded to the importance of the East Bank corridor, which he said had a strategic role in terms of the road linkages that it provides and the accompanying financial and economic potential.
He noted that it was a significant beneficiary of private sector investment and indicated his government’s continued commitment to playing its role to implement the programmes necessary to facilitate private sector growth.
GBTI also came in for commendation from the finance minister who said that he was pleased to see the bank embarking on two projects, one after the other.
“In both instances GBTI was astute and in finding growth in this area and for this I commend you,” Singh said.
Chairman of the bank’s board Robin Stoby referred to the bank’s Lethem branch, which proving perception wrong, had already established itself as an integral part of the community, following its opening in August last year.
He said the branch is currently serving that community with all the quality facilities, which the bank offers.
Given the difficulties of transportation and the sensitivity of money matters, “a branch catering for the needs of the area would be a valuable asset in the new environment,” he said, referring to the Providence branch. “Thus in keeping with our vision, it seems right that the branch here will serve two important purposes – to cater for the householders in the area, and to render first class service to the guests who will stay at the facility not only for the World Cup but also beyond.” Stoby told well-wishers.
GBTI Chief Executive Officer Radhakrishna Sharma said the bank was confident about what the future holds for Guyana and was happy to take the step to provide vital banking services, stimulate small businesses and support new investment, economic growth and job creation for more than 50,000 residents and businesses on the East Bank.
“Indeed this is the first time that the East Bank will have the benefit of a bank in the area and I am confident that the residents will recognise the significance of our initiative
