The opening of the $225M Citizens Bank branch in Linden will facilitate inter-sectoral business opportunities in Region 10 and in spite of the current downturn in the bauxite industry, the bank is confident about the prospects of the gold and diamond mining sectors, agriculture and forestry with their respective capacity for job creation, said Bank Chairman Clifford Reis.
Reis told a large gathering of residents and officials, including Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and Managing Director of Citizens Bank, Eton Chester, at the commissioning of the new Citizens Bank branch on Republic Avenue last Wednesday that “Citizens Bank through the services it would make available stands committed to supporting the transformational opportunities which would be presented.”
Reis said in noting the potential in Linden one must acknowledge the recent linkage of Brazil and Guyana by the construction of the Takutu Bridge which is another indicator of the tourism and trade possibilities.
The town’s location relative to the northern states of Brazil also gives a view of the potential for various forms of economic growth.
He noted too that there are lucrative supply opportunities for ornamental fish for markets in North America and Europe.
“When we consider the future prospects for Linden one may be tempted to over-simplify the challenges but as one contemplates the possibilities it is difficult not to be excited about what is possible for this area given the right conditions and circumstances.”
Reis also supported the recommendations made in various sectors that a study should be undertaken to determine the feasibility of rail transport between Lethem and Georgetown for the movement of cargo and passengers. Referring to data on unemployment and underemployment in the area, Reis said this could be considered in two ways, first as a disadvantage to meaningful development and second, from the perspective of the abundant source of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labour that is available to support rapid development in Linden.
The official announcement of the establishment of Citizens’ Linden branch was made during Banks DIH’s Annual Shareholders Meeting in January 2010.
According to Reis, who is also the chairman of beverage company, Banks DIH, the initiative was in the pipeline since 1998.
Linden and the wider Region 10, he declared, is standing at the crossroad of change, awaiting transformation to become an objective of admiration and envy.
