Republic Bank opens $508m D’Edward branch

Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited on Saturday opened a branch at D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice.

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Member of the Board of Directors of the bank, Derwin Howell, said that the opening of the branch is significant for the institution as it solidifies its vision to strengthen bonds with the Region Five communities.

“Our journey in the West Berbice commenced 16 years ago and as we grew, so did our keenness to provide our customers and staff with an environment that parallels the standard of excellence we have set ourselves”, he said, according to GINA.

President Donald Ramotar (centre in front row), Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh (second from left), Member of the Board of Director, Derwin Howell (left), Managing Director, Republic Bank Limited John Alves (second from right), Branch Manager Imran Sacoor and other staffers of the new facility.  (GINA photo)
President Donald Ramotar (centre in front row), Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh (second from left), Member of the Board of Director, Derwin Howell (left), Managing Director, Republic Bank Limited John Alves (second from right), Branch Manager Imran Sacoor and other staffers of the new facility.  (GINA photo)

He added that customer service has defined the bank’s corporate character.

“We are focused in our daily actions and interactions, on creating and sustaining the kind of relations that endure and generate trust across the communities we serve”, he added.

The new facility opened its doors for business on October 8 last after construction of the 9000-square foot structure was completed on September 12, 2014 at a cost of $508m.

Some of the services being offered at the facility include, online banking, tele-banking, in-branch point of sale withdrawal, ATM services and night deposit facility, GINA said.

The new Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited branch at D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice  (GINA photo)
The new Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited branch at D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice  (GINA photo)

Republic Bank Guyana Limited and its previous owners have a banking history locally dating back to 1836.

In his address, President Donald Ramotar welcomed the initiative as he said it symbolises confidence in the economy.

“This shows the growing confidence in Guyana. This bank is probably the number one private financial institution in the Caribbean, and the fact that they are expanding away from the Capital city speaks volumes for the prospect in the economy and it is coming at a time when there is talk of no confidence”, he said, according to GINA.

Ramotar added that while the establishment will be improving the financial services in the region, it will also offer young entrepreneurs new business ideas, and it has created, and will continue to create employment opportunities.

“Now each region is benefiting from these services, it offers new possibilities for small and medium scale businesses, I know I don’t have to give bankers advice, but I just hope that they will appreciate the peculiarities and help to facilitate and make it easier for young businesses to access financial services”, he said.