GBTI expresses gratitude for public support

Reacting to yesterday’s court dismissal of charges brought by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) against the members of its board, the Guyana Bank for Trade and industry (GBTI) has expressed gratitude to its customers and friends who stood by it.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court yesterday upheld no-case submissions by lawyers for  GBTI in relation to the charges brought by SOCU against the Directors of failing to comply with a production order by the court of Chief Justice Roxane George SC. (See other story on page 2.)

The eight directors charged were Robin Stoby SC, who is also Chairman of the Board, Edward Anand Beharry, Suresh Beharry, Richard Isava, Shaleeza Shaw, Carlton James, Basil Mahadeo and Kathryn Eytle-McLean

In the statement, GBTI said:

“Despite the on-going public war of words against GBTI which seemed designed to sully the esteemed reputation of the distinguished members of the Board and the financial institution they represent, the Bank is grateful that this malicious attack on its integrity and that of staff has been brought to a predictable end in the Court.  “While this unwarranted attack and abuse of power was not without severe and widespread consequences to the sterling institutional image and that of the personal reputation of distinguished Directors and staff, GBTI withstood the onslaught with customers rallying around in support. 

“GBTI wishes to express its gratitude to so many customers and friends who expressed their support in so many ways through this traumatic, shameful charade. To the attorneys who distinguished themselves by the highest standards of legal representation possible we are duty bound to publicly congratulate each of you”.