There are plans to build trust between black community and banking sector

Dear Editor,

There is growing concern within the black community in Guyana about inequities in the banking sector. One of the activities being planned for ‘Black History Month’ this year is, ‘Conversations on Building Greater Trust Between the Black Guyanese Community and the Banking Sector’. Leaders in the local black community are arranging these conversations with individual Banks or the Guyana Banking Association.

One of the objectives of these engagements is to inform a wider programme to enable more inter-generational economic stability within the black community. Over the years, the body of knowledge and expertise in the black community has expanded tremendously, and continues to expand, yet it is felt that the policies of the banking sector have not evolved. As such, it is hoped that these engagements will also influence a review to determine to what extent perceptions of the banking sector of the black community relative to financial management, are accurate.

Further, Guyana is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, as a new oil and gas production and export country. Additionally, other groups which need to be considered in these discussions are, Amerindians and the disabled.

Having engaged the banking sector, the leaders will address these matters with the black community and develop a programme to increase the level of trust.

Yours faithfully,

Audreyanna Thomas