RESIDENTS of Port Kaituma in Region 1 (Barima/Waini) will now benefit from banking services in the region as the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Limited last Saturday officially opened their 11th branch in the country.

This first banking institution in the region is currently operating in rented premises but is expected to relocate to a permanent office in the same area before the end of this year.
Speaking at the launch at the Port Kaituma Community Centre, Chairman of the Board of Directors, GBTI, Mr. Robin Stoby said that the bank’s prime objective is to provide banking services devoid of discrimination to the entire Guyanese population.
He further stated that financial inclusion is one of the most critical aspects in increasing growth and development, adding that the opening of this new branch will enable persons living in remote areas to become involved in the financial mainstream.
According to him, GBTI has long followed the strategy of working to provide rural and remote areas with ongoing face-to-face banking services for personal and small business customers.
This, he said, will not only provide the opportunity to generate profits but also the opportunity to generate increased levels of commercial activities.
He noted that in bringing quality banking services to the region, they’re at the same time generating business opportunities, adding that whether persons are seeking to expand their business or they have new business ideas, the bank will listen.

“Money under the bed”
Mr. Stoby remarked that this new branch also signifies the start of a process that will require cultural and attitudinal changes at all levels in the region.
He noted that persons such as housewives, shopkeepers and miners now have the opportunity to save, curb their expenditure, borrow for expansion, and to conduct business in a different and more secure way.
“You no longer need to keep your money under the bed or buried in a hole in the ground, bring it to GBTI,” he asserted.
Mr. Stoby urged that all residents take advantage of the services provided by the bank, and assured that the bank aims to fulfil the expectations of persons in the region.
According to him, there’s a possibility in the near future for Saturday openings and a later closing time on weekdays in order to cater for all persons in the area.
He said that the staff at this new branch, which is made up of persons from both Region 1 and central Georgetown, is capable of delivering the same quality of service that is experienced in any of the other branches.
Meanwhile, making the feature address at the launching, Prime Minister  Samuel Hinds said that the opening of this new branch of GBTI brings great satisfaction for him, since over the past 8-10 years he has been urging the bank to open a branch in the area.
The prime minister commended the bank for extending their services to Region One, and noted that he looks forward to formally opening the permanent location of the bank, for which construction has already begun.
He further stated that he looks forward to changes in the attitudes of the persons in the region, pointing out that they are no less than those persons in Georgetown, and he hopes they start to see and think of themselves differently.
According to him, while the opening of this new branch of GBTI has been in the works for some time, there is an appropriate time for everything and this is the right time for the opening of this institution.
In his remarks, Regional Chairman for Region One, Mr. Paul Pierre said that he is proud that the region will for the first time have a banking institution, adding that this sends a message that things have been developing in the region.
He further stated that the services of the bank will be extended to those other sub-regions and assured that GBTI would not be disappointed in their investment in the region.
Mr. Pierre said that it’s good to know that the Government and the private sector have been working hand in hand, especially for the development of hinterland communities.
This new branch of GBTI offers all the services available to persons at  other GBTI branches across Guyana, including 24-hour Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services.