Written By Michelle Gonsalves
Continuing their community outreach programme, the Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd. Vreed-en-Hoop branch donated a computer and printer to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station, last Thursday. The information technology equipment was handed over by manager of Republic Bank Vreed-En-Hoop branch, Mr. Shridath Patandin and Republic Bank staffers and was received by Commander of the ‘D’ Division Mr. Eric Bassant and various ranks. Also present at the proceedings was the Chairman of Best/Klein Pouderoyen Mr. Umesh Balram.

Patandin said the bank was happy for the opportunity to assist the police officers since the tools would assist them in their daily duties. He added: “As a corporate citizen we are happy to be giving back to the community we serve and we will continue to do so in the coming year with other community outreach activities”. Patandin also commended the Vreed-En-Hoop Station Management Committee and encouraged them to continue the good work being done.
Expressing gratitude, Commander of ‘D’ Division, Mr. Eric Bassant described the donation of the equipment as a timely one.
Concurring with the school reopening last month, staffers of the bank came out in their numbers to perform critically needed traffic sign restoration works in the community.
The Republic Bank branch is one of the focal points of Vreed-en-Hoop, a quickly growing and increasingly commercialized community. A ten-minute drive in one of the boats which ply the ferry trade from the wharf behind the Stabroek Market will place you at the Vreed-en-Hoop stelling. A short stroll up the road before you get to the junction will lead you to the branch which as illustrated by a plaque on its wall, was opened as the NBIC Vreed-en-Hoop branch on October 12, 2004 by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.
Other branches across the Republic Bank (Guyana) network spanning East Bank, Berbice, Essequibo, Linden and most recently Lethem are also conducting similar community activities.