THE Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), on Monday, presented a cheque valued at G$1,538,000 to acting President, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, to support Guyana’s relief efforts in Haiti.

According to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister, the cheque was addressed to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), which falls under the purview of the Prime Minister.

GBTI’s Chief Executive Officer (ag), James Foster, told the Prime Minister, who is serving as acting Head of State, that supporting the relief efforts was important for GBTI, due to its corporate social responsibility.

“We have an important role to play in giving back,” the acting President said while noting that, on behalf of the government, he was grateful for the support.

He also lauded the effort of the bank and persons who contributed to the fund.
GBTI’s Haiti Disaster Relief Fund is a collective effort between the bank, its employees and members of the public.

Early last month, the Government of Guyana donated US$50,000 (over G$10M) to Haiti with a promise of further support.
The funds are expected to help persons recover from the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake, which rocked Haiti on August 14.