Banking comes to Region One…Transacting business in Port Kaituma, Region One, will become significantly easier with the completion of a multi-purpose complex building which will house the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Gold Board.On Friday, representatives of the three entities held a meeting with residents of Port Kaituma and its sub-regions to update them on the progress of the work, subsequent to which the ceremonial sod-turning exercise was conducted to commence construction.Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, speaking on the developments evident in the region, pointed to the fact that such a project will see better services implemented in the mining community, a government release said.Natural Resources and the Environment Minister,Wholesale NFL Jerseys Online, Robert Persaud,Deportivas Asics Mujer Baratas, and a representative of GBTI, turn the sod to commence construction of the GBTI, Region One branchPrior to the sod-turning exercise, similar meetings were held to garner the input of residents on the proposed establishment.“The step we are taking here today is testimony to our Government’s and our partners in the private sector’s seriousness about the wellbeing and development of this community and the sector as a whole,” he said.Speaking on risk factors associated with not having a banking institution in the mining community, the Minister stated that its implementation will bring financial security to many.While the GGMC and Guyana Gold Board’s services will commence with the completion of the building, Region One residents can access banking services – inclusive of ATM and mobile banking – from January 2, 2013, with the establishment of a temporary office.“What we are seeking to do is to develop a country that does not pose unevenness, but where there is equity in services, and we have been embarking on a policy in ensuring that there is evenhanded development across Guyana,Cheap Jerseys China,” Persaud said.However, while much is being done to develop Region One, the Minister called for a more organised approach to development, alluding to the fact that this will also aid in the community advancing at a faster pace.“If we are going to build a modern town, we have to have some level of organization, and at the level of the Cabinet, we have been giving this situation some attention,” he said.This has seen the Ministry of Housing through the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Natural Resources Ministry and Regional Administration, looking at alternatives to implement a programme which will change the outlook of the community.A call was also made for residents to play their part in ensuring compliance with the rules and regulations governing the mining trade. This development has also seen the Ministry of Natural Resources injecting $150M into the construction of asphaltic roads in mining communities.A target of 360,000 ounces of gold is set for this year. However,nfl jerseys china, Port Kaituma, in conjunction with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA), is working to achieve a record 400,000 ounces.Chief Executive Officer of GBTI, John Tracey, lauded the support of the Natural Resources Minister, who made the venture possible. He pointed out that the Bank remains confident that the support of residents will be favourable.According to Tracey, research was done prior to the decision to construct a bank in the Region. “We didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to construct another branch. It came about after careful consideration and research conducted in the community and business levels,” he explained.GBTI, the second largest banking institution in Guyana, currently boasts 10 braches countrywide, with assets totalling $80B.The move was also lauded by President of the Guyana Women Miners Organisation, Simona Broomes, and President of the GGDMA, Patrick Harding, who noted that such investment is a plus for the mining industry, which possesses tremendous potential.Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Paul Pierre, in welcoming the move,Wholesale MLB Jerseys, pointed to the fact that such an investment will significantly add to the many developments evident in the region.“When one travels though Region One, the massive development in the entire sector, is evident. Thus far, the Government has been able to meet the requirements of residents, with a limited budget,Wholesale NFL Jerseys China,” he said.Pierre, underscoring the importance of development, pointed to the stigma which the region once endured, noting that today, the livelihood of residents has been enhanced tremendously. |