FIFTY residents of Charity and flood, in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), last Thursday received food hampers and cleaning supplies from the Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry (GBTI). Acting CEO James Foster headed the distribution team that included Public Relations and Marketing Manager Pamela Binda, as well as Tage Ahlam and Romario Persaud, who are attached to the bank’s Anna Regina branch.
Foster, after reading about the floods in the media, said he felt compelled to help. He said after walking through the streets of Charity, he has noticed that the need is greater than expected. He said GBTI will continue to follow the situation in anticipation of providing more support. Meanwhile, Binda expressed a similar opinion. He said given that it has a branch in the region, the bank found it appropriate to assist. He noted that the bank has always given back to different communities, especially those in need. This, he says, is all part of exemplifying the bank’s tag line – “We see Guyana through your eyes.”
Several beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the bank for the kind gesture. Monique Edwards, a mother of seven children living in the squat area, said she was happy to receive the hamper as it has come at a time when her family is in dire circumstances. Her land has been flooded for several days and her husband is currently unemployed. Another beneficiary, Gloria Persaud, who also lives in the squat area, expressed similar sentiments, saying the goods will go a long way for her family.
The squat area was most affected as it was a low area. Households in the front area also benefited from the distribution exercise. Before Foster and his team began distribution, they met with regional officials and discussed several areas of interest. Foster spoke to Regional Chairman Vilma De Silva; Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Odit; and Regional Executive Officer (REO) Devanand Ramdatt, on ways the bank could partner with the region.