Republic Bank yesterday launched its Power to Make a Difference (PMAD) for 2009.
PMAD is the Republic Bank brand for social investments and community outreach initiatives in Guyana and across the region.
Managing Director of Republic Bank Guyana Limited, Edwin Gooding in his opening remarks stated that the bank is humbled by the range of opportunities available for investment in Guyana’s social development.
He noted that the bank boasts a long history of cooperate consciousness, one that remains steadfast to the goal of sustained social development with in the local communities it serve.
For 2009, plans have been unveiled by the bank for the youth, the elderly, the orphaned, the differently abled, the socially disadvantaged and for general community development.
David Dulal-Whiteway, Chairman of Republic Bank Guyana Limited who delivered the sponsor’s remarks highlighted that in the bank’s 2004/2005 financial year, a five-year pledge was made through PMAD to give $81 million to youth development through education, culture and sport, poverty alleviation and community development.
Yesterday’s launch signals the final year of this five-year commitment. According to Dulal-Whiteway, for 2008 the bank committed in excess of $5 million towards education and sport.
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, who delivered the feature address congratulated the bank for being pro-actively involved in change and making a difference in the communities it serves.
Republic Bank made presentations of commitment to developing government entities and charitable organisations identified in this year’s outreach initiative. Those receiving presentations were the University of Guyana, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Promenade Gardens rehabilitation project, Special Olympics Guyana, St Joseph Mercy Hospital, Dharm Shala, Uncle Eddie’s Home, Archer and Byer Home, Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, Gentlewomen’s Relief Association, Radio’s Needy Children’s Fund, Guyana Red Cross Society, The Nazareth Home, St John Bosco Orphanage, St Ann’s Orphanage, Canaan Children’s Home and the Kamal’s Home for the Orphaned.
The launch was held at the bank’s head office, Promenade Court.