Citizens Bank Guyana Incorporated yesterday opened a new branch in Region 6, providing Berbicians with additional banking options.
Situated at Main and Kent streets, New Amsterdam, the branch is the seventh to be established since Citizens Bank began its operations on November 2nd, 1994. Among the services to be accessed from the two-storey edifice are retail and corporate banking services such as savings accounts, chequing accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposits and consumer financing for motor vehicles, residential mortgages, home equity loans and educational loans among others.
Construction of the bank, which has begun operating, was done by Home Designs and Engineering Services Limited of Berbice. The bank was constructed on the plot of land which once housed Banks DIH’s Kiddies Corner. The play park was relocated next door where the company’s patio bar was operated. The decision was made to discontinue the operations of the patio bar after the company received numerous complaints from residents.
Managing Director of Citizens Bank, Eton Chester in brief opening remarks at the commissioning ceremony said the decision to establish a branch in New Amsterdam was guided by the financial institution’s strategic plan for continuing the growth of its network to serve an expanded customer base and “many appeals from our customers in Region 6 for the convenience of a Citizens Bank closer to home”. Chester added that the branch “represents another milestone of the journey that commenced in 1994” and the expansion is “in keeping with our continuous commitment to ensure that our products and services are within able reach of clients both existing and potential”.
The idea to establish a branch of Citizens Bank in New Amsterdam first took root some five years ago when an enquiry was made by a shareholder as to whether or not it could become a reality. And according to the bank’s chairman, Clifford Reis, the commissioning ceremony of the branch symbolizes the “fulfillment of that promise made to our shareholder”. Addressing the citizens of New Amsterdam and the wider Berbice region, Reis declared that “this is your bank, and we are here to provide you a banking service which shall satisfy your financial needs”. He subsequently urged those present to “share this with your friends and families overseas as they too have a bank, which will be responsive to their needs and that the bank is right here in their home town of New Amsterdam”.
Details regarding the architectural design, construction and outfitting of the 5,000 square feet building which will serve as the bank were divulged by Shabir Hussein, Engineering Services Director of Banks DIH Limited – the parent company of Citizens Bank. He revealed that materials, labour and furnishing for the construction and establishment of the branch were all acquired in Guyana. The bank’s eight-member team headed by Operations Officer Marcelle Brown was sourced from within New Amsterdam.
The unveiling of the plaque and ceremonial cutting of the ribbon to declare the bank open was done by President Donald Ramotar who was assisted by Reis.
In his address to the gathering prior to the cutting of the ribbon, President Ramotar applauded Citizens Bank for taking a bold step and opening a branch in New Amsterdam, Berbice, which he posited was indicative of the country’s thriving economy.
The president stated that the country which was once heavily indebted is now classified as a middle income economy as a result of his administration which made the necessary infrastructure available for the economy to move forward and grow. President Ramotar went on to highlight the benefits of pursuing the Amaila Falls hydropower project and a deep water harbour in Berbice.
Headquartered at 201 Camp and Charlotte streets, Georgetown, Citizens Bank has branches in Parika, Bartica, Linden, Thirst Park, Charity and now New Amsterdam. With 129 employees who service a customer base of 43,878 persons, Citizens Bank’s assets are valued at $40.7 billion.
