Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited on Tuesday renewed its commitment to 13 government and non-governmental organisations with a $150 million investment as part of phase three of ‘The Power to Make a Difference’ initiative.
Recipients of the bank’s renewed commitment included the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, Guy-ana Community Rehabili-tation Programme, the Mayor and City Council, the National Art Gallery, Step by Step Foundation, St Joseph Mercy Hospital, the Theatre Guild and the University of Guyana as well as all branches of Republic Bank which take part in staff volunteerism.
“Today we officially launch phase three, we are both grateful and humbled by what we have been able to achieve over the years, in partnership with non-governmental organizations, charitable organizations, government, the communities we serve and our staff,” Communi-cations Manager of Republic Bank Michelle Johnson said.
She highlighted the achievements of phase two of the initiative. She referred to improved literacy, care for persons with disabilities, the environment, youth development and empowerment as well as preserving and sustaining Guyana’s cultural heritage.
Outgoing Managing Director of Republic Bank John Alves said, “There is so much more that we, as a team, can and will achieve for this nation, because we aim to help those in need. And just as you will be there for those who need you, we will be here for you.
“This new phase sees us expanding on our literacy focus, seeking to educate and support the vulnerable among us so that they can withstand, overcome and grow from the challenges they face.
The differently-abled, our environment, culture, academics, all with an overriding focus on our youth remain critical ongoing areas under the Power to Make a Difference at Republic Bank,” he added.
After being serenaded by Ann Marie Gomes of the Marigold Choir, recipients of the Power to Make a Difference initiative were presented with their commitment tokens.
The launching of phase three of the project also welcomed two new organizations to the list of recipients: the Iwokrama rainforest project and Women Across Differences.
The latter being a non-profit organization working with teen mothers to overcome the challenges of early teen pregnancy.
The Power to Make a Difference project saw its birth in 2003 as it partnered with government ministries, charitable and educational institutions with special emphasis on making a difference in communities as well as among Guyana’s youth.
Republic Bank Limited says it has invested over $200 million over a period of ten years as part of the first two phases of the programme. Phase three of the programme is expected to span a period of four years (2014-2018).
Projects in the first two phases included the restoration/rehabilitation and maintenance of the Promenade Gardens, academic achievement awards for the National Grade Six Assessment, Caribbean Secondary Examinations Certificate and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations, and the Republic Bank Right Start Music Literacy Pro-gramme, among other projects. The event was held in the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel.
