The first general manager of the now-defunct Guyana National Cooperative Bank (GNCB) Dr Wilbert O Bascom passed away on Sunday in Miami, Florida, at the age of 87.
According to the family, Bascom was born on January 7, 1937, in Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, and grew up in New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara. After completing his high school education in Georgetown, he began his career in the Civil Service. His academic pursuits took him to the United Kingdom, where he studied before returning to Guyana to lead the newly established GNCB in 1970. After being the GM of the GNCB for many years, Bascom left Guyana and went to Dominica then later migrated to the United States of America, his family stated.
Bascom’s contributions to banking and finance extended far beyond his role at GNCB. According to his family, he authored influential works such as “Bank Management and Supervision in Developing Financial Markets” and “The Economics of Financial Reform in Developing Countries.” His expertise led him to serve as chief of the Bureau of International Banking in Florida and as a financial advisor to the Government of Dominica. Additionally, he held academic positions as an assistant lecturer at City of London College, adjunct professor at Florida State University College of Business, and visiting professor at Florida International University’s Department of Economics. He was a member of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors’ International Banking Council and the Florida International Trade and Investment Council. He also served as chairman for the Florida Export Finance Corporation’s Board of Directors, his family shared.
Bascom has left to mourn his wife, Kyree, four children and five siblings, including notable Guyanese artist, novelist, and playwright Harold A Bascom.
