PM says GBTI’s donation will contribute to further disaster relief efforts

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, this morning received a cheque for over $3.4M from the Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry (GBTI) to contribute to the disaster relief efforts of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

The donation comes on the heels of the CDC’s efforts to assist fellow CARICOM state, St Vincent and the Grenadines after the eruption of the Soufriere volcano on the main island last month.

Scores of businesses contributed to the relief efforts, which aided the Government of Guyana to send three shipments of emergency items to the affected islands.

Prime Minister Phillips called the $3, 440,138 cheque, which was presented to him, during a simple ceremony in his office, a timely donation.

He said that the financial contribution by GBTI is also a good show of corporate social responsibility.

“I thank GBTI for this donation, it is timely and it will contribute to further disaster related efforts…we must commend GBTI for their display of corporate social responsibility as they continue to support Guyana’s efforts in the management of disasters”.

He added that the money will be used in activities executed by the CDC, including further assistance to St Vincent.

Chief Executive Officer (ag) of GBTI, James Foster, said that the bank takes its corporate social responsibility seriously and sees the development of Guyana as a part of its duty.

“Our responsibility is to help develop Guyana. A strong Guyana will help to support a strong CARICOM region and it’s very important that we work towards that continued development”.

Also present was Public Relations/Marketing Manager of GBTI, Mrs Pamela Binda-Pryce and Deputy Director General of the CDC, Major Loring Benons.