Berbicians will be among the first to access services from the proposed Development Bank, with assurances that the institution will not be launched until residents in the region are fully informed about how it works, who qualifies, and how to apply.
The assurance was given by Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, during an interview with Ignite News while on a recent visit to Region Six.
The Development Bank Bill has already been tabled in Parliament.
“The bill has been presented to Parliament. It has to be read and debated, and then it will be passed,” Minister Ally said.
He said public consultations and awareness campaigns had already begun in Region Six, with ministers engaging residents during community meetings while information about the bank was also being shared on social media.
“The people of Berbice can rest assured that this bank will not be launched without them. Before we launch the bank, we will ensure that everyone in Berbice knows about it, knows how to apply, and knows what the requirements are to access its services. They will be among the first people in Guyana to benefit from the bank’s services,” the minister said.
The government intends to make the bank’s services accessible through both digital and physical channels.
“We’re going digital, so people will be able to apply online.
There will be a portal for that,” the minister said, noting that sub-offices will also be established across the country for those who prefer to conduct their business in person.
The Development Bank is expected to expand access to financing for individuals and businesses across Guyana once the enabling legislation is approved by Parliament and the institution is established.
