Latest update September 6th, 2026 10:45 AM
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Citizens Bank opens new branch in Bartica
DPI – Citizens Bank on Friday commissioned its new state-of-the-art branch in Bartica, expanding financial services and strengthening support for residents and businesses across Region Seven.
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali joined bank officials, regional leaders and residents for the opening ceremony, describing the investment as a signal of confidence in the region’s future and Guyana’s continued economic growth.
“I expect, given the dynamic leadership of Citizens Bank and their proactive approach to service, to see a strategic plan laid out for Region Seven, how we can drive financial inclusion in all of the villages and communities across Region Seven,” he said.
The new Citizens Bank opened in Bartica on Friday. (DPI)
Meanwhile, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Clifford Reis said the opening represents more than a new building, calling it “a celebration of progress, confidence and partnership.”
He noted that Bartica occupies a strategic position as the gateway to the hinterland and serves as a key hub for commerce, mining, tourism, agriculture and entrepreneurship.
Citizens Bank first established operations in Bartica on April 3, 2000, from a 938-square-foot office staffed by eight employees. Over the past 26 years, the branch expanded alongside the region’s growth, prompting investment in a larger, modern facility.
Since opening in Bartica, the branch has disbursed more than $5.5 billion in loans to support housing, businesses, transportation, equipment purchases and other productive investments. Of that amount, approximately $1.8 billion was approved within the last five years alone.
Today, the branch serves approximately 7,000 customers throughout Region Seven.
The new facility includes expanded customer service areas, upgraded banking technology, a drive-thru ATM, improved accessibility features and a dedicated digital support zone to assist customers with online banking services and financial education.
The investment also creates additional employment opportunities, with staff numbers increasing from 9 to 17 employees.
Reis highlighted that the Bartica operation remains largely locally driven, with staff originating from and returning to serve the region.
During the ceremony, Citizens Bank also announced additional support for home ownership, reducing its mortgage interest rate on loans up to $30 million from 4.95 per cent to 4.6 per cent and removing legal and registration-related costs for qualifying borrowers.
He also invited the bank to establish a presence at the planned Government Service Centre in Kamarang to extend services to Upper and Middle Mazaruni communities.
Additionally, President Ali welcomed the investment and said the government looks forward to continued collaboration with the banking sector to deepen financial inclusion and improve service delivery across Region Seven.
“The greatest measure of any banking system is confidence. Do people trust it? Do businesses trust it? Do investors trust it? The answer is clear. Public confidence in our banking system remains high,” he stated.
He added that investments such as the Bartica branch reflect confidence in both the region and the country’s long-term prospects.
“This new facility can only enhance the quality of service provided not only to the people of Bartica, but also to surrounding communities. It signals confidence in the future of this region and confidence in the future of Guyana.”
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