Banking association backs vaccine mandate

…says members will enforce government order

The Guyana Association of Banks Inc. has announced its members’ intention to implement the new COVID-19 Protocols, which require all citizens to produce a COVID-19 Vaccination Card and or negative PCR Test to access all public buildings including financial institutions.

The new emergency measures were issued by the Minister of Health on September 4. The new measures are extended to financial institutions and mandate that persons present proof of vaccination for access and comply with other measures including the use of face marks and sanitization. Unvaccinated persons are required to make an appointment and present a negative molecular biological PCR test result obtained with seven days of the appointment,” the Guyana Association of Bankers explained. The association said its member will provide their customers with their appointment process.

“Financial institutions will soon conform with these protocols…,” the association said.

Republic Bank, the New Building Society (NBS), Demerara Bank, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Citizens Bank and Scotiabank are among financial institutions covered under the association.

On Monday, Giftland Group signaled its intention to enforce the vaccine protocol. In a statement. “Following the latest gazetted order, the Giftland Group has commenced planning to adjust to these new restrictions that will take effect on Thursday, September 9th, 2021. Despite 99% of the Giftland Group employees being vaccinated, this timeline will allow the store owners, employees, mall workers, suppliers and customers to become fully compliant in the shortest time possible, without disruption of business and to ensure a smooth transition for complete compliance with the new regulations,” Giftland said in a statement.

It added: “Our patrons are advised to walk with their vaccination cards and a valid ID Card/License to gain entry at the mall, as this will be a primary requirement by law. Step-by-step verification will be done to ensure everyone in the mall adheres to these news rules and if anyone is in possession or produces false documents they will be sent to the relevant authorities.”