GBTI receives recognition award from Health Ministry

– over 22 units of blood collected during blood drive
The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) has recognised the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Limited as an official blood donation site after more than 22 units of blood were collected on Thursday.

GBTI Branch Manager Binsaud Bakhsh related that “this is the company’s ninth blood drive, this is our signature activity, and is done on an annual basis, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health. This activity is usually kept in June to coincide with World Blood Donor Day, which is usually June 14th”.
Bakhsh noted that GBTI would continue to support the noble and humanitarian cause and as such, encouraged all staff and customers to continue donating.
Normally, the blood drive sees both staff and customers participating, but given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, only staff were allowed to do so this time round.
Showcasing the plaques awarded in recognition of GBTI’s efforts was the Bank’s Customer Services Manager, Raymond Forde, who, in a brief comment, said that “the company’s blood drive efforts began in 2012 in effort of World Blood Day by the then Branch Manager Terry Gopaul, who thought it was a splendid humanitarian effort in which they can give back to the community.”
Over the years, the event has really been fruitful and the company has seen well over 300 units of blood donated.

NBTS Supervisor Tonza Younge-Bamfield explained “There isn’t any one type of blood that is needed, but rather we welcome all types of blood as there are times when demand is greater than supply. Most times, the O group is in demand.”
GBTI’s ninth annual blood drive was held at its Water Street location. Last year, the Bank donated 50 units of blood from two drives at the branch.
Only recently in observance of World Blood Donor Day, the Health Ministry, through the NBTS, recognised GBTI as a donor partner.
“I always give because we know of the need for blood from the media,” said GBTI Enterprise Risk Manager Tonia Griffith “It’s an easy process and I feel good. We know that it’s healthy for your body too.”
Among repeat donors on Thursday were Christopher Mackintosh, Randir Ramkisson, Yuvraj Bhagwandeen, Adeeb Bacchus, Mercedes Low-Koon, Griffith, Godwin Fernandes and among the first-time donors were Latifa Harris and Colleen Mackintosh.