By RHONDOR DOWLAT Friday, January 9 2009

click on pic to zoom in

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Republic Bank's general manager of Internal Audit, Karen Yip and (right) Republic Bank's managing director David Dulal-Whiteway, ...

REPUBLIC BANK announced on Wednesday night that it will invest $100 million in social programmes that focus on youth development, poverty alleviation, holistic healthcare and the differently-abled in the country.

This announcement was made by the bank’s managing director David Dulal-Whiteway at the launch of its Phase II — The Power To Make a Difference programme for 2009 to 2013 at the Casablanca Room, MovieTowne, Invaders Bay, Port-of-Spain.

Five years ago, the bank’s former MD, Ronald Harford pledged $40 million to social projects, but according to Dulal-Whiteway this time around they were able to invest more together with non-governmental organisations. “We made inroads as we made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of people, particularly the elderly and the young — those who are at greatest risk and who are in the most need of our help,” Dulal-Whiteway said. There are plans to train staff to deal with differently-abled customers and the bank will retrofit its branches and specific Automated Banking Machines (ABMs) to accommodate physical changes necessary for wheelchair access, and visually impaired persons. organisations to benefit from this programme include the Happy Haven School in Tobago, the Dyslexia Association, the Lady Hochoy Home in Arima, the Simeanna Home for the Elderly, Queen’s Royal College, St Mary’s College, St Andrew’s Primary School, Gyaan Jyoti Mandali Community Centre, the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, the Loveuntil Foundation, the Adult Literacy Tutors Association, the Christ Child Convalescent Home in Diego Martin, the National Centre for persons with Disabilities, The Life Centre and the Cancer Society. additionally US$2 million will be invested in similar programmes in Grenada, Guyana and Barbados, through its subsidiaries in those countries.