Banks still claim “foreign currency not in abundance”
Dec 08, 2016 News 0 Comments
– Businesses remain deeply concerned
While the government contends that there is no shortage in foreign currency, some banks are still telling their customers otherwise.
Up to yesterday, it was not possible for some businesses in the manufacturing sector for example, to access foreign currency over US$12,000. Given this state of affairs, traders are worried about the implications this could have for their businesses this Christmas season and beyond. They are calling on the Government and Central Bank to investigate the matter.
Kaieteur News even saw documentation from one of the largest banks here, notifying a few businesses that foreign currency, particularly US dollars, was not available at this time.
This newspaper subsequently made checks of its own into the matter.
A Kaieteur News reporter contacted one of the Republic Bank branches and asked if US$40,000 can be accessed for a business transaction. A representative stated that this was not possible as “that foreign currency is not in abundance.”
A supervisor further confirmed that the bank is experiencing a “shortage” and only US$500 could be made available at this time.
The Accounts department of this newspaper also sought to effect a transaction of over US$100,000. However, the Republic Bank branch at Water Street informed the department that they could not facilitate the transaction because that amount is not accessible.
The newspaper was told to submit a document requesting the transaction and its name would be put on to a waiting list. The bank said that it could not guarantee that the amount would be available next week.
Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga, asked for the location of the Republic Bank branch that was posing the difficulty. Kaieteur News understands that the state of affairs is not unique to Republic Bank. Several businessmen who spoke with this publication explained that other banks are experiencing the same “shortage.”
Link:
http://www.kaieteurnewsonline....cy-not-in-abundance/