In and Around Banks Dec 2023 by Banks-DIH

In and Around Banks: Christmas Edition

Content Chairman’s Annual Address to employees for Financial Year 2022-2023.................................................2 Celebrating Men’s Health: Banks D.I.H Limited’s “Movember” Initiatives..............................................8 Seerani Ramnauth Retires after 25 years of Service.......................................................................................9 Visitor’s to Thirst Park.....................................................................................................................................10 Scenes from Banks children party..................................................................................................................10 Camp Street Third time winner of Qik Serv customer Experience Award...............................................11 Banks DIH Pacesetters Toastmaster Updates...............................................................................................11 Sports Champions............................................................................................................................................12 Photo Recap of Bonus Meeting.......................................................................................................................13 In & Around Banks is produced by Banks DIH Limited Produced and Edited by: Sonya Forrester | Training/Communications Executive Tel: 2250910 ext 2232 | Email: sforrester@banksdih.com

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION

In and Around Banks: Christmas Edition

CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL ADDRESS TO EMPLOYEES FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2022-2023 our Company’s accomplishments and what the future has in store for us. My fellow employees, ladies and gentlemen: It was the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir. Winston Churchill, to whom the following quotation is attributed: “There is no doubt that it is around the family and home that all the greatest virtues are created, strengthened and maintained.” My fellow employees, it has certainly been stressed over the years as we come together annually and on other occasions held by our Company that we are a family and should take immense pride in recognizing and acknowledging this fact. We should not, my fellow employees, disregard the fact that we live in a rapidly changing environment of which our Company forms a part. We are reminded that the only constant aspect of life is change. When we stop changing as time passes, death and decay set in. If we ignore this reality, we will do so at our own peril. My fellow employees, in keeping with the understanding that change is a reality not to be ignored, we will continue to develop and expand our manufacturing, wholesale and retail sales base and to explore new horizons which diversification has made possible through our new subsidiary, Banks Automotive and Services Inc. My fellow employees, the 21st Century of which we are a part challenges us to respond to the changing social and economic environment in which we live and co-exist with others. Four years ago, we spoke of the coming of “first oil”. Today that reality is with us, and we are learning to rise to all the new challenges, demands and realities which “first oil” has presented. My fellow employees, ladies and gentlemen, rather than allowing the challenges of the age to take us away from the true meaning of the season which is before us, let us rather reflect on what former President of the United States of America had to say about it. It was Calvin Coolidge,

Mr. Clifford B. Reis Chairman/Managing Director

My fellow Directors; Mr. Eton Chester, Managing Director of Citizens Bank Guyana Inc.; Mr. Norris Witter, General President of the General Workers Union; my fellow employees; ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to our 2023 Annual Staff Meeting. Permit me to express warm wishes for the upcoming Season of Christmas and the expectation that our discussions and deliberations today will be both fruitful and productive. Additionally, my fellow employees, ladies and gentlemen, I wish to acknowledge and recognize all those employees who are attending for the first time. A sincere and hearty welcome to our family and we look forward to your growing and interacting with us for the future development of our Company. My fellow employees, when we last came together for our last Annual Staff Meeting, it was in December 2019 which is now described as the Pre-COVID Era and it seems to be such a long time ago. In reality, however, it was approximately a mere four years ago. COVID robbed us of many things, which included the capacity for us coming together as a family to discuss and consider 2

In and Around Banks: Christmas Edition

30th President of the United States of America who once said: “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” My fellow employees, ladies and gentlemen. The true meaning of Christmas, which is contained in the former President’s words, is that the meaning and intention of Christmas should not be an annual commemoration observed primarily on the 25th of December, but rather a continuing experience in our lives and interactions with others in which the time-honoured values of peace and goodwill, mercy and love are mutually shared, lived and experienced. The point is well made that the Christmas spirit should be a state of mind; a part of our database of memory to be readily accessed and lived on our respective journeys of life. An atmosphere of peace must first be created within ourselves, then gradually expanded to include our families, our communities and ultimately the whole earth. It will be through this continuing interaction and involvement with others that we will be enabled to have that Christmas state of mind not only in December but all year long. My fellow employees, ladies and gentlemen, what better way than to cultivate the true Christmas spirit – the spirit of the Season, than within the family of Banks DIH Limited.

by the Bank for the recently concluded Financial Year:

My fellow employees, we have already welcomed Mr. Eton Chester, the Managing Director of Citizens Bank Guyana Inc., which is a part of the Banks DIH Family. Permit me to share with you, the highlights of the financial results produced

My fellow employees, permit me on your behalf to recognize and commend the contribution and performance of the Central Audit Laboratory headed by Seeranie Ramnauth and Team, under whose supervision and guidance the Quality

Revenue Earned $5.629 B Expenses $2.399 B Taxation $1.321 B Profit after taxes $1,946 B compared with the 2022 results of $1.799 B reflecting an increase of 8.7%. Let us extend sincere congratulations and wishes for an even better year ahead to Mr. Chester, the Management and Staff of Citizens Bank Guyana Inc. PRODUCTION, WAREHOUSING, SALES & MARKETING

My fellow employees, please join with me in extending our sincere appreciation and thanks for the sterling efforts made by the Sales & Marketing Department in achieving the record sales of 20,095,892 units in the recently concluded financial year. For the period ended 30th September 2023, the Company recorded an increase of 7.9% in physical sales when compared with 2022. This represents an achievement of 97.2% of the Budget. Our sincere thanks are extended to Carlton, Gregory, Patrice, Reshma, Matthew, David, and their respective teams for this achievement. FINANCIAL RESULTS My fellow employees, equally noteworthy was the contribution provided by the Warehouse My fellow employees, permit me to share with Distribution Team who assembled, packed and you, the Financial Results for our Company for loaded the Sales Fleet to distribute the record the recently concluded Financial Year. number of cases which were distributed and sold 1. Revenues increased from $39,653 B to $44,048 over the period under review. We extend sincere B reflecting an increase of $4.395 B or 11.1%. thanks and appreciation to Deo Sherman and the 2. An overview of the Operational Expenses Distribution Warehouse Team for their efforts incurred for the recently concluded Financial and contribution. Year were $3.698 B. QUALITY CONTROL, ENVIRONMENT & CITIZENS BANK GUYANA INC. RESULTS SAFETY DEPARTMENTS

In and Around Banks: Christmas Edition

Control and Safety Audits and Assessments for the various departments were successfully completed. Additionally, my fellow employees, the Company was certified and approved to use the “Made in Guyana” Mark for:

NEW PRODUCTS My fellow employees, it gives me great joy to introduce to you, Guinness Smooth, a Stout that represents the culmination of meticulous craftsmanship, innovation, and an unwavering commitment aimed at delivering excellence, to the consumer and is brewed right here at Banks DIH Ltd. in collaboration with Diageo Global Technical Brand Team. Guinness Smooth is a bittersweet mix of hops, malt & roasted barley which gives it its rich chocolate and coffee flavor. It is brewed with a robust yeast, and it has one third of the bitterness of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout. The product was introduced to the Guyanese market and the results so far have been most encouraging. Please join with me in extending sincere congratulations to Matthew and his team for this noteworthy achievement.

• All Malt Products except franchise products (Brewery/Beer Plant) • All Carbonated Soft Drinks except franchise products (Soft Drink Plant) • All Products produced by Dairy/Novelty Ice Plant • All Rum/Vodkas (Rum Factory) • All Wines (Winery) Please join with me in offering our sincere congratulations and appreciation to Seeranie and her team for a job well done.

CENTRAL SERVICES My fellow employees, I wish to acknowledge the accomplishment of the Central Services Department and Team, headed by Operations & Engineering Director, Gavin Todd. Over the period under review, the following capital projects were undertaken and completed: LIST OF CAPITAL PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN WITHIN FY 2022/2023 Item No.

Project Name

Syrup and Water Treatment Systems Upgrade

Seasoning & Snack Packing Line, Weigher

Plant

Status

Soft Drinks Plant

In Progress

Trisco

Completed

Work in the Bakery 3.

WP Dough divider B700-3 (Bread)

Completed

Diosna Spiral Mixer

Completed

WP Multimatic Dough Divider (Ross)

Completed

Six (6) 1200hl Conical Fermenters and a 120hl Combicube Brewhouse

Brewery

In Progress

Four (4) 90 Tonne Malt Silos

Brewery

Completed

Installation of New 3-5 Gallon Water Bottling Line

Water Plant

Completed

CIP for 5 Additional Fermenters

Winery

In Progress

In and Around Banks: Christmas Edition Soft Drinks - Syrup Room System Upgrades

DEMICO HOUSE OPERATIONS

My fellow employees, it was Bob Hope who once said, “When we recall Christmas past, we usually find the simplest things, not the greatest occasions that give off the greatest glow of happiness.” Please join with me in sharing the Christmas glow and extending sincere congratulations and thanks to the entire Demico Team for a job well Soft DrinksSugar Room done over the period of the last financial year. These investments will put us in a better and Demico House recorded total revenues of $3.524 more competitive position for the new Financial B representing 94.3% of budget. This represents an increase of $587.1 M or 20% in 2023. Year. The Waste Water Treatment Plant operated Our congratulations are extended to Desmond, Max, the Department Managers and their consistently over the period under review. respective team members for a job well done. Additionally, my fellow employees, please join with me in offering sincere thanks and appreciation for a job well done, to the team of the CO2 Production Plant headed by Navin Ramnauth, whose efforts resulted in a consistent supply of Gas and Dry Ice for the Production Plants and Dairy. BRANCHES SUMMARY – FINANCIAL YEAR 2022-2023 Branch

FY 23

FY 22

Increase

Bartica Branch

$1,595,086,339

$1,577,989,968

$17,096,37

1.1%

$4,561,354,305

$4,191,546,273

$369,808,032

8.8%

$2,147,880,129

$2,031,377,393

$116,502,736

5.7%

$1,926,798,889

$1,697,228,607

$229,570,282

13.5%

Branch Manager: Keron Savory

Berbice Branch Branch Manager: Nandram Basdeo

Essequibo Branch Branch Manager: Gavin Jodhan| New Manager: Lallbachan Narine

Linden Branch Branch Manager: Sean Grant

In and Around Banks: Christmas Edition

We need to relook at our past and underline our successes and failures; we need to have an honest assessment of ourselves and company; we need to know where we are on this journey to success, and how we are going to get there and realise it is not going to be a smooth road, but will have some hurdles and how we will overcome them. My fellow employees, permit me on your behalf Remember one’s posture and attire will reflect to recognize and say a hearty thank you to the one’s mind of thinking. team members who comprise the Finance, Legal How does a local, regional and global company, and ICT Departments; the Human Resources Banks DIH Limited, present itself to the world Department; the Power Generation, Vehicle in the future? That is the question we must ask Workshop and BASI Departments; the Sanitation ourselves today, fellow employees. We must and Security Departments; for their oftentimes think positive and make this company – Banks silent yet effective contributions made in the DIH Limited – the best in Guyana and in the region. overall attainment of our goals and targets. My fellow employees, whenever we turn on a light, SOME HARD TRUTHS a piece of machinery or equipment or discover to our amazement, that things actually work and In recent years, we have lacked a clear direction that we can utilize data to make decisions; or and a common understanding of our purpose utilize various buildings and offices for various as a company. We have dealt with challenges activities, let us spare a thought for our fellow team reactively and separately, not as a unified team. members in those departments, whose silent, yet We have been too focused on the short term and effective contributions often go unrecognized. self-interest. As we became more fragmented and Our sincere and deeply appreciated thanks disconnected, we were losing the ability to share are extended to Shabir Hussein, Deo, Zaman, our knowledge and talents across our company. Kavorn, Ramesh, Owen, Ron, Duke, Sammy and Looking into the mirror also revealed that we their team members for their sterling efforts and believe a greater company lies within us. We contribution. must have faith in our ability to create it. Since the Company was built in 1958, there was The Beverage and Food Industry is vibrant and and still is a sense of pride, passion and culture that growing in choices. It thrives on brands and we comes from creating products people enjoy with know better than anyone how to create branded satisfaction, and employees feel that they belong beverages and food products – Banks Beer, GT to a family that cares, and with the Company’s Beer, Guinness, Coca Cola, Sprite, I-Cee, Golden Motto “Committed to Excellence” encourages Harvest, XM Rums, Tropical Mist, Demico Ice all Shareholders, Employees, Suppliers and Cream, Qik Serv, Idiho, OMG, Patisserie etc., that Customers to invest, produce, sell and maintain people are passionate about. all brand products that meet the highest standard Citizens Bank is the only real indigenous bank of quality products and services, financial benefits in Guyana, which only employs Guyanese. and a higher management performance to meet We have an opportunity, fellow employees, to the interest of the Company and the communities reinvent ourselves, not just as a local and global in which we operate. That’s the passion we company, but as a sustainable growth company. need more of today to continue our Journey of Sustainable growth means meeting our shortExcellence, fellow employees. To become the term commitments, while investing to meet our people and the Company we know we can be, we long term goals. It also means ensuring that each have to look in the mirror and come to terms with one of us continue to grow as a member of a larger what we see as in that Michael Jackson song “Man team and that our system continues to grow too. in the Mirror” and we will only see ourselves, no The time is now right for us to commit ourselves one else. to working together for this common purpose FINANCE, LEGAL, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND ICT DEPARTMENTS HUMAN RESOURCES, POWER GENERATION, VEHICLE WORKSHOP, BUILDINGS & SANITATION, SECURITY DEPARTMENTS

In and Around Banks: Christmas Edition

and company, Banks DIH Limited. That is the reason fellow employees that the motto for 2024 is Inclusiveness”. The Board of Directors, the Executives, Employees, WMPB, the Union - all will be involved in taking this company forward.

CONCLUSION My fellow employees, ladies and gentlemen. Our celebration of Christmas should be a reflection of the love and selflessness, which is demonstrated in the giving of the gift of the Christ Child to humanity. It is through giving and not just receiving that allows us to experience the true Christmas spirit. We feel more kindly towards one another. We reach out in love to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Our hearts are filled with care and compassion for others. Our enemies are forgiven, our friends are remembered and the gift of God’s love overflows within us. My fellow employees, the spirit of Christmas lights up our souls and we come to that place where we can look out upon the busy world and become more interested in people rather than things. To be truly filled with the spirit and meaning of Christmas, we only need to let love into our lives. Some may ask, how can we do this? My fellow employees, it starts with learning how to give of one’s self which represents true giving. How much better the world, our country, our Company will be if we all gave gifts which have lasting value, meaning the gifts of understanding and compassion; gifts of service and friendship; gifts of kindness, gentleness and peace. My fellow employees as the Christmas season envelops us with all of its attractiveness and attractions and yes, also its distractions, let us all do as the three wise men from the East did. Let us each seek and find our special star to guide us and direct us in our celebration of the Saviour’s birth. May we all make that journey to seek and find the Christ Child in spirit, taking with us the gift of a tender caring heart filled with love for others as our Christmas gift. My fellow employees, ladies and gentlemen, permit me on my own behalf and that of my family, and the Board of Directors, to extend to you all and your loved ones, a peaceful, rewarding and enjoyable Christmas season. May the peace and humility of the Christ Child fill your hearts and homes with every blessing. I will urge you to make full use of your capacity to share of yourselves and your resources with others whose lives may be empty and lonely at this time.

REFLECTIONS ON “INCLUSIVENESS” My fellow employees, in my opening remarks I spoke about our capacity as a family, to come together to discuss and consider all aspects of our Company’s projections and accomplishments and to reflect on what the future has in store for us. What we are in fact referring to, fellow employees, is our capacity for inclusiveness or inclusivity. The Oxford Dictionary defines “inclusiveness” as, “the quality of covering or dealing with a range of subjects or areas.” My fellow employees, upon reflection, it might not have been said in so many words, but the intention was certainly there when our Company was established, that inclusiveness shall be a part of all that we do each day within our Company. It was Andres Tomas Tapia, Senior Client Partner and Inclusion Strategist at Korn Ferry, who said, “Diversity is the mix. Inclusion is making the mix work.” As we reflect on the thoughts of Tomas Tapia, we are encouraged to also consider that inclusiveness is the practice of making a place where everyone, despite their differences, is treated with dignity and respect. It is an act of ensuring that nobody is held back from contributing to a group or community because of their identity or background. Each person’s race, ethnicity, gender identity, orientation, financial background, ability, religion and other characteristics are valued and celebrated through the practice of inclusiveness. It is not enough to just tolerate differences. We need to celebrate them and to foster communities where everyone can feel safe and included. To advance social justice and equity, inclusiveness is a necessary component and crucial. It allows people from all walks of life to meet one another, learn from one another, and work together towards a shared objective. Positive results for individuals and communities can result from their being included in more open, welcoming and supportive settings. 7

In and Around Banks: Christmas Edition

Celebrating Men’s Health: Banks D.I.H Limited’s “Movember” Initiatives and well-being among its male workforce. An interdepartmental Male Team Cricket Competition added a competitive yet friendly touch to the initiatives. Additionally, the company facilitated the sharing of a podcast series titled “Spotlight on Him,” featuring diverse men across different roles within the organization. Special thank you to Matthew Kendall, Romel Ramcharan, Horace Barker, Keron Savory, Marlon Quinn, Joel Lallman, Anand Charran, In the spirit of recognizing and celebrating and Compton Sparman. A male fitness challenge the vital contributions of men both within the conducted throughout the month aimed to company and the community, Banks D.I.H promote physical health and active lifestyles Limited embarked on a series of impactful among male employees. initiatives throughout the month of November. With a focus on International Men’s Day 2023, observed on November 19 under the theme “Zero Male Suicide,” the company demonstrated its commitment to promoting men’s health and well-being.

Community Outreach Extending our efforts beyond the company walls, Banks D.I.H contributed to the community Mental Health in Focus by donating toiletries to the Palms male ward. This generous gesture impacted all eighty-five To address the critical issue of mental health, occupants, providing them with essential items. Banks D.I.H organized a “lunch and learn” Mr. Sharma, the Social Worker for the ward, session, featuring renowned psychologist Dr. expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating, Wil Campbell. This event provided a unique “We greatly appreciate the contributions and platform for men within the company to engage look forward to future collaborations.” with Dr. Campbell’s insights and openly discuss common mental health challenges they may be Commitment to Employee Well-Being confronting. The initiative aimed not only to raise awareness but also to foster a supportive At its core, Banks D.I.H Limited remains dedicated environment for meaningful conversations. to promoting the health and well-being of its employees. Acknowledging our predominantly Internal Engagement Activities male workforce, the company recognizes the Internally, the company organized a range significance of providing crucial support services. of activities aimed at promoting camaraderie These initiatives not only celebrated the 8

In and Around Banks: Christmas Edition

contributions of men within the company and community but also underscored the importance of addressing mental health and promoting overall well-being. As the company continues to

evolve, these initiatives serve as a shining example of corporate responsibility and commitment to the health of our employees and the broader community.

Seerani Ramnauth Retires after 25 years of Service

Mrs. Ramnauth retires in a ceremony held in her honor in Central Laboratory. Mrs. Ramnauth having been with the company for 25 years, bid farewell by her colleagues and team members on December 30, 2023. Mrs. Ramnauth started her career journey with us in the Rum Factory as a Laboratory Technician in 1992. She would later move to the Central Audit Laboratory where because of commitment and contribution, she was recognized with two welldeserved promotions. In 2005, she was promoted to Quality Assurance Superintendent followed by Quality Assurance Executive in 2008. A position she served in with distinction up to the time of her retirement.

Throughout her tenure, Mrs. Ramnauth played a pivotal role in achieving numerous Quality Standards Certifications and awards for Banks DIH Limited. Her commitment to maintaining and exceeding quality benchmarks has left an indelible mark on the company’s reputation for excellence. As Mrs. Ramnauth embarks on a new chapter in her life, the company expresses gratitude for her dedicated service and the positive impact she has had on the organization. Her leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to quality assurance have undoubtedly contributed to the success and recognition of Banks DIH Limited in the industry.

Congratulations to our team member Kevin Whyte on his marriage! Kevin is a Driver Salesman attached to our Sales and Marketing Department. 9

In and Around Banks: Christmas Edition

Visitors to Thirst Park

Scenes from Banks Children Party On December 14, 2023 we welcomed the return of the Banks Children Party to Thirst Park. Screams of excitement and photo with Santa highlighted the afternoon as employees and their kids participated in the games and goodies.

In and Around Banks: Christmas Edition

Camp Street Third Time winner of Qik Serv Customer Experience Award For the third consecutive year, Camp Street Qik Serv walks away with the award for best overall department for Customer Experience in the Demico Administration. We applaud the Manager, Collin Pheonix and team for this outstanding accomplishment. In the individual category Nandy Wright (Crème Select) received the Double Award Trophy for her consistent service attitude. Other individual prizes went to Oneica Simon (Prize Medal Patisserie), Semika Joseph (Idiho), Roshumba Williamson (Stabroek Qik Serv), Tonecia Sharpe (Main Street Qik Serv), Odessa Howes (Camp Street Qik Serv), Chanutel Jacobs (Caesars Parlour), Kerdel Abrams (OMG Restaurant), Candacee Bailey (Sheriff Street Qik Serv), Julianna Sears (NA Qik Serv), Jonathan Layne (Demico Logistics), and Surita Grant (Stabroek Bar). The prizes were handed over during a ceremony held at the Sports Club. The Demico Customer Experience Awards were created to highlight and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our employees in providing exceptional customer service during the year.

Banks DIH Pacesetters Toastmasters Club hosts Christmas Social The BANKS DIH PACESETTERS Toastmasters’ Club recently held its annual Christmas social at the Sports Club. Hosted by the Club President, Toastmaster Kadesiya Adams, The event provided an opportunity for everyone to relax and socialize in a casual setting, fostering a sense of camaraderie within the club. Club members gathered for an afternoon of festive cheer and game while they enjoyed tasty snacks and refreshing beverages. BANKS DIH PACESETTERS Toastmasters club caters to members professional development in areas of project management, public speaking and leadership. Contact the vice president membership Milessa Daniels ext. 2176 to learn how you can become a toastmaster.

Maximize your potential. Toastmasters International – Where Leaders are Made 11

In and Around Banks: Christmas Edition

Sports Champions A return of the tournaments to Thirst Park in 2023 saw several employees and teams walking away with champion titles. In Dominoes –Kings and Queen Dominoes titles were won by Leroy Lindie (Tropical Mist Plant) and Roanna Charles (Sports Club) respectively. In runner up positions were Simeon Moore of the Beer Bottling Plant for King and Shenise Armstrong of Ceaser Parlour for Queen. Coming in stellar positions were Orin Sandy Vehicle Workshop and Iesha Armstrong - Human Resources. The Interdepartmental Dominoes also had some excitement with the winners being Maintenance

Workshop, while second place went to the Sales Department and the Environmental Department came in third place. Also played was the Interdepartmental Cricket Tournament with the winners emerging as the Trisco Foods, followed by Sales Department in the First runner up position. Amidst all the excitement of the game, Most Runs of the Tournament went to Scott Jerimiah for his jaw dropping sixes while playing for the Sales Team. Meanwhile, Most Wickets of the Tournament went to Otis George from Stores and Player of the Match to Nathan Saul from Trisco Foods.

In and Around Banks: Christmas Edition

Photo Recap of Bonus Meeting