A new banking facility has been opened in Maryland County.
The county Representative P. Mike Jurry, officially dedicated the MC2 Community Bank recently in Central Harper.
Jurry described the facility as a long-awaited solution to decades of banking challenges for the locals.
The dedication ceremony was held at the General Children’s Playground. It attracted a large, and diverse crowd to the scene.
In attendance were women’s groups, susu clubs’ members, motorcycle, and tricycle unions, traditional chiefs and elders, local government officials, students, and business owners.
Representatives from Afriland First Bank, the institution spearheading the rollout of community banks, were also present.
Rep. Jurry told the gathering that the opening of MC2 Community Bank marks a turning point for the county.
“For too long, our people, our students, and our business owners, have suffered traveling all the way to Pleebo City just to access IB, and Ecobank. Today, that burden has ended. Harper, as the capital of Maryland County, deserves the best, and now, has a fully functioning financial institution right here at home.”
The lawmaker revealed how the push for the bank came directly from citizens, who raised concerns about high transport costs, time lost, and insecurity associated with traveling to Pleebo for basic banking services.
Jurry emphasized how the MC2 Community Bank has received full regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Liberia, and is authorized to operate immediately.
He urged residents to take ownership of the institution by buying shares, and patronizing its services.
“This is your bank. Support it, grow it, and it will grow you. The bank will provide accessible loans to qualified, and trustworthy individuals, to expand businesses, and improve livelihoods.”
Francis Morgan, the Afriland official overseeing community bank establishment nationwide, confirmed that MC2 has met all operational, and compliance requirements.
In a major boost for youth employment, Morgan announced that several graduates of William V. S. Tubman University’s Banking and Finance department recently completed a four-month intensive professional training program.
“These young Liberians are now fully equipped, and will be employed right here at MC2 to deliver professional, quality banking services to the people.”
Maryland County Superintendent, Nathaniel Toe, Jr. commended Rep. Jurry for fully sponsoring the project.
Supt. Toe called it: “One of the most significant investments in the future of the youth.”
He said, the bank is fitted with reliable electricity, and internet infrastructure to ensure smooth, uninterrupted operations.
“Parents, and students will no longer make that costly trip to Pleebo just to pay school fees. I encourage all schools in Harper District to open accounts with MC2. It will strengthen the bank, and ease the financial burden on families.”
With MC2 now operational, Maryland County joins a growing list of counties benefiting from community banking model aimed at decentralizing financial services, and driving local economic development.
