GECCU shows appreciation to staff

The General Employees Co-operative Credit Union Limited (GECCU) 2008 Awards and Dinner was a memorable experience, filled with laughter, love and romance.{{more}}

The event, held at the Aquatic Club on Saturday, February 14, 2009, was special not only for staff members who were being awarded for their hard work, but also for the Valentine’s celebratory atmosphere that was savoured by spouses, relatives and other well-wishers, who also got the opportunity to attend a special dinner on Valentine’s Day for free.

One could have easily mistaken the dinner room for a ballroom decorated for newlyweds. This acknowledgement brought satisfaction to GECCU’s decoration staff who took pride in their work.

Staff being recognized for outstanding work in 2008 was the highpoint of the evening.

Keon Findlay, received the coveted Employee of the Year Award. The elated Loans Officer, holding his award way above his head, told his fellow employees the award belonged to all of them.

The awards ceremony was also a special occasion for Baldwin Johnney, the Administrative Officer at GECCU’s Georgetown Office. Johnney was recognized as the organization’s Most Outstanding Senior Employee, while the Most Outstanding Junior Employee Award went to Ryan Hazell.

Theresa Douglas and Cornelia Moses were awarded for their long-standing service at the credit union. Douglas, a receptionist, was rewarded for 20 years of service, while Moses, received her award for 15 years of service. Awards were also given to other staff members.

Lennox Bowman, General Manager of GECCU, said he was ensuring that everyone was “fortified” before the programme delved into the awards section. On that note he encouraged the large gathering to enjoy the scrumptious meal that was in store for them.

President of GECCU Kenneth Douglas, delivering remarks, said some people want to class the credit union as banks but this will never be.

“We are the people. The people are us,” said Douglas. He added that contrary to what some may think, the credit unions have been crying out for regulations to be put in place.

Douglas is predicting that during the rest of the year lots of negatives will come the credit union’s way. He said the credit unions will continue to thrive because of its democratically controlled framework.

Mike Browne, Minister of Cooperatives, attended the ceremony and was in jovial mood as he walked around and greeted almost everyone in attendance – wishing them a happy Valentine’s Day.

The Minister said GECCU’s practice of recognizing outstanding employees is a commendable one. He said it is hoped that the Government and its ministries will emulate GECCU and recognize their staff likewise.

In January, GECCU added 418 new members to its list, bringing its membership to 28, 791 in total. The cooperative, which has been in existence since July 1964, now has an asset base which stands at EC$143, 858, 689.33.

GECCU is driven by a philosophy of putting its members first. Loan repayments allow for entire loans to be paid off by the time the member reaches retirement (this may be extended on consideration of the member’s earning power beyond that age).

There is no service charge on GECCU loans.