Development Centre named in honour of Reuben John

The accolades poured out on Tuesday, June 5, for former President of the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union (KCCU) Reuben John, as family, friends and credit union colleagues gathered to witness the opening of the Reuben John Development Centre.{{more}}

The centre, which is housed at the KCCU headquarters on Granby Street, Kingstown, was named after the stalwart credit union activist, who led the organization from 1994 to 2005.

Described as a strategic initiative of the KCCU, with the goal of expanding and fostering youth involvement in credit unionism, the facility is expected to be used for skills based and academic training in a variety of disciplines, intended to engage young and old in activities that would have a positive impact on their development.

Programs to be offered include business, music, photography, law, information technology, accounting and credit unionism, with resource personnel to be drawn from a pool of professionals and practitioners in their respective fields.

The focus of the hour, however, was on the facility’s namesake, who was lauded by the men and women who spoke at its official opening.

John was hailed by many as a visionary, whose prudence, strong work ethic and leadership took the union through turbulent times and set it on the path to the success that it is currently enjoying.

Edmond Jackson, a former board member who served with John on the union’s executive, noted that his colleague had a number of good qualities that allowed him to live a successful life.

“One of the things that struck me most about Brother John, was his intense interest in upholding the tenets of good governance and accountability.

“This is a gentleman who is open, honest, and someone who you can leave to take care of business…. I am proud to say that under Reuben John’s leadership membership rose.”

John is credited with the introduction of many projects, including the Building Capitalization Fund, which was launched in 1994, when he moved towards the construction of the union’s very own headquarters, which was met with opposition from members of the union.

Under his tenure, the death benefit plan was also launched, and the union saw an increase in membership and capital, despite a number of challenges, which included internal fraud.

A citation read by the recipient of the Union’s first secondary school scholarship, Ronnia Durham, described the chartered accountant as a devoted, practical leader, who unwaveringly practised the highest levels of good governance in the execution of his responsibilities, and expedited decisions in the best interest of the movement.

Tribute was also paid to John by current Union President Cicyln Joseph and former board member Telbert Samuel.

Responding to the tributes, the married father of four thanked the speakers for their accolades, but claimed that his successful tenure at the helm of the union came as a result of the support he received from others.

“I must say that part of the success of my leadership really should be credited to the support that I had by way of directors. I was always supported by strong boards, and that is one of the main features of the KCCU.

“I never had the resources to do it by myself, but I knew where to get the help and guidance, and I trusted the decision and direction of the persons around me. I always listened to the views, I took the input of persons, and we always came to consensus.

Regarding the centre, John thanked the management of the Union for naming the facility in his honour, and, in true style, promised to volunteer his knowledge and skills whenever possible.

He said that the facility would be of major benefit to its users, and bridge the gap between academic qualification and workplace requirements.

“The KCCU’s decision to establish this centre is a very good one, and one that should be applauded.

“There is a dying need for the development of young people in St Vincent and the Grenadines, so I will pledge to make myself available as long as the board so desires.

“Training is an integral part of the development of any organization, and as we move off the stage, it is important that we provide and equip the young people wit the ability and capacity to take over from us and to keep these organizations going.

John also thanked his wife Christiana, and children Fitz-Reuben, LaKeisha, Asim and Shakeila for their moral support over the years.

The KCCU was founded in 1958. John was the sixth president of the institution. (JJ)