GECCU hosts annual dinner and awards

Two days after Valentine’s Day, love was still in the air as management and staff of the General Employees Cooperative Credit Union (GECCU) gathered together for their annual dinner and awards.{{more}}

The word thanksgiving was aptly included into the title, by GECCU president Clarence Harry, who, in addressing the gathering at the Aquatic Club last Saturday, said that the credit union was safe, and had much to be thankful for over the past year.

Harry highlighted a number of initiatives and business moves, which he said has put the institution and its partners on better standing.

These include the launch of the “learn while you earn” programme, GECCU’s investment in the small business microfinance initiative (COMFI), as well as the acquisition of the South Rivers Cooperative Credit Union, with plans to do the same for the Georgetown/ Mt Coke Credit Union.

“GECCU is a brand, when you hear GECCU, it stands for something: it stands for soundness, leadership, hard word, dedication and all that is what staff and volunteers bring to this organization.”

Looking ahead, Harry said as the institution celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2014, customers and partners can look forward to many interesting programmes and products which will be launched, in the years to come and beyond.

The president thanked and congratulated all members of staff for their contribution to the institution’s successes and said that the dinner was a testimony that the GECCU family recognizes, appreciates and celebrates with its staff.

“It is something that we take to heart. We appreciate and we show love for the hard work that our team produces every year. Without the staff of GECCU, we could not have achieved what we achieved in the past, and what our plans are for the future, so congratulations to the staff!”

Thirty-five awards were handed to members of staff who performed well and excelled in various departments over the year.

This year, the coveted Employee of the Year award went to cashier Kathlyn Parsons, who also received an award for attendance and punctuality.

Parsons, in making her acceptance speech said that she was surprised and honoured by the gesture, and thanked her co-workers for their support and encouragement over the years.

Also receiving multiple awards were past employee of the year, Senior Loans Officer Julian Ivo Joslyn (punctuality and attendance, CEO’s award, most outstanding senior employee); Loans Officer Danny-Lee Francis (10 years service, academic achievement, most outstanding performer — Loans Department); Accountant Maxine Johnney (10 years of service, CEO’s award); Customer Service Clerk Bernadette John (punctuality and attendance, CEO’s Award, 15 years service); Recoveries Officer Joanne Stowe-Powers (25 years of service, punctuality and attendance, academic achievement); Receptionist Theresa Douglas (punctuality and attendance, most outstanding performer —Administration Department); Accounts Clerk Melissa Millington (punctuality and attendance, most outstanding performer — Accounts Department); Junior Clerk Charissa Pitt (punctuality and attendance, most outstanding sub-office employee).

Long-standing employee, customer service clerk Prenella Holder, was recognized for 30 years of service to the institution; she also received the CEO’s award. Senior Marketing Officer Cheryl Bacchus received recognition for 25 years of service.

Other staff members who received awards were cashier Ricardo Springer (most outstanding junior employee); punctuality and attendance awards also went to Lydia Cain (office attendant); Alicia Ashton-Doyle (CEO’s secretary); Grace Guy (customer service clerk); Frances Thompson (senior securities officer) and Danny George (security guard).

Baldwin Johnney (Administrative Officer); Cornelia Moses (Operations Officer) and Anton Jardine (Asst. Sytem Data Administrator) also received the CEO’s award.

The award for most outstanding head of department went to System Data Administrator Elias Francis.

Apart from the steel pan accompaniment by Saeed Bowman and Kingsley “Hero” Roberts at the dinner, members of staff also displayed their talents, with Dann-Lee Francis performing a musical rendition accompanied by the La Gracia dancers, which was followed later by staff members breaking out some choreographed moves on the dance floor for the entertainment of their colleagues.