GECCU continues to invest in education

In keeping with the world Credit Union Month’s theme of ‘People Helping People,’ Zel Charles, Nicole Bowman and Jenny Sandy were awarded bursaries by the General Employees Co-operative Credit Union (GECCU) to assist with their tertiary education.

President of GECCU Kelvin Pompey told those present at the handing over ceremony on Tuesday at GECCU’s board room {{more}}that the award of bursaries is an indication of GECCU’s goal to help with human development in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“The bursaries of $3,000 each is another tangible demonstration of GECCU’s strong and unwavering commitment to the development of our nation through the medium of education.”

Pompey noted that while St Vincent may not be blessed with a lot of natural resources, he believes that once investment is made in educational development, Vincentians would be able to compete with even the most developed countries in the world.

“We cannot compete effectively in the globalized environment in terms of the traditional sectors especially agriculture and manufacturing. However when it comes to development that is driven and facilitated by the harnessing and training of the minds of our people, I believe that we can compete and do so even more effectively than countries with even more resources than ours.”

Additionally the GECCU president also stated that their contribution to education does not only affect one’s education, but society on a whole.

“Education is the single most contributor to the development of families, society and individuals,” he declared.

Pompey indicated that GECCU has contributed about $2 million in scholarships for students who successfully completed the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) and in bursaries for students at the tertiary level.

Stressing that he is well aware of the technological advancements, and the use and need of these technologies by students, the GECCU president pointed out that the credit union now offers loans for students who wish to purchase these devices to aid them in their studies.

In closing, Pompey encouraged the recipients to apply what they have learnt to helping the community and helping to build St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Speaking at the awards ceremony also was Dr Mineva Glasgow, who, like Pompey, encouraged the recipients to give back to community.

Glasgow, who also serves as chairperson for the GECCU scholarship committee, told the recipients that while having an education is an important part of their journey, they must never forget that having good character and values is an excellent complement for their education.

“Character building is an essential part of education…I put more importance on character; a smart person with no good character and no values will not go far in life.”

She encouraged the recipients to never forget the source of their dreams and to become ambassadors for GECCU and encourage persons to join.

“No matter how lofty your ambitions, how grand your dreams, how fast your river of life flows, always remember its source and treasure it…GECCU is a part of your source and funding in quest for a degree; treasure GECCU,” Glasgow stated.

CEO of GECCU Lennox Bowman also congratulated the recipients on beating out 27 other applicants for the bursary awards. He also congratulated GECCU for their continued contribution to the educational development of Vincentians.

This is the second year that GECCU has awarded universary bursaries.(CM)