MINISTER with responsibility for Co-operatives Mike Browne has urged the management and staff of the General Employees Co-operative Credit Union (GECCU) to continue pushing the ethic and spirit of the cooperative movement.{{more}}

Browne, speaking in his capacity as minister, and also as a member of the cooperative, made the call as the credit union held its dinner and awards ceremony last Saturday evening at the Aquatic Club.

The minister lauded the company for showing strong annual growth in its areas of operation, as well as its focus on youth, noting that at least 60 per cent of the union’s membership is less than 30 years old.

“The focus in GECCU continues to be on social development…. I want to urge you to continue flying the flag of the co-operative movement and its philosophy.”

“Continue to focus on social development with emphasis on the poorest of the poor in our society. We still have poor people in our midst and I hope that GECCU along with those people-oriented institutions in our society will continue to work very closely with us in the ministry for the complete elimination of indigence in our society.”

Browne said that the co-operative movement is considered a pillar in the economy, and his ministry intends to work towards the movement taking a stronger, more central position in the national agenda.

Vice President of GECCU Philmore Isaacs, addressing the ceremony, reminded staff that in making a difference, co-workers as well as customers must be kept in focus at all times.

“People matter; and it makes a difference what GECCU as an organization and you as employees do for them.”(JJ)