NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 1
NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 2 LEPCCU 55TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE “PEOPLE HELPING people!” This is the mantra upon which our noble movement was established. Today, I stand as a proud member of the Lascelles Employees & Partners Co-operative Credit Union Ltd family to celebrate our 55th anniversary. History saw us as an employee-based credit union, serving the financial needs of persons within the Lascelles deMercado Group. However, through technological advancement, regulation and members’ needs, there came a greater demand to improve the complexity and sophistication of our credit union to grow and to keep pace with rapid global changes. These demands were met through the ambition, resilience, and dedication of all our trusted and dedicated business partners, diligent board of directors and volunteers, sterling predecessors, and dedicated staff. On behalf of the board of directors, management and staff, and volunteers of the Lascelles Employees & Partners Co-operative Credit Union Ltd, I would like to say thank you to everyone for 55 rewarding years. As we look to the future, we continue to prioritise the needs of our members and work towards remaining as their “friendly financial institution of choice”. “Wi likkle, but wi tallawah!” OWEN DILLON President Lascelles Employees & Partners Co-operative Credit Union Ltd ‘Wi likkle, but wi tallawah!’ TODAY MARKS a major milestone for the Lascelles Employees & Partners Co-operative Credit Union Ltd family as we celebrate 55 years of service to you. Fifty-five (55) years ago, Lascelles Employees Co-operative Credit Union Ltd was established and registered as an employee-based Credit Union under the Lascelles deMercado Group. Our Bond of service has propelled us from those humble beginnings to where we stand today, as a giant-sized Credit Union serving over 6000 members, and asset size of over $1.3 billion. This exciting journey has seen many twists and turns, but we have never been diverted from our mandate – to provide the best service and support to our members. To all our business partners, fellow co-operators and invaluable members, on behalf of the board of directors, management and staff, and volunteers of the Lascelles Employees & Partners Cooperative Credit Union Ltd, here is to all the memories we’ve created, challenges we’ve overcome, and victories we’ve achieved together. Thank you. MICHELLE AMBERSLEY General Manager Lascelles Employees & Partners Co-operative Credit Union Ltd Here’s to 55 years!
NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 3 LEPCCU 55TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE THE JAMAICA Co-operative Credit Union League, on behalf of the credit unions of Jamaica, wishes to congratulate the Lascelles Employees and Partners Co-operative Credit Union on achieving 55 years of service to your members. Since your inception on the 19th of September, 1968, you have continued to positively impact the lives of the people you serve and the communities in which you operate. You have grown from strength to strength, moving from 50 members upon inception to over 6,000 members to date, and amassing assets of over $1 billion. Your League salutes you for the tremendous work you have done in building and expanding the services offered to your membership. You have advanced over the years with the use of appropriate technology, as in 2022 you upgraded your core banking system, allowing your members to have access to personalised financial services in real time. The Lascelles Employees and Partners Co-operative Credit Union has undergone many changes through mergers and transfer of engagements over the years and has become a stronger and more robust credit union, offering competitive products and services to your members. In 2021, the Lascelles Employees and Partners Co-operative Credit Union was awarded the coveted title of Credit Union of the Year in the small credit union category. We laud the efforts of your founding fathers and volunteers whose commitment over the years to the credit union mantra of “People helping people” has led to the success of your credit union. We also commend the management and staff who continue to serve with distinction, going above and beyond to serve the valued members of the credit union. The League salutes you on this very special occasion. We wish for you and your membership many more successful years embracing the spirit of “My Credit Union, My Family/Fi Mi Credit Union, Fi Mi Family”. LAMBERT JOHNSON President Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League We salute you on this very special occasion TODAY HIGHLIGHTS a remarkable milestone – the 55th anniversary of Lascelles Employees & Partners Co-operative Credit Union Limited. God in his infinite wisdom gave us some strong founding visionaries who realised in 1938 that Jamaica’s socio-economic climate needed to be changed, because numerous riots and uprising occurred in the rural areas and eventually spread to the city of Kingston. These types of unrest were mainly due to two factors: 1. High unemployment rate – there were many men that week after week could not find employment. 2. Low Wages many of the Jamaican people were earning far less than one pound per week – for example the cane cutters on large sugar plantations were earning wages far less and many had families and extended families to support. As a result, it meant that in most cases Jamaicans on the lower end of the wage scale lived from one week’s pay to the next without being able to put aside anything for a rainy day. And Rainy days were plentiful. So, when they needed extra money, they would invariably have to turn to the loan sharks for assistance. Once in the clutches HISTORY OF THE LASCELLES EMPLOYEES & PARTNERS CO-OPERATIVE CREDIT UNION LTD PLEASE SEE HISTORY, 4
NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 4 of these loan sharks, it was impossible to extricate oneself. In many instances the rate of interest charged by a loan shark was in the region of 200 per cent per year. The rates were so exorbitant that they could not pay off the interest on the loan, much less the principal. In the 1930’s Father Sullivan along with 14 of his associates took up this cause to right the financial injustice being metered out to Jamaica’s lower class. Father Sullivan and his associates studied the mechanism of the Credit Union Movement which was launched 93 years before in Germany. And, in 1941 they translated theory to practice. This movement would give the modest people of Jamaica a chance to save their money as well as a chance to barrow money at a lower interest rate (much less that the prevailing bank rates). Later, Lascelles Employees Cooperative Credit Union was formed in June 1968, at 14 ½ Port Royal Street, Kingston. This was chaired by Mr. Mario Kirkcaldy who was later elected as President. It began with 50 members from Lascelles deMercado & Company, Lascelles Shipping, Lascelles Distribution and Lascelles Merchandise. By October of the same year 194 members were on the register with new members from Western Terminals, Lascelles Laboratories, AJAS and Transportation Agencies. Over the years the credit union has grown through amalgamations with the following: 1. John Crook Credit Union 2. Carreras Staff Credit Union 3. Nestle Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union It’s been an incredible journey, filled with growth, trust, and unwavering dedication. From humble beginnings to where we stand today. A Credit Union, a pillar of financial support and community empowerment. This anniversary is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our incredible team (Board, Volunteer Core, Management, and staff) who have always gone above and beyond to serve our members with a smile. We owe our success to their unwavering dedication as well as the trust our members have placed in us. As we reflect on the past, let’s also look to the future. Lascelles Employees & Partners Co-operative Credit Union remains steadfast in our commitment to providing innovative solutions, personalised service, and financial empowerment for all. We will continue to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of our members, ensuring that we remain a trusted partner in their financial success. We also ask God to continue to give us his richest blessings. Thank you! LEPCCU 55TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE Lascelles Employees and Partners Co-operative Credit Union As we reflect on the past, let’s also look to the future. Lascelles Employees & Partners Co-operative Credit Union remains steadfast in our commitment to providing innovative solutions, personalised service, and financial empowerment for all. We will continue to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of our members, ensuring that we remain a trusted partner in their financial success. We also ask God to continue to give us his richest blessings.
NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 5 LEPCCU 55TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE ECLECTIC SECURITY Services Limited takes great pleasure in extending congratulations to the Lascelles Employees & Partners Co-operative Credit Union (LEPCCU) on this celebration of their 55th anniversary. At Eclectic, we are excited about your success, given that LEPCCU has been our trusted strategic partner since our inception in 2015. We can state that our success to date, in part, is as a result of the strong and consistent support that LEPCCU has been providing for us. We are motivated to wish you many more years of success and we look forward to our ongoing partnership, and support from you. Happy 55th anniversary! ECLECTIC SECURITY SERVICES LIMITED CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LEPCCU ON ITS 55TH ANNIVERSARY! THE REGISTRAR and staff of the Department of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies extend heartiest congratulations to the members, volunteers, management and staff of the Lascelles Employees & Partners Co-operative Credit Union Limited – “Your Friendly Financial Institution of Choice” – on this momentous milestone of attaining 55 years as a corporate body, having been registered since September 19, 1968; and over that time consistently providing invaluable services and competitive financial products. The Lascelles Employees & Partners Co-operative Credit Union (formerly Lascelles Employees Cooperative Credit Union) was the recipient of the Paul Thompson’s Trophy for Medium-sized Credit Union of the Year for three consecutive years; awarded Credit Union of the Year 2021 in the category of Small and has been ranked as one of the leading in-house credit unions in Jamaica today; which is indeed commendable. One of the institution’s recent accomplishments is the implementation of the core banking system, Sharetech which allows for business continuity, competitiveness, security enhancement and improvements in member experience. Over the years, the credit union has undergone a number of changes via mergers with other credit unions, as well as transferred its engagement, thus further strengthening its operations and facilitating growth. The financial performance of the credit union continues to show positive growths, Best wishes and continued success PLEASE SEE BEST, 6
NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 6 LEPCCU 55TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE EMPLOYEES ARE the most valuable resource in an organisation, as their abilities, knowledge and experience cannot be replaced. The same can be said for those who have given their time as volunteers to a movement aimed at improving the lives of others. Nicole Creary-Hewitt (2022) and Ryan Muir (2022) were the perfect examples of leadership. Their valiant service and selflessness to the credit union movement and moreso, Lascelles Employees & Partners Co-operative Credit Union Limited (LEPCCUL), dates back more than two decades. They pioneered the growth and success of LEPCCUL, through partnerships, mergers and cooperate services. Both were different in many ways, but championed the same effort with grace and dedication. As heads of this noble institution, they were a force to be reckoned with! During their reign, Lascelles Employees & Partners Co-operative Credit Union Ltd encountered many hurdles presented in the form of divestments, politics, and the COVID-19 pandemic, to name a few. However, they never faltered. On behalf of the management and staff, board of directors, volunteers, and general membership, we take immense pride in remembering our fallen leaders, Nicole Creary-Hewitt and Ryan Muir on this our 55th year of celebration. May their values continue to guide us into greatness and their souls rest in perfect peace. TRIBUTE Nicole Creary-Hewitt, past general manager, and Ryan Muir, past director of Lascelles Employees & Partners Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. evidenced by membership of over 5,000; total assets of over $1.35b and loan portfolio of over $1.053b as at December 31, 2022. The common bond was also extended to allow for acceptance of membership from employees, from organisations that operate in a similar industry as do the companies in the original core group and those doing business with its core group and other employees so authorised. The remarkable accomplishments of this credit union resulted from the dedicated, committed and hardworking management team and the staff of unmatched quality who have transformed the lives of thousands of Jamaicans, despite the challenges faced in the competitive financial environment. As regulator, the department will continue to provide the technical guidance and support necessary to ensure that the society’s operations remain sound, thereby protecting the interests of stakeholders. Once again, congratulations Lascelles Employees & Partners Co-operative Credit Union Limited on your past achievements, best wishes and continued success in the future. ERROL GALLIMORE Registrar of Co-operative Societies and Friendly Societies BEST CONTINUED FROM 5
NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 7 LEPCCU 55TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE Drei Anah Brown – Winner (Financial Literacy Month video competition)
NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 8 LEPCCU 55TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE Credit Union Day 2022 – Our Appleton, Rum Tour Members From left: Dianne Thompson, Camelia McLeish and Claudette Christie. Xavier Scott – 2nd Runner-up (Financial Literacy Month Competition) We value our partnership and look forward to strengthening this relationship. Wishing you many more
NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 9 LEPCCU 55TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE Financial Literacy is a crucial tool for our success. Member Service Representative, Samuel Barton, and the young men of St John the Baptist Prep on Boys Day 2023.
NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 10 LEPCCU 55TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE LEPCCU Women’s Day 2023
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NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 13 LEPCCU 55TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE Work hard, play hard – Paint & Sip with LEPCCU staff
NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 14 LEPCCU 55TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE Credit Union of the Year, 2021 – Small Category
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NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 19 LEPCCU 55TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE LEPCCU’s staff and volunteers at the 55th Anniversary Church Service at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Portmore, St Catherine.
NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 20 LEPCCU 55TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE A Credit Union is proof that one person standing alone can make a big shout but a group standing together can make a thunderous roar. May you continue to be a strong pillar in your community and a positive contributor to the growth of the Credit Union Movement in Jamaica. 2A Manhattan Road, Kingston 5 Telephone#: (876) 926-7767 www.creditunionsofjamaica.com facebook.com/CreditUnionsofJamaica twitter.com/creditunionsja youtube.com/creditunionsofjamaica
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