Portland Co-Operative Credit Union Limited 50th Anniversary

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 26 PORTLAND CO-OP CREDIT UNION 50TH ANNIVERSARY 10 T HE CELEBRATION of 50 years of ex- istence in the life of any successful organisation is a remarkable mo- ment in history. From a fledgling movement when it began 50 years ago, the Portland Co- operative Credit Union Ltd (PCCU) has become a financial institution whose gargantuan contribution to the parish of Portland has been no less than phenom- enal. Its growth, impact and influence on the thousands of members, businesses, and social institutions cemented its place, convincingly, not only as a strong, vibrant financial entity, but one with a deep con- viction regarding its social responsibility as a good corporate citizen. Throughout the years, the PortlandCo-op Credit Union, having become a household word, established itself as a place where many parishioners could, using the collateral that they had, obtain credit historically unavailable to them. From the early ‘80s, as a young member, I watched the meteoric rise of this organisation. Membership and assets grew to appreciable and significant levels. One of the primary reasons for this was theearlyestablishment that thecreditunion was a people’s organisation, owned and managedby themembership.Theboardof directors, supervisoryandcredit committee officers were the same persons onemet at theworkplace, placesofworship, andonthe streets in theparish. Andallwerevolunteers, elected by themembership. The PCCU has not been without its fair share of organisational and economic challenges. It was never guaranteed im- munity from the ups and downs and pen- dulum swings in the economy. However, its ability to successfully weather these gusty periods was largely helped by the presence of capable board chairmen and directors who selected general managers who had a long-term strategic vision, and who could see life way past the then current perplexing issues. I pay special tribute to Martin Blackwood, who be- came general manager in a period that needed a steady hand and an unflappa- ble demeanour. It is to his credit, no pun intended, and his staff, that the geometric and positive changes in the credit union’s infrastructural development, member- ship growth, increase in savings and as- sets, reduction in delinquency, and the creation of an ethos of ‘doability’, even within restrictive, regulatory, and eco- nomic constraints, were made possible. I salute and congratulate the board of directors, the various committees of volunteers, the administrative and an- cillary staff that continue to provide a business-like and welcoming atmosphere at the Port Antonio head office and Buff Bay branch. It is with a feeling of pride that I commend the membership who waited and worked patiently to ensure the noteworthy growth and stability of one of Portland’s premier home-grown financial institutions. May the Portland Co-operative Credit Union Ltd expand its ability to offer life-enhancing services to Portland – a characteristic that has undeniably come to be its raison d’être . LINCOLN A. THAXTER, CD, JP Custos Rotulorum for the parish of Portland A remarkable moment in history I T IS my privilege to send this word of greeting to you on behalf of the East Portland Ministers’ Fraternal on the occasion of your 50th anniversary. We are indeed grateful for the role the Portland Co- operative Credit Union has been serving, and note your commitment over these past 50 years to offer a system of coop- eration between citizens of Portland that facilitates viable economic oppor- tunities. Partnership has been a core value of your institution from its incep- tion, through the coming together of two smaller credit unions, to serve the people of Portland. It is this value of partnership that has facilitated your growth over the years; which is itself a statement of valid- ity that the citizens have experienced you as an institution that is on their side as they navigate the economic realities faced by their families. Anniversaries offer opportunities for re- membering, stocktak- ing, thanksgiving and Facilitating viable economic options Rev Dayne Grant, chairman of East Portland Ministers’ Fraternal PLEASE SEE VIABLE , 11 Services Offered: - • Interior Construction Works: - • Drywall, Ceiling, Flooring, • Joinery & Cabinetry Works, M&E Works