Portland Co-Operative Credit Union Limited 50th Anniversary

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 30 PORTLAND CO-OP CREDIT UNION 50TH ANNIVERSARY 14 I FIRST joined the credit union movement in the early 1980s when I became a member of the Portland Co-operative Credit Union (PCCU), which operated at the time in a tiny building near the cenotaph on West Street in Port Antonio. If I recall rightly, there were no more than two staff members in the small credit union at the time. Over the years, start- ing out as a young professional and family man, the credit union has helped me to realise so many of my dreams and financial goals. Student loan for university studies, home im- provement loan, car loan, furniture and appli- ances, solar electricity power system, all these and so much I was able to achieve, thanks to the credit union. Later on, starting in the early 2000s, I had the immense privilege and pleasure of serving as a volunteer at the PCCU. I had the pleasure of working with fellow volunteers who were committed to the growth and development of the credit union, and I must mention in particular the tremendous contributions of volunteers like Howard Paulwell, Yvonne Ridguard-Harris, Colenso Campbell, Howard Ohara, and so many others. Working with the dedicated and professional staff, ably led by Martin Blackwood, Melvine Berry and Anthony Morrison, has also been a wonderful experi- ence. Staff, together with volunteers, and, of course, dedicated shareholders/members have worked over the years to now make the credit union one of Portland’s premier financial institutions, with billions of dollars in assets. I salute the PCCU on achieving this significant milestone in its existence, and anticipate further growth and development as it continues to help improve the lives of members. DAVID A. DRYSDALE Past President Reflections by a past president T HEPORTLANDCo-operativeCreditUnionisacom- passionate financial institution that caters to the needsof theaverageperson,byprovidingasuiteof services that iseasytoaccess. Inaddition, thecreditunion provides that support to spur financial growth for the entire family andhelp thousands to realise their dreams. To be doing this for over 50 years is quite commendable. We know that the vision of the credit union will continue to live in our hearts, so that we will continue to grow and prosper. Long live the credit union. GEORGE BROWN Past President Long live the CREDIT UNION I NSTITUTIONS ARE established to be beneficial to citizens and societies at large. The fact that a grassroot financial institution, in a small parish with limited resources, has emerged and survived the tests of time for a half- century and remains strong is of great sig- nificance; this is no infinitesimal task. The Portland Co-operative Credit Union has cemented its place in the annals of indigenous financial institutions in the Jamaican society. Its assets have grown significantly to more than $4 billion over the years, which is no easy feat, having passed through difficult storms in our financial environment. People’s lives have been improved through their association with this noble institution and, for that, it has been my distinct pleasure to have been able to serve as a volunteer with this giant of a credit union, and I will always continue to be a member. Congratulation, PCCU, on 50 years of stellar service to the community, we look forward to even greater things in the future. LORENZO A. HUME Past President 50 years of stellar service to the community The Portland Co-operative Credit Union has cemented its place in the annals of indigenous financial institutions in the Jamaican society. Its assets have grown significantly to more than $4 billion over the years, which is no easy feat, having passed through difficult storms in our financial environment. To be doing this for over 50 years is quite commendable. We know that the vision of the credit union will continue to live in our hearts, so that we will continue to grow and prosper.