Answering the call
WHEN THE St Elizabeth Co-operative Credit Union Limited (STECCUL) opened its doors 45 years ago in the breadbasket parish of St Elizabeth, it was in response to the need of the small farmers and operators of small businesses needing access to capital. The availability of small loans opened opportunities for the expansion of production and entrepreneurship within the farming community.
Today, STECCUL has come a far way, and, in the process, has made a critical contribution to Jamaica’s development by empowering those who traditionally were denied real access to the formal banking sector for one reason or another. In the process, STECCUL, along with the rest of the credit union movement, has helped to transform the Jamaican economy by providing not only capital, but the guidance required to strengthen management practices and operations within the small business sector.
The decision by STECCUL to merge with other credit unions in the St Elizabeth region, namely, ALPART Employees’ Co-operative Credit Union and Appleton Employees’ Co-operative Credit Union, indicates the growth that has taken place over the last four decades. The growth and development of the credit union movement in St Elizabeth can be attributed to quality leadership,
sound business practices, and customer satisfaction.
STECCUL can take credit for establishing the foundation for this growth that has enabled many Jamaicans to realise lifelong dreams and establish businesses of their own. With the growth of these businesses, communities have expanded and gives credibility to the theme of your celebrations this year, ‘Changing Lives, Building Communities’. The record shows that you continue to fulfil your mission by affording ordinary people access to loans at reasonable rates, providing sound financial advice, and improving the economic and social well-being of the members.
I, therefore, take this opportunity to congratulate the St Elizabeth Co-operative Credit Union on your outstanding achievements and wish for you every success in the future.