Opening the way to your financial success
‘There was a significant culture shift once the merger took place. We had to think about how to unite both teams and get everyone on the same page. We had to manage those challenges privately so once our doors were opened on January 1, 2017, our members experienced excellent customer service.’
A TRUE Kingstonian at heart and a proud Wolmerian, chief executive officer of Gateway Co-operative Credit Union, Ornell Bedasse, recalled fondly how the credit union movement has transformed the lives of many Jamaicans.
The jovial and warm-spirited Bedasse said he remains surprised by his career in finance, having majored in applied physics and chemistry at The University of the West Indies. He said he had no regrets about the career change because of the impact he’s seen at first hand as CEO of Gateway Co-operative Credit Union.
Located in Montego Bay, Gateway Co-operative Credit Union is the amalgamation of the former Hanover Co-operative Credit Union and the Montego Co-operative Credit Union. Overall, the merger proved to be a success. When asked if he had experienced any challenges, Bedasse revealed that change is something that is not always welcomed. “There was a significant culture shift once the merger took place. We had to think about how to unite both teams and get everyone on the same page. We had to manage those challenges privately so once our doors were opened on January 1, 2017, our members experienced excellent customer service,” Bedasse said.
Bedasse’s involvement with credit unions began with Montego Bay Credit Union where he served as general manager. According to him, “The union has provided the opportunity for me to serve individuals who are in need of financial assistance.” The proud CEO also shared that the credit union serves its members by offering financial counselling. “We want to know our members, we want to know their plans, and we want to know their children’s plans. In doing this, we are able to guide our members on how to access various services to finance their goals.” Bedasse also elaborated on the credit union’s slogan ‘Opening the way to your financial success’ by saying, “[that] is at the heart of what we do here at the credit union. We are about creating and fostering long-term relationships and being the gateway to financial freedom.”
In creating long-term relationships, Gateway Co-operative Credit Union is actively involved in empowering the youth through various educational projects. Each year, schools from St James and Hanover participate in their annual school quiz competition during the months of March and April. The competition is supported by a number of businesses and hotels within the parishes. “We are fortunate to have the support of businesses and hoteliers. We are truly grateful to Holiday Inn, Sunspree Resort and Burger King,” he said.
The credit union also provides funding for students from the primary to secondary levels.
Gateway Co-operative Credit Union serves the entire county of Cornwall, which includes the parishes of Trelawny, Westmoreland and St Elizabeth, along with Hanover and St James. When asked how he planned to compete with the other financial institutions, Bedasse reiterated, “We compete at a service level. You can have the best interest rates, the best product offerings; however, once you have excellent customer service your members will remain loyal.”
Ornell Bedasse continues to lead the team at Gateway Co-operative Credit Union to serve the community and its members. “My personal mantra that I say to myself every morning is, I am coming out to give of my best to my members and to my team,” he said.