SVGTCCU Ltd. Saver Newsletter - 1st Edition

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The stalwart teachers who initiated the Credit Union in 1978 promoted a concept of “people helping people.” This arose from the struggles they encountered following the 1975 strike. This value of camaraderie and support continued into 1993 with the establishment of the SVGTCCU Supplies Outlet and Bookshop. The essence of their foundation can easily be seen today in the reflection of the Bookshop’s Vision Statement and Tag Lines:

Vision Statement-“To be your One Stop Shop for Stationery & Accessories while Providing Affordable Books for a Quality Education”

TagLines:

“WHY WAIT IN-LINE WHEN YOUCANSHOPONLINE.”

SVGTCCU BOOKSHOP! “OrderOnline,PayOnline& Pick-upIslandwide”

“We’reyourOneStopShop forStationery,andweprint atallfivelocations”

Over the years, our sales have expanded beyond school books, bags, and school stationery. A vast selection of office stationery is also available. Reams of office paper are particularly popular Laminating,binding,shredding, and printing are among the servicesoffered.

The introduction of our ‘ONLINESTORE’in2023added a new dimension to our operations throughout the bookseason.

People were able to place orders from anywhere with internet access and pay and collect at any location. This was expanded in 2024 with the introduction of the SVGTCCU Mobile App. Members of SVGTCCU who have registered for the app can now order and pay for their books online and pick them up at any of our various locations. Yes, the SVGTCCU has branches in the Grenadine Islands of Bequia, Canouan, and, while temporarily closed, Union. On the mainland, there are two branches: one at Barrouallie and another at Chateaubelair.

Continued on pg. 1

InThisissue: SVGTCCUBookshop:A legacyofservice& innovation NationalSchoolBands Showcase andsomuchmore....

SVGTCCU Bookshop: A Legacy of Service and Innovation by Bro. Ezekiel Richards

SAVER

SVGTCCU Bookshop: A Legacy of Service and Innovation by Bro. Ezekiel Richards

Inaddition,foursatelliteoutletsroundoutourisland’ssalespointsandmemberinteraction.They areinSandyBay,Georgetown,Mesopotamia,andChateaubelair.Theordering/purchasingprocess isasfollows:

1Connectwithusonlineatwww.tccusvg.com/store .

2Chooseyouroptionfromthetopmenu,inthiscase‘SHOP’. .

3Clickandselectyouritemchoicesfortheshoppingcart. .

4Click‘Cart’andfollowtheinstructionsforinvoicingorpaying.

5ConfirmandprocesspaymentviatheSVGTCCUMobileApp.

Intermsofpersonnel,theBookshophasservedasatraininggroundformanyoftheCreditUnion’s youngermembers.Everyyear,werecruitstudents,scholarshipholders,employees’children, and/ormembersoftheSVGTCCUYouthClub.Inmostsituations,eachisassignedatleastone weekasaCustomerServiceRepresentative,StoreroomAssistant,oronlineclerk.Inadditionto receivingastipend,studentsacquirevaluableexperienceandpracticaltrainingthatwillbenefit theirstudiesandfuturejobapplications.

Take,forexample,Mr.KeshronKing.HeservedontheSVGTCCU’sYouthClubCommitteein2011 beforebeingchosenPresidentandleadingtheorganisationfortwoyears.Heworkedasasummer studentthreetimesbeforejoiningtheBookshopstaffon1stJuly2014.Hisperformance continuedtoimprove,promptinghistransfertotheCreditUnioninFebruary2020,wherehe servesasateller.

Toconclude,inourthirty-oneyearsofoperations,theSVGTCCUSuppliesOutletandBookshopis theBESTinBooks,Equipment,Stationery,andTechnology.

On Saturday, 27th April 2024, the Cruise Ship Terminal in Kingstown was transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity as singers and musicians from eleven secondary schools across St. Vincent and the Grenadines took centre stage for the National School Bands Showcase. The event, aptly themed “FREEUP”, was a celebration of youthful talent, cultural expression, and thepowerofmusic

Sponsored and hosted by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Co-operative Credit Union,incollaborationwiththeMinistryofCultureandtheMinistryofEducation,theshowcase highlightedtheimportanceofnurturingyoungtalent.MinisterofCulture,Hon.CarlosJames,in hisopeningremarks,emphasisedthegovernment’songoingcommitmenttoprovidingplatforms foryoungpeopletoshine.“Today,theseyoungperformersarebringingtheirbest,they’regoing to ‘FREE UP,’ and share their cultural expression with all of us,” Minister James said. He also praisedthededicatedtutorsandworkersattheDepartmentofCulture,whocontinuetohone theskillsofthesebuddingartists,preparingthemtobecomethenextgenerationofprofessional performersandartisans

Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Mr. Gilbert Frederick of the SVG Teachers Co-operative CreditUnion,echoedthethemeoftheevent.“Lastyear,wedelvedintotheessenceofaschool band programme and its value in nurturing young talents. This year, we’re freeing up that essence letting the music soar and creativity be unleashed,” Frederick remarked He underscoredthat“freeingup”isnotjustaboutmusic;it’saboutbuildingconfidence,fostering teamwork,andallowingstudentstoexpressthemselvesauthentically.

The showcase featured electrifying performances from schools, including West St. George Secondary School, St. Martin’s Secondary, Bishop’s College Kingstown, Sandy Bay Secondary, EmmanuelHighSchoolMesopotamia,CentralLeewardSecondary,BethelHighSchool,Thomas SaundersSecondary,TheCanouanSecondarySchool,NorthUnionSecondary,andBuccament Bay Secondary. In between sets, young DJs kept the energy high with their turntable skills, addinganotherlayeroftalenttotheevent.

WiththeSVGTeachersCo-operativeCreditUnion’songoingcommitmenttothisinitiative,the NationalSchoolBandShowcasecontinuestobeavitalpartofcultivatingwell-roundedstudents andcelebratingtheartisticspiritofthenation’syouth.

National School Bands Showcase: Unleashing Young Talent by Bro. Johnny Straker

2024 Scholarship & University Bursary Awards Highlights

On Tuesday 6th August, 2024 four students received seven year scholarships from SVG Teachers Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. This year’s recipients were Rhea Charles, Hadassah Ollivierre, Ivana Lewis and Caleb Garvey. The scholarships are valued at $1600 for Forms 1 -3 and $1800 for Forms 4-5 and years 1 and 2 of SVG Community College.

On Tuesday 3rd Spetember, 2024. Two members received University Bursaries from SVG Teachers Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. This year’s recipients are Sis. Sherisita Mckie and Sis. Nickeshia John. The Burasry awards were valued at $5000.

Sis. Jasmine Huggins -CEO; Rhea Charles, Hadassah Ollivierre, Ivana Lewis, Sis. Miriam Roach - President. (Absent Caleb Garvey)
2024 Bursary Recipients: Sis. Nickeshia John and Sis. Sherisita Mckie

Word Search

BATTERIES BIBLE CANNED FOOD CASH

CELLPHONE

CLOTHES

EMERGENCY SHELTER

EVACUATION PLAN

FIRST AID KIT

FLASHLIGHT GAMES

MEDICATION PAMPERS PETFOOD RADIO RAIN

SLEEPING BAG SNACKS TOILETRIES

WATER STORAGE

HURRICANE MATCHES

SVG GRAMMAR SCHOOL PENN RELAY SPONSORSHIP

DONATION OF COMPUTER TO CENTRAL LEEWARD SECONDARY SCHOOL BAND

CAMPDEN PARK TECHNICAL INSTITUTE OUTREACH

WINNERS OF J.P. EUSTACE INTERNAL DEBATE COMPETITION - TROPHIES SPONSORED BY TCCU

SIGNING OF MOU WITH SVG TEACHER’S UNION

SPONSORSHIP OF PLAYAZ YOUTH ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP

DISASTER FUND DISBURSEMENT TO MEMBERS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE BERYL

REC1PE CORNER

Chocolate Coconut Banana Bread

Chocolate Coconut Banana Bread is a soft, moist, easy-to-make quick bread bursting with ripe banana, creamy chocolate chips, andchewycoconut!

PrepTime:15minutes

CookTime:1hourhour

Ingredients

1½cupsall-purposeflour

1teaspoonbakingsoda

½teaspoonbakingpowder

¼teaspoonsalt

½cup1stickunsaltedbutter

¾cuplightbrownsugar

2eggs

1to1½cupmashedbanana*,from3to4overripebananas

1teaspoonpurevanillaextract

1 cup chocolate chips/chunks, semisweet, milk, or a combo, plus additionalfortop(optional)

1cupshreddedcoconut,plusadditionalfortop(optional)

1Teaspoon–GroundCinnamon–3grams

½teaspoon–Allspice

CookInstructions preheatovento350°F.

Greasean8-by4-inchloafpanwithsoftenedbutter

In a medium bowl, sift and whisk the flour, baking soda, All spice, Ground Cinnamon, baking powder, and salt together; set aside. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the butter until creamy. Mix in the brown sugar and beat for 1 minute. Stir in the eggs, mashed banana, and vanilla until well blended (it's okay if it looks a little curdled at this point). Stir in the flour mixture until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and the shreddedcoconut.

Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with additional chocolate chips and/or coconut, if using, and lightly press into the surface (if stray pieces of coconut are sticking up, they will burn). Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until the outside of the bread is dark and crunchy and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (unlessyoustickitinachocolatechip!).

Allow the bread to cool for at least 10 minutes before turning it out of the pan onto a wire rack to finish cooling. Serve warm or at room temperature. Once completely cool, tightly wrap or cover any leftover banana bread and store it on the counter for uptoacoupleofdays(andintherefrigeratorafterthat).

TropicalDragonFruitSmoothie Thisisarefreshing smoothiemadewith nutritiousfruitspineapple,mango, banana,strawberries,dragonfruitanda bitof honey.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup water

1cup pineapple(dicedandfrozen)

1cup mango(dicedandfrozen)

1cup soursop (dicedandfrozen)

1cup dragonfruit(dicedandfrozen)

1cup strawberriesorMulberries(hulled andfrozen)

1banana honey

INSTRUCTIONS

1.Washanddicethepineapple,Soursop, mango,strawberriesormulberriesand dragonfruit.Placeintofreezerfora minimum of 2 hoursoruseicetoblend

2 Placethefrozenfruitintoblenderwith 1peeledbananaandadrizzleof honey. Blenduntil smooth.

SAVER

BECOME A TCCU JUNIOR SAVER

Openingasavingsa ditUnionLtd offersnumerousad erearesomekey benefits:

1.ScholarshipsandEducationalSupport

TheSVGTeachersCo-operativeCreditUnionLtd.providesscholarshipstoitsyoungmembers.By havingasavingsaccount,childrenbecomeeligiblefortheseopportunities,whichcansignificantly easethefinancialburdenofhighereducationandencourageacademicexcellence.

2.FinancialFoundation

AsavingsaccountisfoundationalinpreparingchildrenfortheirfinancialfutureIthelpsthem understandtheimportanceofsavingandplanningAstheygrow,theycanusetheirsavingsfor significantmilestonessuchascollegetuition,startingabusiness,orpurchasingtheirfirsthome. Also,thisearlyfinancialfoundationcanleadtomoreresponsiblefinancialbehaviourinadulthood.

3.HigherInterestRatesandNoFees

Creditunions,includingtheSVGTCCULtd,typicallyofferhigherinterestratesonsavings accountscomparedtotraditionalbanksThismeanschildren’ssavingscangrowmorequickly Additionally,creditUnionshavenofees,ensuringthatthemoneysavedstaysintheaccount.

4.CommunityandPersonalizedService

BeingamemberoftheSVGTeachersCreditUnionmeansbeingpartofacommunity-focused organizationChildrencanbenefitfrompersonalizedserviceandasenseofbelongingThecredit union’sstaffarededicatedtohelpingmembersachievetheirfinancialgoals,providingtailored adviceandsupport

5.EncouragingRegularSavingHabits

Havingasavingsaccountencourageschildrentodevelopregularsavinghabits.Theycanset savingsgoalsandwatchtheirmoneygrowovertime,whichcanbearewardingandmotivating experienceThishabitofsavingregularlycanleadtofinancialstabilityandindependenceinthe future

Inconclusion,establishingasavingsaccountforchildrenwiththeSVGTeachersCreditUnionLtd. offersnumerousbenefits,fromeducationalsupportandfinancialknowledgetohigherinterest ratesandcommunityinvolvementIt’sasmartsteptowardsensuringtheirfinancialwell-beingand preparingthemforasuccessfulfuture

What do you plan to achieve

The resources/supplies you would need to make it happen

How much time you would need to make it happen

How do you plan to work your goal into your budget

SAVER

THE CREDIT UNION DIFFERENCE

When choosing a financial institution, many people overlook the unique benefits of Credit Unions Unlike traditional banks, Credit Unions operate on a cooperative model that prioritizes members’ needs and community well-being. Here are some key differences that make Credit Unions a superior choice:

Member Ownership

One of the most significant advantages of Credit Unions is that members are also owners. When you join a Credit Union, you become a part-owner of the institution This ownership structure means that Credit Unions are not driven by profit but by the goal of serving their members. Profits are often returned to members in the form of dividends, better interest rates, and improved services.

Democratic Control

Credit Unions operate on a democratic basis, which means that members have a say in how the institution is run. Each member has an equal vote in electing the Board of Directors at the annual general meeting. This democratic process ensures that the Credit Union’s leadership is accountable to its members and focused on their best interests.

People Helping People

The philosophy of “people helping people” is at the heart of the credit union movement. This principle emphasizes community support and mutual assistance Credit Unions often provide financial education, support local initiatives, and offer products designed to help members achieve their financial goals This community-focused approach fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose among members.

Better Rates and Lower Fees

Because credit unions are not-for-profit organizations, they can offer better interest rates on savings accounts and loans compared to traditional banks. Additionally, Credit Unions typically have lower or no fees for services, making them a more cost-effective option for many consumers.

Personalized Service

Credit Unions are known for their personalized customer service. Because they are often smaller and more community-focused, Credit Unions can provide a level of attention and care that larger banks may not be able to match. Members often build strong relationships with credit union staff, who are committed to helping them succeed financially.

Credit Unions offer a unique blend of member ownership, democratic control, community focus, and financial benefits that make them an excellent choice for anyone looking to manage their finances in a supportive and member-centric environment By choosing a credit union, you are not just a customer; you are a valued member of a community dedicated to mutual success

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