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18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN
News
„Remember to Give Back‰ - Urges Former GECCU Scholar and CARICOM Ambassador The General Employees’ Co-operative Credit Union Ltd (GECCU) held its annual Youth Leadership Symposium for its scholarship holders on August 23rd and 24th 2016 at the Anglican Pastoral Center in New Montrose. The objective of the symposium was to expose the scholarship holders of GECCU to the core principles of co-operatives, while promoting continuity within the movement. Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, Dr. Mineva Glasgow, addressing a hall of over 60 students at the official opening ceremony, told the gathering that, “This year’s theme “Embracing the power of cooperatives values’, is significant and relevant for helping you, our young students to understand how every decision that GECCU makes is directly proportional to the benefit it can provide to you and our wider membership.” Former GECCU Scholarship precipient and CARICOM Ambassador, Ms. Chelsea Ferdinand,
encouraged the students to “Let your decisions today reflect the Cooperative values and principles, especially that of concern for community, in helping to create opportunities for others”. She emphasized how relevant credit unions are to, not just older persons, but also the youths, since younger persons are “most vulnerable to life’s challenges”. The CARICOM Ambassador also told the young gathering about GECCU’s commitment to education, and the importance of giving back, “GECCU issued their first scholarship in 1981, and here we are today, in 2016, still benefiting. How is that so? Because persons who would
have benefitted from scholarships, came back and made a contribution. Don’t just fill your pail, but help to fill someone else’s as well. Add your voice to the vibrant, Co-operative community — a voice which represents
the hopes, dreams and ambitions of young persons in St. Vincent and the Grenadines”. The two-day symposium featured various presentations, team building exercises and also a field trip to Winfresh in Diamond.
Former GECCU Scholar and CARICOM Ambassador – Cheslea Ferdinand. Bursary recipients along with President of SVGTCCU (L) Kay Martin-Jack and CEO of SVGTCCU Julian Jack (R) Philbert John (left) back row.
Ten receive SVGTCCU scholarships and bursaries finance to good use. “We want to see returns in this investment. You have TEN (10) persons have received been selected in order that we lift scholarships and bursaries from the from your shoulders the burden and St. Vincent and the Grenadines the difficulty you have in paying your Teachers Cooperative Credit Union. college and university fees,” MartinReceiving bursaries to pursue Jack further stated. Bachelor level studies in various CEO of the SVGTCCU Julian Jack areas were Marva Bynoe, Desla commended the recipients. He said Campbell, Shawn Chandler, Dumona both scholarship awardees passed 12 Charles, Franklyn Evans, Elma subjects, while stressing on the Franklyn, Ledson Jack and Irvin importance of having a good Warrican. Scholarships were educational background “to live and presented to Jose Ann Carrington to live comfortably”. and Daniel Hamilton who would be The long standing SVGTCCU pursuing studies at the St. Vincent employee commended the recipients and the Grenadines Community and reiterated that the Union must College. look out for its members from the During a presentation ceremony at cradle to grave. the SVGTCCU headquarters in Philbert John, who chaired the Paul’s Avenue, President of the proceedings and was also part of the SVGTCCU Kay Martin — Jack said interviewing process to select the the presentation of bursaries recipients, said that all the awardees provides an opportunity for the have a compelling story, which is recipients to construct their careers quite touching, and that the union as well as to further enhance their was happy to be a part of their story. chances of moving up their various The recipients also expressed career ladders. gratitude. Bursary recipient Ledson Martin- Jack told the gathering Jack expressed his gratitude to God comprising the bursary and and the SVGTCCU, noting that the scholarship recipients, parents, support would go a long way. Jose SVGTCCU employees and media Ann Carrington said she felt personnel, that the SVGTCCU fully privileged for the investment, and endorses the value of higher that she would work hard to ensure education, and that the Credit union the support will be put to good use. is always pleased when its members 2014 scholarship holder Kerron engage in such. “The Credit Union Glasgow congratulated the recipients, indeed believes that education and and expressed the hope that they will continued training are important to continue to aim higher. He said that the holistic development of the time management, team work and individual, country and credit union,” self satisfaction are key ingredients said the SVGTCCU President. for success. She told the recipients to put the by KENVILLE HORNE
Participants at the Symposium.