Minister with responsibilitit for Co-operatives on Nevis: Hon Robelto Hector

 Minister with responsibility for Co-operatives on Nevis, Hon. Robelto Hector, in a radio and television address to officially open International Credit Union Week - 2008, said that the Nevis Co-operative Credit Union (NCCU) is the embodiment of this year's theme - “My Credit Union: It belongs to Me”.

In the address to launch a celebratory week of activities on NTV Channel 8 on October 12, Mr. Hector contended that for over 36 years due to the pioneering work of Nevisians, such as: Ingle Blackett, Anthony Horner, Spencer Byron and Anne-Marie Caines (Deceased); as well as Arthur Evelyn, Waner Rivie're, Jeanette Grell-Hull, Jannette Claxton, Eileen Blackett, Olvis Dyer, Joseph Parry, Eversley Pemberton, Carmella Hanley, Edred Ward, among others, thousands of ordinary citizens and residents now have an ownership stake in a thriving financial co-operative business that they could call their own – the Nevis Co-operative Credit Union.

The Co-operatives Minister said that the local Credit Union Movement would this year celebrate International Credit Union Week with a special sense of achievement, mindful that the three credit unions in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, with a support base of 12, 300 members, had accumulated $118 million in Assets; $97 million in Savings/Deposits; $86 million in Loans; and $11 million in Reserves.

He advised the public to take a moment as they celebrate during the week to reflect on the privileges that Credit Union members enjoy, due to the fact that they are owners.  Mr. Hector said by virtue of its co-operative structure, the NCCU is member-owned and democratic in nature.  “One member equals one vote, with no regard to his financial background, social status, gender, orientation or religion. Service to members is provided with compassion – that embodies a listening ear and a helping hand,” he said. 

Notwithstanding, Mr. Hector pointed out that the NCCU has been delivering on its social obligations to the Nevis community, in keeping with it’s principles of democracy and service.  This he said is evident, by the contributions the financial institution has made over the years to community based programmes which included scholarships, sponsorships and disaster relief assistance.

According to the Minister, Credit Unions throughout the world are the most important institutions which provided the “small man” with the opportunity to access finance for housing, education, business, agriculture and other personal needs.

He congratulated the local and international Credit Union Fraternity on their achievements and wished them a successful week of celebration.