SVGTCCU Ltd. SAVER Newsletter

AUGUST 2022 SAVER EDITION #2

NEWSLETTER

Sis. Miriam Roache, President normal a segment of our providing affordable credit to
membership by no means has members and adhering to our Credit
Brothers and Sisters, normal lives. Some are jobless and Union Principles. Remember always
not in a position to service their debt. that we stand for:
We have gone past the halfway mark TCCU is listening to these members,
for 2022 and many of the restrictive note their plight and is creating Democratic Control - One
mandates have been relaxed. Very solutions for member = One Vote
noticeable is the scant number of Open and Voluntary membership
persons who traversed the streets, all directly affected by this health - members connected by a bond
board public transportation, and pandemic. The COVID 19 related of association, fostering a sense of
congregate in large groups wearing a impact on their lives has a domino community.
mask. We have celebrated Carnival effect and the Teachers’ Credit Union Non-Discrimination - TCCU is
and schools have reopened without a and other financial organizations are open to all without regard for
mandate to wear masks. All care has in the line-up. race, orientation, nationality, sex,
gone to the wind. There is no longer Brothers and sisters, we cannot slight religion, gender or politics.
the urgency to wash hands or to the full realities of that which are Service to Members - TCCU exists
sanitize and social distancing has a affecting our organization now and to serve members, not for profit.
new meaning, estrangement, as which are likely to continue to
those who insist on keeping the impact negatively in the near future. Continued on Page 1
distance are met with hostility. COVID-19 may become non-existent
Protecting oneself and others from but some of its indefensible effects In This issue:
sure death by adhering to the COVID- may be forever our legacy. This is The Origin of SVGTCCU
19 related mandates is now not so therefore that time when the Credit 44th Anniversary
unimportant. Union philosophy is most potent and Discover SVG
We are learning to live with COVID, must be most visible in our Back to School with
accepting that it is no longer that operations, in the way we treat with SVGTCCU
formidable threat and our lives must members and fellow Vincentians.
now go on undisturbed. However, Remember, SVGTCCU is a financial
TCCU is not yet at the point where it institution with a people-first
can ignore the threat of COVID, for philosophy. We MUST continue to
while the nation is living the new demonstrate that we are an
organization of People Helping
People.

These are hard times, so we have to
do what we were created to do- t

VISIT OUR WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA TO GET UPDATES FROM SVGTCCU!

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NEWSLETTER

Message from the President

Distribution to Members - TCCU returns all surplus to its members through dividends,
lower fees, better savings rates and improved services.
Building Financial Stability - TCCU is historically a stable organization. It is owned by
the people it serves, so it doesn't take unnecessary risks.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives -TCCU shares the same principles with other
Cooperatives. Together, we amplify each other’s good works.
Social Responsibility – TCCU strives for social justice by committing to strengthening its
communities and helping people of modest means.
Ongoing Education – TCCU prioritizes financial education for its members, employees,
and communities as part of its pursuit of social justice.
[Adapted from People Helping People – The Credit Union Philosophy (stfrancisfcu.org) ]

Our philosophy must therefore define our existence now more than ever.

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NEWSLETTER

The Origin of the Teachers Credit Union. by Bro. Junior Bacchus

The arrogance and brutality This effort met resistance from the I began teaching in October 1976
towards workers by the Milton Cato authorities. The Government and when the discussion to form
administration between August and ensured that at the time no one the Credit Union lead to its
December 1975 saw Nurses, was in the office of Registrar of Co- eventual establishment, Bro. Cecil
Commercial and Technical Workers, operative. The then Permanent “Pa” Jack gave me no choice but
Civil Servants and Teachers forced Secretary (a strong Laborite and commanded that I joined, and I
to bond together against a Cato supporter), refused to have became one of the earliest
government refused to hear the cry the cooperative registered sighting members. My trust and faith in Pa
of the ordinary people of the that the applicants – Cecil Pa Jack, Jack didn’t warrant me to question
country. It was this rapidly Cecil Blazer Williams and Mrs. the pros or cons of the Credit
deteriorating industrial relation Yvonne Francis Gibson were all Union.
environment that resulted in the members of other Credit Unions. Throughout the life of the Credit
firing, teargassing and transfer of This discussion was not grounded Union, I remained a member,
teachers. in law but was simply a political serving twice on the Board of
act to frustrate the effort of the Directors and as President of the
The Secondary School Teachers Teachers. League for five (5) years while
Association used this opportunity to The Chairperson of the Committee representing the Credit Union. My
unite with the St. Vincent Union of left to go on a Commonwealth most memorable time in the
Teachers (which represented Scholarship to the United Credit Union was being on the
primarily primary school teachers) Kingdom to pursue a master’s floor at several General Meetings
to lead the struggle that was degree and Sister Yvonne Francis battling against my good teacher
confronting all workers throughout and others pursued resolutely to and friend Brother “Pa” Jack to get
the public system. eventually have the Credit Union the Credit Union to extend the
registered May 24, 1978. Sister common bond. The Credit Union
Following the strike, several Yvonne becoming the First succeeded in the end to get the
teachers were dismissed on the eve President of the Credit Union. common bond extended and
of the Christmas period without a During the formative years of the opened to all Vincentians at home
salary for November and December. Credit Union, Bro Adrian Fraser and abroad, but this didn’t come
The Teachers Union tried to provide recommended that the Trade easy. Through a compromise the
some loan assistance to some Union should seek support from Credit Union first extended the
teachers to change to agricultural the Canadian Teachers Federation bond to family members of
business. for Mr. Julian Jack, the Treasurer of teachers and later to all
The late Calder Williams and Benny the Trade Union to pursue Vincentians
Thompson were two such specialized training in cooperative Today the Credit Union is one of
beneficiaries. education at the Coady Institute. the best organized and managed
Bro Julian Jack was at that time financial cooperatives in the
These teachers loan experience employed as a trucker having been region. The struggle continues –
energized the executive of the transferred from Belmont School Out of Evil Cometh Good! Long live
Union to form a committee to to work in at the Bequia-----School the St. Vincent and he Grenadines
examine the possibility of (Hard Area). Frustrated by the Teachers Cooperative Credit Union.
establishing a cooperative among disrespect and economic hardship,
Union Members. The Committee he was forced to resign and seek Sis. Yvonne Francis-Gibson, First
lead by second Vice President, Bro alternative employment This President of the SVGTCCU Ltd. Board of
Cecil “Blazer” Williams who was request for training was granted
responsible for Teachers Welfare and resulted in Bro Julian Jack Directors
began work on the creation of a successfully graduating from the
Financial Cooperative/ Credit Union. programme and returned to
manage the Credit Union with its
During the year 1976/77 after limited resources.
months of discussions and research,
Brothers “Blazer” Williams and
Lennox Morris prepared draft Bye
Laws and began the process for the
registration of the cooperative.

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NEWSLETTER
Meet The Staff: Members Serving Members

Sis. Tamara Bishop-Jones Sis. Tamara Bishop-Jones joined the SVGTCCU Ltd. in 1995 on
attachment from the then Technical College and was

permanently employed with the Credit Union from January
1996. Mrs. Bishop-Jones has worked in various positions
throughout her tenure, including Customer Service
Representative, Office Secretary, Cashier, Administrative

Secretary, and Loans Officer. She is currently the Barrouallie
Branch Supervisor/Senior Loans Officer.



In her spare time, Sis Tamara enjoys reading romantic &
mystery novels.

Her favorite quote is: "O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is
good, for his mercy endureth forever. Psalms 118 vs 1"


Sis. Tamara Bishop-Jones Celebrates 27 years as a staff
member of the SVGTCCU Ltd.

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NEWSLETTER
Happy 44th Anniversary by Sis. Doris Charles

On Tuesday 24 May 2022, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Co-Operative Credit Union Ltd.
celebrated its 44th anniversary in extraordinary fashion. Visits were organised to three major institutions
that cater to the needs of the poor and the vulnerable. The visiting contingent comprised of the
following:

President: Sis. Miriam Roache
Chief Executive Officer: Sis. Jasmine Huggins - Daly
Secretary, Board of Directors - Bro. Artillon Hamilton
Supervisory and Compliance Committee Representative - Sis. Doris D. Charles

Compliance Officer: Sis. Jozell Byron
Marketing Manager: Sis. Melissa Yorke - Nicholls
Education and Marketing Committee Representative - Bro. Johnny P Straker

The first of the identified institutions to be visited was the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (formerly the
Colonial Hospital). The team pre-selected the Pediatric Ward as the objective was to present much
needed gifts to children who were in need. The Chief Executive Office and the President made brief
remarks during their presentations to Sis. Providence. A warm welcome was extended to the delegation
and as Sis Providence stated, "such donations are always welcomed and are needed especially at this
time when some mothers are unable to provide adequately for themselves.: A mother was introduced to
the team as she cradled her baby and lovingly and graciously accepted the donations of baby items of
diapers and baby wipes.

The recipient mother stated that she was delighted to accept the donations on behalf of other mothers
in need as well as on behalf of her own baby. She complimented the SVGTCCU for the timely
interventions in the lives of mothers like herself who would otherwise have been left undone. Some
onlookers were adamant about the fact that the SVGTCCU must be justly proud to demonstrate their
corporate social responsibility in these tangible ways.

Next, the contingent journeyed onwards in the north westerly direction towards the Golden Years Centre
at Pembroke. On arrival, a Ms Ann Jones the Co-ordinator of this Centre, graciously accepted donations
on behalf of residents. She highlighted the fact that, she too was a member of the SVGTCCU and that this
was the right decision to give back to society and especially to the Centre. Ms. Jones mentioned that the
Centre was fully operational since persons were still housed post the volcanic eruption. Other members
of Staff were on hand to witness the hand over. Again, the President and the CEO were centre stage in
these presentations.

Again, emphases were placed on the corporate conscience of the SVGTCCU that generally follows a basic
business model. Members pool their money - technically they buy shares in the Co-operative. In this way,
many members were able to acquire loans, demand deposit accounts and access other financial
products and services to its member. The income generated is generally used to fund projects and
services that benefit the community and the interests of its members. Today's presentation to this Home
is a brilliant way in which the SVGTCCU used some of its income to give back to the community. It is
hoped that the Home and its residents will benefit from the same.




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NEWSLETTER
Happy 44th Anniversary by Sis. Doris Charles

Finally, donations to the Guadeloupe Home for Girls was the last institution that was visited. At least two
young girls reportedly below the age of 18 years were visible from the vantage point on the lower porch
where the members of the contingent stood. The presentation ceremony to the Assistant House Mother
was very engaging conversation -wise. The corporate soul of SVGTCCU was evidently present.

The Cooperative philosophy speaks to all; and especially to our nation through some words in this song
that exemplified how brothers and sisters could live in co-operation:
"With us there are no barriers, 'Cause we are all the same, the more of us the happier, The louder we'll
proclaim, That we are owner members, Our rule is honesty, We are the Credit Union, And all the world
can see.

The concept that "together we give and receive, together we help each other to achieve...as it's not safe to
be alone". The call is always the same from the inception of the SVGTCCU to this day, "let's make each
other's cares to be our own."

The Co-operative philosophy which is upheld by the SVGTCCU is probably one that is akin to genuine and
heartfelt Christian principles. Loving and caring for those who are less fortunate, visiting the sick, bringing
relief to those who are in need, greatest need and providing a wider range of financial services and
products to its members.
SVGTCCU demonstrates its continuing obligation to do and to be! May the SVGTCCU continue to be the
best expressions of itself and of its corporate conscience.

Long live the SVGTCCU and Happy 44th Anniversary.




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NEWSLETTER

Discover St. Vincent & the Grenadines by Bro. Kimani Robertson

St. Vincent is a place of natural You will rarely find him without a Leeward Coastline
beauty. From the rolling hills of the smile on his face. And even so, the
mainland, to the pristine and work and passion he has put into Whether it’s on a fishing boat or a
incomparable turquoise waters of the the gardens will have you smiling catamaran, it’s an experience you
Grenadines, you are sure to find just the same. shouldn’t miss.It is generally the
somewhere to place your feet or rest The garden, which takes up 7.5 more popular side of the island for
your head. Here are four spots you acres, is set along the Mesopotamia cruising as it is set along the
should visit at least once. Valley, nestled between the Caribbean Sea, which is much more
surrounding mountains, with hardly calm compared to the Atlantic
Ashton Lagoon any sign of human activity. This Ocean on the Windward coast.

alone holds such charm and Leaving the capital takes you along
provides a sense of peace that you the leeward coastline, filled with
Many might not know this, but the easily forget about everything else picturesque mountains jutting out
Ashton Lagoon was once happening outside the walls of the and valleys filled with villages and
earmarked to become a hotel and garden. towns. Stop by the famous Byahaut
marina. Work started in 1994 at the Time seems to slow down as the Bat cave for a snorkel. Sail along the
lagoon, but was halted when the trail takes you through lush, exotic also famous Pirates of the
company went bankrupt. The water flora with rest spots along the way. Caribbean set in Wallilabou. Picnic
became stagnant and the Sit and watch as a humming bird at one of the secluded beaches only
mangrove started dying. Locals, whisks by from petal to petal. Walk accessible by boat. Sail down to the
however, were determined not to by streams fed from the mountain La Soufriere Volcano where you can
let this happen. They never give up nearby. Look out below to parts of see it unobstructed in all of its glory.
on their dream to restore the the valley and into the Atlantic You also get to see all of the points
mangrove and worked for years, Ocean. It is off the beaten part, and where the volcanic lahars from the
raising US$700,000.00 to do so. well worth the drive. recent eruption flowed into the sea.
Today, we can enjoy the fruit of It is a spectacular and humbling site
their hard work and perseverance. Layou Petroglyph Park to behold.
Two bridges built were built to
access the causeway. The beauty Located in Layou, this is the most I hope you take me up on the offer
that beholds you as you journey accessible site of its kind where you to visit these sites if you haven’t
through the mangrove, surrounded will find ancient Amerindian before. Enjoy!
by wildlife and birds, takes your Petroglyphs. The petroglyphs are
breath away. This has to be on your believed to be dated between 300 Did you Know?
checklist of places to visit. and 600 A.D. There is also a small SVGTCCU offers its members
museum with pictures of other affordable Health, Dental and
Montreal Gardens petroglyphs located around the Vision coverage via the KUTMED
island. It is a great place to go to Health Plan.
Montreal Gardens was developed connect to the history of the island.
over twenty five years ago by Located along a river and the For more information visit:
Timothy Vaughn. overhang of trees, it gives you the https://tccusvg.com/plan/health-
ambience of being in a rainforest. insurance/

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NEWSLETTER
Summer Reading List by Sis. Tera Samuel

Summer is loaded with unless fun Just Right Jillian by Nicole D. Hotel Magnifiqueby Emily J. Taylor
and activities. Outdoor adventures, Collier This decadent and darkly
beach trips, fun with friends and Is hiding who you are worth staying enchanting fantasy novel follow
reading! Here are a few great books invisible? That’s what Jillian seventeen-year-old Jani as she
your child can enjoy during their confronts as she navigates 5th uncovers the deeply disturbing
Summer break. grade. Can Jillian break out of her secrets of the legendary Hotel
shell as fast as her chick in the Magnifique.
Great for 6-9 Year Olds classroom experiment? Readers will
relate to the plausible characters in Cinder & Glass by Melissa de la
Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke a realistic setting in this debut Cruz
Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa, novel. Fifteen-year-old Cendrillon de
beautiful Africa, with her large and Louvois is tormented by her
happy family. The sparkling The Baby-Sitters Club #1: Kristy’s stepmother and stepsisters after
language echoes the Nigerian Great Idea by Ann M. Martin and her father’s death. After the fated
author’s storytelling background Johannes J. Martin ball, she must choose between love
and reads well independently but When Kristy Thomas has the great and freedom.
also makes a good read aloud. idea to form a baby-sitters club — a
chance to earn money and spend These books can be found on
Smile Out Loud: 25 Happy Poems time with her friends, all while Amazon. Happy Reading!
doing something they each love to
by Joseph Coelho do — she has no idea how much the

club will change everything. Crank
Everyone needs a smile and this calls, uncontrollable toddlers, wild
pets, untruthful clients running a
range of poems in different forms business is hard work! Kristy and
her co-founders, Mary Anne,
are sure to create lots. From verse Claudia, and Stacey are sure they
can handle anything. But only if
about contagious laughter all the they stick together.

way to bedtime ditty, these poems Great for Young Adults (13-18)

will read aloud well. Each is briefly The Matchbreaker Summer by
Annie Rains
introduced and colorfully A light, summer camp rom-com
where an unlikely pair, 16-year-old
illustrated. Paisley Manning and newcomer
Hayden Bennett, find common
Starla Jean Takes the Cake by ground as they try to break up the
Elana K. Arnold impending marriage of Paisley’s
Starla Jean and her parents are mom.
preparing for Willa’s first birthday
celebration. But will her pet All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
chicken, Opal Egg, lay the needed A brilliant, unforgettable and heart-
egg in time? Though Starla Jean wrenching contemporary novel
and Opal Egg were first introduced about family and forgiveness, love
in Starla Jean, this lighthearted and loss in a sweeping story that
adventure stands alone and is crosses generations and continents.
equally engaging.

Great for 9-12 Year Olds

Falling Short by Ernesto Cisneros
Two boys, best friends, live next-
door to each other. Marco is
academically talented and short;
Isaac is a basketball whiz but
struggles with his studies. How the
boys help each other cope with
school, parents, and more is
realistic, plausible, and totally
engaging.

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NEWSLETTER
ACCESS 365 Mobile APP Launch

Official launch Ceremony Member being assisted with sign-up

Ms. Rhea Lewis, Consumer & Members of the BOD, All Committee, Management, Staff &
P.R. Manager, NTRC. Delivering Representative from NTRC

remarks.




Sis. Jasmine Huggins-Daly, CEO. delivering
remarks at the launch of the Mobile App

Bro. Rohan Murray, I.T. Manager Sis. Miriam Roache, President-BOD,
delivering remarks at the launch of delivering remarks at the launch of

the Mobile App the Mobile App

Member being assisted with sign-up
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NEWSLETTER

Word Search

How to Play Word Search

The goal of a word search is to find and mark all the words that are
hidden inside the grid. The words can be horizontal, vertical, and
diagonal. Sometimes the words may even be backwards.

Did you Know?

Once an individual becomes a Full Member of the Credit Union, they are
automatically enrolled under CUNA CARIBBEAN INSURANCE.

SVGTCCU Ltd. pays the premium for each member every month at no
additional cost to the member.






For more information visit: https://tccusvg.com/plan/health-insurance/

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NEWSLETTER

Back To School With SVGTCCU

The Teachers Credit Union provides its members with
several options for back-to-school preparations.

Telephone:784-451-2614
Whatsapp: 784-494-2614

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SAVER

NEWSLETTER

PUBLISHED BY: SVG TEACHERS CO-OPERATIVE CREDIT UNION LTD.
P.O. Box 1527
Paul’s Avenue
Kingstown
St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Telephone: 457-2947 Supplies Outlet: 784-451-2614
Email: [email protected] Website: www.tccusvg.com
PRODUCED BY: 2021 Education & Marketing Committee of SVGTCCU Ltd.
Layout & Typesetting: Melissa Yorke-Nicholls
Editor: Education Committee




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