THIS ISLAND’S LARGEST credit union is reaching out to touch its members’ lives in different ways.
On Saturday, the Barbados Public Workers’ Cooperative Credit Union launched its flea market for members in the car park at its headquarters at Belmont Road, St Michael, and was immediately lauded by the vendors plying their goods and services as well as the patrons. It was in some ways a return to an initiative the credit union had undertaken some years ago.
“We are duty bound to reach out and provide assistance to our members and our community at a time when many face very difficult and expected changes to their personal circumstances,” said Glendon Belle, the credit union’s president, in his welcoming address.
His comments were welcomed by the sellers and buyers, Minister of Labour Senator Dr Esther Byer Suckoo, president of the umbrella Barbados Cooperative And Credit Union League, Hally Haynes, and other credit unionists present for a brief opening session.
Byer Suckoo lauded public workers for getting involved in the venture, noting that “credit unions need to support small businesses in a way that foreign banks operating here will not”.
She spoke of issues such as flexibility of loans, repayments and helping members as they undertook risks.
Haynes praised the project, saying it was a great opportunity to respond to members’ needs. He said that it tied in with an initiative which both the local umbrella body as well as the regional organisation had been looking at to promote entrepreneurship among credit unionists.
To ensure that any such undertaking is done effectively, the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) has been approached for technical help.
“WOCCU should be offering assistance in this regard as we reach out to help our members,” Haynes said after visiting the various booths with Byer Suckoo, Belle and other officials.
Belle said the members’ market was born out ofa “good idea” in the credit union’s board room.
“We were overwhelmed by over 100 applications for booth space. Why did we sponsor and facilitate this market? Because it makes sense for our members and provides a creative avenue for members who are looking to make ends meet.”
Belle’s words resonated with those looking to use the facility to earn or supplement their incomes.
Adrian Farnum-St Hill, who has been self-employed for some time, turned to small-scale poultry farming – both layers and broilers – to help her survive.
One of the new challenges she has faced has been the influx of new entrants, driving down prices and sales.
“Because more people have been sent home, they are looking for something to do, and so some have turned to raising chickens,” she said.
But she is not giving up, and now on Fridays adds sugar cakes to her tray while on Saturday she also had something additional in nut cakes along with gooseberries in syrup.
Patricia Callender was there with her fashion jewellery and she too praised the credit union for this effort to reach out to its members in a tangible way.
The only concern many of those present had was how often the event would be staged.
A credit union officer said they were looking to make it an annual affair.