SVGTCCU opens doors to brand new building

In 1978, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Co-operative Credit Union (SVGTCCU) opened its doors for business, but conducted its operations from a number of different locations, renting office space.{{more}}

On Sunday, October 31, 33 years later, the credit union held an opening ceremony for their very own state of the art three-storeyed building.

The building, which is located in Paul’s Avenue, was constructed at a cost of EC$7 million and is equipped with an elevator as well as a wheel chair ramps to the front and back of the building.

A school supplies and bookstore, cashiers section and accounts department are located on the ground floor, while the floor, above houses the boardroom, reception area and loans department. The third floor, however, has been left vacant, and is made up of office spaces that are available for rent.

The building was expected to be completed in 14 months but was done over a five year period.

Jack, who has been the manager of the credit union since inception, told the fairly large gathering that the road towards building the credit union’s own home was one filled with challenges.

Described as a master piece of art, Jack said the building “has added value to St. James Place, Paul’s Avenue, Kingstown.”

President of the SVGTCCU Dwight Lewis, in his address, said “the completion of the building was achieved through collaborative efforts.”

“Every building has a story, and this is no exception…” the president said.

“If you were to talk to the many persons who played a role in bringing this building to life, you would hear many, many different stories of what happened here.

“As we dedicate this building, take a few moments to imagine the people who transformed the original vision for this project into reality. From the architects to the construction workers to the directors and the credit union’s staff, what you see before you today is the culmination of a truly collaborative process,” Lewis said.

Lewis also revealed that the project was completed under the leadership of seven past presidents.

Those past presidents and directors were awarded with plaques during the ceremony as symbols of their contribution to the credit union.

There were also congratulatory remarks from other credit unions officials who were in attendance at Sunday’s opening ceremony.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony, congratulated the SVGTCCU on their milestone.

He also commended the financial institution for adding value to the area.

“Ten years ago this place was very nasty and untidy… There were shacks all along this road, and people were sleeping in them. Many of them were honest businesses, but some were locations for illegal activities, commodities not approved by the law for sale,” he said.

Following the speeches, it was then time for the cutting of the ribbon which symbolized the official opening of the building. This was done by the union’s first president and former Minister of Government Yvonne Francis-Gibson.

Francis-Gibson then led the gathering into the building which was then blessed by Pastor Sonny Williams, after which persons were given a tour of the new facility and then treated to refreshments on the building’s rooftop.

During the event the audience was also treated to musical renditions by the C.W Prescod Panside and choral speaking by the Bequia Anglican Primary School, which highlighted the advantages of joining the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Co-operative Credit Union.

Some of the services offered by the SVGTCCU include savings plans, fixed deposits, loans and mortgages, medical insurance and death benefits. (AA)