The work of cooperatives in Grand Bahama received high praise from Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, during the official opening of the Freeport Office of the Public Workers Cooperative Credit Union on Friday.

Minister Darville brought remarks on behalf of the Hon. Michael Halkitis, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, who was called away to attend to matters concerning the effects of Hurricane Joaquin in the Central and Southeast Bahamas.

The Minister described the opening of the new building as a journey of “new beginnings.”

He noted that with the Cooperative Movement in the country celebrated its 40th anniversary under the theme, ‘Accelerating Wealth Creation through Cooperatives, and that the government passed a compendium of bills and regulations related to the supervision and regulatory oversight of credit unions by The Central Bank of The Bahamas, with the intent of ensuring that this growing sector continued to thrive and operate with accountability, consistency and transparency.

The opening on Friday, said Minister Darville, solidifies the presence of the Public Workers Cooperative Credit Union on Grand Bahama.

“Ladies and gentlemen, The Co-operative Credit Union, which is comprised of people who help people to help themselves, continues to substantially benefit Bahamian citizens throughout our archipelago. Not only does it play an intricate role in the growth and development of our country, but it equips its members with the necessary resources to attain financial stability for the future.”

He commended the past and present executives of the Public Workers Cooperative Credit Union, as they started in 1979 with 44 members and today, have 4,260. They are headed in the right direction, he said.

“There is no question that over the years, cooperatives have played a significant role in the lives of many Grand Bahamians. Through your principles and philosophy, you are empowering Bahamians to become self-sufficient, productive and contributing members of society, which serves to further strengthen and help to diversify our local economy.

“It is therefore my sincere hope all residents will learn about the good things cooperatives are doing in the community and embrace the opportunities that are offered, which will help them to attain financial stability for the future.”

Many guests from Nassau had to leave the ceremony early due to the threat of the Hurricane, but not before hearing remarks from others including Wendy Craigg, Governor of Central Bank of The Bahamas; John Pinder, president of The Bahamas Public Services Union; Sonia Hamilton, chairman of The Bahamas Cooperative League Limited; Arlington Miller, vice-chairman of the Board of Directors, and Sheila Smith, chairman of the Board.

 

PRESENTATION OF KEYS – During the official opening of the Freeport Office of the Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union, contractor Maxwell Quaint presented chairman of the Board, Sheila Smith with keys to the new building. Mrs. Smith also presented Mr. Quaint with a plaque for their appreciation for a job well done.

INVITED GUESTS – The Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union officially opened their Freeport office on Friday with the keynote address by Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville. Shown are some of the invited guests including: Wendy Craigg, Governor of Central Bank of The Bahamas; Juliette Barnwell, a Founding Member of the Union and who performed the ribbon cutting; Minister Darville; Sheila Smith, chairman of the Board of Directors; and John Pinder, president of The Bahamas Public Services Union.

 

OFFICIAL OPENING – The Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister for Grand Bahama, and Sheila Smith, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Workers’ Cooperative Credit Union Ltd., are seen having a chat during the official opening of the union’s Freeport Office on Friday. (BIS Photos/Andrew Miller)