Despite challenges CCCUL announces ‘solid degree’ of improvement

President of the Board of Directors of the Central Cooperative Credit Union Ltd (CCCUL) Dennis Joseph has announced that despite the challenges the board can report a substantial and solid degree of improvement. He made the announcement during the CCCUL 2023 report. The CCCUL held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Goodwill Parish Hall on Tuesday.

“Despite the challenges your Board can report a substantial and solid degree of improvement,” he said. “Your Board has been able to secure the services of Mr. Aylmer Irish, a seriously well-known personality in management of a credit union which should greatly assist our forward movement.”

According to Joseph, Central can only move on successfully with talented staff.

Joseph mentioned further that in August 2023 the Board finalized purchase of a building in Roseau, formerly known as the “Marpin building”, as an initiative to facilitate the future expansion of the Society’s business and provide the members with additional operating space and easy access to perform business transactions in a very convenient location in the center of the capital.

“During the year in review, the Society further enhanced its position in the community by successfully hosting its Annual Spelling Bee competition among Primary Schools as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR),” he stated. “Its continued partnership with NGOs [continue] to make [their] mark and ensure that its presence is felt in the community.”

Joseph said the financial performance of the Society as a whole and its Social and Governance Indicators provide evidence of the role in the community and its overall operating efficiency.

He stated that the challenge moving forward is to navigate the pressures brought about by high inflation rates, and the ever-changing interest rate environment, and to seek opportunities on the horizon.

“Our resolve is to build a bigger and better Credit Union with the support of the members and staff,” he noted. “Together, our commitment and vigor will pave the way for a stronger Society”

 Joseph went on to state that the launching of effective loan products, assessing members’ needs and the current economy, and overall revamping of its marketing, promotion, and member education efforts remain at the forefront of the organization’s brand.

“We continue to upgrade and enhance our digital presence and member service experience,” he said.

Joseph continued, “ We offer loans that are suitable to our members’ needs and wants and we cater to the Society’s environment with the digital era as our guide”

He said members continue to benefit from the services in-branch, and online with emphasis being placed on members’ satisfaction.

“We have taken the step further to bring our products and services from the office to our members’ location, thus increasing our ability to serve members effectively,” he explained. “Members education goes beyond the walls of Central through media and outreach activities.”

Moreover, Joseph said Central places emphasis on the loan requirements and the delinquency issue through its educational efforts.

“We continue to promote and improve our services to ensure that our members’ needs are met,” he stated.

Meanwhile, as it relates to managing delinquency, he said, this continues to occupy a significant portion of the Board’s attention as various approaches, to include loan rescheduling/refinancing, contacting members, and in some instances pursuing legal measures, have been implemented.

“The rate of the portfolio was 15.54 percent at the end of December 31, 2023, compared to 17 percent in the previous year,” Joseph revealed.

Members are being encouraged to ensure that their loans are repaid according to contract and where necessary visit the office to discuss any challenges with their loan repayment obligations.