The Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU) has made available a financial contribution of EC$33,000 to assist members of the credit union in Dominica who have been affected by Tropical Storm Erika.
The funds were made available to the Dominica Cooperative Societies League (DCSL) and is the first disbursment of an initial target of US$100,000, Chief Executive Officer of the CCCU, Ralph Wharton, said during a presentation ceremony on Thursday.
He stated that disburstment will be made at two-week intervals.
“Since the event on August 27th and the tragedy that has been inflicted on Dominica, particularly on the country, on the infrastructure, as well as the credit union, the confederation and its members across CARICOM have determined to mobilize resources to assist Dominica,” he remarked.
He stated that Dominica and the credit union sector is special to the CCCU.
“In 1972 the confederation was actually formed here,” he said. “Dominica also, with 67,000 credit union members, has one of the highest penetration rates in the world in relation to membership and total population. So we feel, you know our brothers and sisters, they have been hit hard and it is incumbent upon us to really determine to make a serious effort to help them.”
He said he came to Dominica on a mission to get firsthand information on the level of damage.
“I have been to Colihaut, I am been to Coulibistrie and it has been shocking, to say the least,” Wharton stated.
He said the CCCU has already been able to ship some dries goods and water out of St Lucia and St Kitts and Nevis to Dominica.
Meantime President of the DCSL, Murphy Wallace, said the assistance will go a long way in assisting credit union members.
“From since the Tropical Storm Erika, we as a movement, we have been carrying out an assessment in terms of our members. We have asked the various credit unions to supply us will a list of credit union members that are affected as a result of the Tropical Storm,” he noted.
He said a list has been received of affected members and most of them have received a visit “to assess their various needs.”
Thank you CCCU! There are many good hearts out there. We may not know them but at a time as this, they project themselves, bringing out the good in many.
The Good Lord has taken note of the generosity of all those who came to Dominica’s aid, who are sad at what occurred and also cheerfully help. As I always say, this is why God is so merciful and forgiving.
Those who are not able to assist for whatever reason, you can pray for Dominica and especially for those who are affected. This, in itself is helping on a high level and is pleasing to God.
May God bless everyone who helped, who contributed in any manner. Prayers are no exception.