The Credit Union movement in Dominica is mourning the loss of a stalwart in the movement, Kenneth A. Richards, who died over the weekend at his home in Goodwill.
Richards became active in Credit Union work in 1956 when he was elected to the supervisory committee of the St. Alphonsus Co-operative Credit Union. In 1958 he was elected to the Board and served as treasurer. During that same year, he was elected to the directorship of the Credit Union League Southern chapter and subsequently served as a director when the North and South chapters combined to form Dominica Co-operative Credit Union League in 1959.
During that period, he held the offices of secretary, treasurer, vice president and president of the society. He was instrumental in proposing the field services to Credit Unions which was adopted in 1969 and from that time a “fieldsman” has been employed with the League. He was also instrumental in proposing the idea of Central Financing in 1973.
In 1960, Richards was elected to serve as a Director at the West Indies Conference of Credit Societies (WICCS) a regional credit union. He remained with that organization until it eventually became the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU) in 1972.
He was also part of the team which formulated the CCCU constitution and at its first annual general meeting in 1972, held in Dominica, became a Director and remained in that position until 1975. He was given an award in 1982 by the CCCU in recognition of his contributions.
In 1981 Richards was given an award for long and dedicated service to the St. Alphonsus Credit Union (now the Central Co-operative Credit Union).
Richards was awarded the Commonwealth of Dominica second highest award the Sisserou Award of Honour in 1983 in recognition of his contribution to the development of the Credit Union Movement in Dominica.
He also served as a public officer, reaching the position of Permanent Secretary.
The Board of Directors, credit committee and Compliance/Supervisory committee the management and staff of the League extends deepest condolences to his entire family.
Mr. Kenneth Richards was a humble and true gentleman. He may be one of the last few left. He was one of the special ‘People who helped People’.. the title of one of his books, dedicated to the Credit Union pioneer volunteers, and countless other volunteers.. most of them have passed on. It is through the unselfish efforts of people like him and these past volunteers, we can enjoy the benefits and security of a strong Credit Union movement. It is no accident that Dominica leads in credit Union penetration in the world. Thank you for your service Sir. Rest In Eternal Peace.
At school we called him Kenny…later he preferred Kenneth…When I last saw him last some years ago, I said Hi Mr Richards…He laughed and said “come off it…I will always be “Kenny” to you.
Sweet, humble man.
Rest in peace my friend.
Classy and intelligent ! RIP !
The passing of Kenneth Richards – a stalwart civil servant and civic leader in the same week as Frank Baron is significant as it speaks to the looming sunset for that generation which brought us into control of our affairs. In saluting the work of Mr Richards, I pray that the young generation will spend less time on drinking, Play Station, endless partying and spend more time doing the hard work of nation building . By such dedication to country, over and above selfish indulgence, we shall pay the best tribute to the lives of those men who served the cause of national development.
We extend condolences to his family, friends and community he served.
Sad news all around. Sorry to know of Kenneth’s passing. He was a very nice person.
My sincere sympathy to his family.
His wife, Tonia predeceased him some years ago. RIP. She was also a very nice person.
Eternal rest grant unto Kenneth, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen!
May the soul of Kenneth and all other souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen!
RIP Mr. Richards.
rest in peace papa,we will forver hold you in our hearts
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I remember your Papa very well.
Once when I visited Dominica at carnival, he threw a party for us visitors. I never forget it and would always keep in touch especially when his wife, your grandmother was alive.
Once he visited Toronto where I reside. I did not forget the party he had at his home at Goodwill for us. I told a few D/cans who also knew him about arranging a party for him. The party was a success. He met other D/cans at the party. He had an enjoyable time.
At another time, he and Tonia invited a few of us to dinner. In recent years, the last time I saw him he told me he was taking care of his mother who since passed away. He was obviously kept busy then.
He worked hard and was diligent in all his undertakings. The Lord has called him to his rest. He will be remembered in my prayers.
I will also remember all of you in my prayers as you grieve his passing.
God bless each one of you, nice family!
“forgot”
Rip
He was also had an outstanding career in the Public Service in Dominica. R.I.P Mr. Richards and condolences to the kids (adults now); all the first names commenced with the letter “K”. Keith; Kennedy; Katherine; Kendall & Kirsten. Your were a source of guidance to my deceased elderly mom sir.
Thank you Derryck.
His grand-children names start with K as well….Keith Jr. Kevin(RIP), Kyle, Kerry-Ann, Keegan, Kanita, Kelsey…you get the idea….
Well done oh good and faithful servant of Dominica. Mr Richards served the Credit union astutely and diligently. He also severd his fellow compatriots in a humble way.He was a quiet giant among us.May he rest in peace and may his family be comforted by knowing that he was well loved by many.