Following the observance of Credit Union Day last week, a regional credit union quiz contest sponsored by the Saint Martin’s Credit Union, involving 22 schools, ended on Wednesday at the Octavia Waight Convention Hall in San Ignacio. In this hotly contested quiz, Katrine Velasqez from Faith Nazarene Primary came in first place while Mary Juan from Succotz R.C came in second. Last year, participating schools from Cayo came both first and second place in the National Credit Union contest, which is now being held for the third year.
The Saint Martin’s Credit Union (SMCU) in San Ignacio has joined Credit Unions around the World last Thursday to celebrate Credit Union Day. This year the event is being recognized under the theme, ‘Find your platinum lining in Credit Unions.’
As part of the activities, members of the SMCU management visited the Octavia Waight Center in San Ignacio last Wednesday, where the elderly were entertained with music. Then on Thursday SMCU had a radio talk show on the Millennium Radio in Benque Viejo.
But the peak of the week’s activities was reached in Belize City where credit unions from across the Country held their annual credit union convention; courtesy of the Belize Credit Union League. It became an opportune time for the management from SMCU and others to learn more about the International Court of Justice Referendum. There was also a presentation by the Financial Intelligence Union, where compliance standards were discussed. Manager of the SMCU Raymond Tzul tells the Guardian that the Credit Union movement in Belize, with its 150,000 members and 600 million dollars in combined assets, now makes “…a big chunk of the financial sector.”
One of the most significant achievements of the SMCU this year was the opening of its branch in Benque Viejo on the 11th of June. Records now show that since that time some three hundred accounts have been opened at that branch. Raymond Tzul assures the residents from Benque that the various credit unions are now monitored by the Central Bank and can have confidence that their money is safe.
International Credit Union (ICU) Day celebrates the spirit of the global credit union movement. The day is recognized to reflect upon the credit union movement’s history, promote its achievements, recognize the hard work and share member experiences. International Credit Union (ICU) Day has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948. According to the ICU website, the ultimate goal is to raise awareness about the tremendous work that credit unions and other financial cooperatives are doing around the world and give members the opportunity to get more engaged. The day of festivities for credit unions and financial cooperatives globally include fundraisers, open houses, contests, picnics, volunteering and parades.
