By K. NANCOO-RUSSELL
Freeport News Reporter
The Teachers and Salaried Workers Co-operative Credit Union Limited yesterday celebrated the official opening of its Freeport Branch business plaza on West Atlantic Drive.
The green and white building houses the Credit Union's Freeport branch office as well as five other tenants, including Seamans Rest Liquor Store, Environmental Health, Administrators Office, Consumer Affairs and Cruzin Cafe. It has been occupied by tenants since May 2006, but was formally introduced at yesterday's ceremony.
In attendance were members of the Credit Union's Board of Directors: Donald Symonette, McDonald Rolle, Anthony Rolle, Lenn King, Cheryl Bowe-Moss, Lerory Sumner and Sharon Rahming.
Also in attendance were Sir Albert Miller, CEO of the Grand Bahama Port Authority; Albert Gray, GBPA president; and representatives of the building's tenants.
Addressing the gathering, Board of Directors Chairman Donald Symonette spoke about the history of the credit union.
Symonette noted that since its inception in February 1977 with 12 members and first bank deposits of $90, the credit union has experienced tremendous growth, with a current active membership of 12,000 and total assets of over $95 million.
The Grand Bahama branch was opened in 1997 in an office located in the Seventeen Centre next to Cable Bahamas.
The one-acre lot which currently houses the office was bought in 2003 for $100,000 and construction was completed on the building in 2006. The business plaza now holds 14 office/store spaces.
The Teachers and Salaried Workers Co-operative Credit Union Limited is a community based credit union which offers its members services such as loans, savings, credit cards, dividend reinvestment accounts, loan protection insurance, life savings insurance, individual retirement accounts, confidential financial counselling, consolidations and safety deposit boxes.
The union serves not only teachers, lawyers, doctors, nurses, construction workers, mechanics, fishermen, business persons but anyone else who earns a salary.
BOARD MEMBERS – Members of the Teachers and Salaried Workers Co-operative Credit Union Limited's (TSWCCUL) board of directors are pictured at the official opening ceremony of the Freeport branch's business plaza on West Atlantic Drive. From left are Lenn King, secretary; McDonald Rolle, vice chairman; Anthony Rolle, treasurer; and Donald Symonette, chairman. Seated behind Symonette in second row is Sir Albert Miller, CEO of the Grand Bahama Port Authority.
