Eastern Credit Union invests $.5M in education

ONE OF the largest credit co-operatives in the country has invested over $500,000 in education awards over the last ten years. On Thursday evening, the President of the Eastern Credit Union told parents and other interested parties that the organisation was determined to continue its efforts in investing in the nation’s young people. “the nation’s future,” in the months and years ahead. Gary Cross was speaking at the institution’s 2003 Education Awards and Recognition ceremony held at the auditorium of the La Joya Facility, St Joseph. Thirty-six successful Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examination students and five University of the West Indies students were awarded a total of $41,000, based on economic need and meritorious performance.

One awardee, Gabriel Henry, is to do a practical at the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute. Abigail Maxwell, the student who topped the SEA examination in 2002, received the second tranche of her scholarship award. During his address, Cross told the audience: “We at Eastern strive to make our young members masters of their own destiny.” He stressed that Eastern encourages young people to save, in order to access loans for provident and productive purposes and at the same time, provides guidance and counselling in the use of their God-given talents and other resources. “In our 30 years of existence, through a passion for education, training and discipline, we have a growth-oriented institution with employees, stakeholders and potential members. “We have improved their lives and the quality of their existence, using tried and successfully proven methods of co-operation and mutual support,” added Cross. The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Dr Janet Stanley-Marcano, advised the students to make full use of the opportunities given to them and do not take things for granted. She also called on parents to support the awardees in their pursuit of a proper education.