Credit union operations an ‘institutional joke’

THE EDITOR: This is a letter to the Commissioner of Co-operative and Minister of Finance. Dear Sirs, Re: Credit Union Operations
I would like particular attention to be paid to the credit union existing bylaws as it relates to: 1) Selection of members to Boards and other Statutory Committees. 2) Persons simultaneously holding various positions in more than one credit union. Let me state that these institutions are viable entities but a measure of sanity must be adhered to, in the selection of directors. No longer should incompetent, charismatic, self serving persons be allowed to wind their way to top management positions. Rather, one’s qualifications, experience, expert information regarding money management, should be the criteria for serving. For too long we have been saddled with charismatic persons who have little knowledge to share, pretending to be brains and making poor decisions.

Yes, I too would agree that in some organisations we do have a cadre of efficient, dedicated and knowledgeable leadership, to guide some of the units. However persons should therefore be selected, strictly by the nomination process if they are willing to serve. Time to end the “bring yuh posse to vote me in syndrome” and allow the process to go through, by an individual’s expertise, brain and commitment to the improvement of the organisation. Why also should the same members serve in two and three positions in more than one credit union. Is it due to a lack of experience within the membership, individual’s hidden agendas, greed for little stipend paid, or a lack of principle on the part of these persons? Where in heaven would you see the CEO of one banking institution sitting at a board meeting of another banking institution, making decisions?

Time to put an end to this joke. Let’s get serious if we have to carry the movement forward. And we’re clamouring for recognition and improved operating conditions from the Government! As individual units we need to show the Government and our members that we are serious about managing our affairs; time to put an end to this institutional joke. Let “my business be my business” and not my neighbour’s. Time to stop the crossing of people and information in two and three credit unions. Let us get real serious now that it’s Annual General Meetings time. Trinidadians, show your true colours and vote wisely.

MARIA  LA TOUCH?
Port-of-Spain