By Rasbert Turner, Gleaner WriterSPANISH TOWN:
THE ST. CATHERINE Co-operative Credit Union opened its fifth branch in the parish at the Portmore Pines Plaza on Saturday January 24.
The branch adds to the others in Linstead, Lluidas Vale, Old Harbour, McMaster Centre in Portmore and the head office, 14 Nugent Street, Spanish Town. It started with four staff on board, but this is set to change according to customer demand.
President of the St. Catherine Co-operative Credit Union, Silvera Castro, said the assets of the Credit Union stand at over $470 million, savings of over $350 million with a total membership of 39,000.
He said that this is remarkable considering that in 1977 when nine unions merged, it had only a total of 5,000 members. They then comprised mostly taxi operators, farmers and a few business persons, and had an asset base of $1.2 million.
In an interview with The Gleaner, Castro said that he was optimistic about the current location in Portmore Pines as it is a hub of commerce, and surveys have shown that the residents of Portmore require a hands-on treatment.
As the credit union is customer-oriented, he said they seized the opportunity to locate the area, with an intention to grow and serve.
