Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Albert 'Bertie' Morris, founding member and former president of COK Co-op Credit Union, receives his award from Michelle Morris, deputy general manager of finance and investments.

Who would have thought that 40 years have passed for COK Credit Union? The organisation celebrated its ruby anniversary last Friday, with a banquet and awards ceremony at the Hilton Kingston.

Volunteers, staff and past presidents were honoured for their various years of service to the credit union. The evening was spent lauding the founding fathers and their goal of creating an institution where the 'ordinary' people could save.

President Joscelyn Jolly reminisced on the 40 years and the credit union's moves. He chronicled the expansion of COK from the early days housed in CUNA Mutual's offices, to its four locations islandwide, including the refurbishing of the Cross Roads branch, which is now a thing of beauty. He highlighted COK's increase in assets from £60 at the beginning, to about $6 billion now. Talk about growth!

With a membership of over 205,000 coming from a number of just 13 at their first general meeting, COK continues to grow. Looking forward to the next 40!

Shounalee Turner turns heads at COK Co-op Credit Union's 40th anniversary banquet and awards ceremony, at the Hilton Kingston hotel, New Kingston on Friday, October 26. - photos by Winston Sill/ Freelance Photographer

Basil Naar of Churches Co-op Credit Union shares pleasantries with Brenda Cuthbert of COK Co-op Credit Union.

There were photos aplenty to remember COK's 40th and among those in the frame were (from left) Karlene Brown, Venese Wright-White and Nicole Smith.

Christopher Robinson from CUNA Mutual jokes with Patricia Walker before presenting her with her 25-year award for service.

Say cheese! Theresa Jones (left) was all smiles for our photo while colleague Kadian Thompson keeps her poker face on.

Arlene Linton (left) of COK's supervisory committee turned out for the 40th anniversary banquet and awards ceremony with daughters Keisha (centre) and Kerry.