Police credit union extends its service to the public

 
The Antigua & Barbuda Police Co-operative Credit Union Limited, which is celebrating its 60th year of operation, will be offering loans and other services to members who are separate and apart from the Royal Police Force of Antigua & Barbuda and other uniformed bodies.
President of the credit union, Claudette Mason said the financial institution recently updated its by-laws to allow it to open its doors to members of the public for the first time.
 “We are hoping to go to higher heights. The police credit union is very unique in the services it offers to the public,” Mason said.
She said that the organisation will also be embarking on a housing project in the near future to improve the lives of its members.
The head of the body also said that steps are being taken to improve the organisation’s relationship with the government’s Treasury.
“With other credit unions that process monies through the Treasury, this is done in a timely manner. However, it takes years for anything to be processed for the police. They are still owing us from 2013, so we are working on that,” Mason said.
The president was speaking at a flag presentation ceremony held yesterday as part of activities making the 60th anniversary of the credit union.
The year-long activites commenced in January.
Commissioner of the Police Wendel Robinson, who was also present, highlighted the importance of the institution.
He said almost every member of the police force should be able to tell their own story of how they would have benefited from the credit union.
 “I am happy to be a part of the process whereby this credit union would have survived 60 years despite turbulence over the years. We must commend the executive for keeping it afloat,” Robinson said.       
The  Antigua & Barbuda Police Co-operative Credit Union Limited was formed in 1957 by then Chief of Police Edmond Blaize.
It was managed and operated by Leslie Phillip in a small room at the St John’s Police Station but is now located at the Police Headquarters on American Road.