Public Workers' Co-operative Credit Union Limited Information

Under the presidency of Mr. Arlington Miller, the Bahamas Public Services Union (BPSU) saw the need to assist in making life better for its members. It was felt that this concept could be achieved through the establishment of a credit union. The officers of the BPSU met in 1979 and formed a Steering Committee, consisting of the following persons: Mr. Arlington Miller- Chairman; Mr. William McDonald- Vice-Chairman; Mr. George Lafleur- Trustee; Mrs. Gertrude Rahming- Treasurer; Mr. Patrick Ingraham-Secretary; Mrs. Juliette J. Barnwell-Assistant Secretary; Mr. Basil Sears-Trustee and Mr. Edward Gardiner-Trustee. The Steering Committee spent many hours with Mr. Roosevelt Finlayson, Director of Co-operatives, in formulating the bye-laws of The Credit Union. After the bye-laws were completed, an application was made to the Department of Co-operatives for registration of The Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union Limited, whose bond would encompass all Government employees and Government Boards and Public Corporations. The Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union Limited was registered on December 28th, 1979 and presented with its Registration Certificate in February 1980. At the time of its registration, forty-four persons had signed up to become members. At its first meeting in February 1980, the following persons were elected to the Management Committee: Miss Telcena Coakley, Mrs. Juilette Barnwell, Mrs. Sylvia Treco, Mrs. Octavia Johnson, Mr. Patrick Ingraham, Mr. Harold Fernander, and Mr. William McDonald. Elected to the Supervisory Committee were: Mr. Edward Gardiner, Mrs. Rosemae Thompson and Mr. Roderick Simms. At the end of December 30th, 1980, The Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union had shareholdings of $36,585.00. When the first Annual General Meeting met, no dividends were paid, and the surplus, in the amount of eight hundred and forty-eight dollars and thirty-five cents ($848.35), was retained for the further development of the organization.