By Monique Washington
Three students have been awarded the Nevis Cooperative Credit Union (NCCU) Annual academic scholarships. The students will benefit from the scholarships during their tenure in high school, and this will be extended if they continue studies at the Nevis Sixth Form College or the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College in St. Kitts.
On Monday, Eldon Herbert Jr and Kam’ron Lewis of the Gingerland Secondary School along with Kaian Saddler of the Charlestown Secondary School, joined the 65 students who would have received said scholarships in past years.
The scholarship awards are presented as part of International Credit Union Day, which is celebrated worldwide on the third Thursday of October annually. The Nevis Credit Union hosts a week of activities.
According to the World Council of Credit Unions, “International Credit Union Day celebrates the spirit of the global credit union movement. The day is recognized to reflect upon the credit union movement’s history, promote its achievements, recognize hard work and share member experiences. International Credit Union (ICU) Day has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948”.
This year’s theme is “Building financial health for a brighter tomorrow.”
Speaking at the scholarship ceremony at the Ingle Blackett Conference Room in Charlestown, Manager of the Nevis Cooperative Credit Union, Sydney Newton, told those gathered that the NCCU has been giving back for years.
“The Credit Union has been involved in the community since its inception, for the past 49 years. The scholarship program has been going for the past 35 years. The program began in 1986,” he said.
Internal Auditor at the NCCU, Zahvelisia Claxton, said that the investment in children is an important one.
“An important investment in our future as an island and as a people is an investment in our students. The NCCU has contributed significantly to creating a legacy which fosters student success, and ultimately, the continued growth and development of the island,” she said.
Donations were also made to the Pink Lily Foundation and Nevis Island Administration’s Social Services, Seniors Division.
Other credit unions celebrating are St. Kitts Cooperative Credit Union, the Police Credit Union and FND Enterprise Cooperative Credit Union.
Other activities held in recognition of International Credit Union Week by the NCCU were a church service, radio presentations, presentations to the Alexandra Hospital, an Annual General Meeting, members’ appreciation, and a health walk from Oualie to the NCCU, which is scheduled for November 6.
