AGRICOLA Credit Union is an admirable example of people empowering people towards social and economic upliftment. It is a remarkable institution and has been so for over sixty years as it has provided and continues to provide a medium through which thousands continue to empower themselves towards experiencing a full and abundant life.
Seventy years ago on April 9th 1949 the AGRICOLA Credit Union came into existence through its registration as a credit union . This was the culmination of hopes and dreams of a group of twenty-eight junior officers of the then Department of Agriculture, who formed themselves into a study group to learn about credit union philosophy and practice. The result of those efforts was due to the initiative of Mr. John Pierre Ottley whose initiatives led to formation of the group and registration of the credit union.
Through the diligence and loyalty of members the initial saving of $280.60 has increased dramatically as the credit union is now worth $404.5 million. Considerable growth has also occurred in membership as well. The initial membership of twenty-eight persons has grown to a number of 9,652. Our growth while being gradual has been consistent
The essential working rule of AGRICOLA credit union is democratic ownership: every member has at least one share and one vote in the decision-making process. All members, as a result, are equal owners, regardless of the number of shares they hold individually or the size of their respective deposits in the credit union. Members have the right to seek election to the board of directors as well as credit and supervisory committees.
Elections generally take place at the Agricola credit union’s annual meeting. This important meeting is usually held in March of every year.
This forum provides an opportunity for the board of directors to report to members on the activities of the credit union over the past year serves as a forum for discussing matters of concern to members gives members the opportunity to vote on policy decisions and any anticipated amendments to the byelaws of our credit union.
Provision of quality service is the purpose of the Credit Union. In this respect the Credit Union provides its members with a wide range of services, including:-
AGRIOLA has significantly increased its financial goals over the years, members’ share savings as at December 31st 2018 was $404.5 million and the Credit Union’s choice in investment has remained sound.
AGRICOLA will continue to make great strides in the society of credit unions. Its initiatives and sincerity in facilitating its members’ needs will continue to make the organization a force to be reckoned with for the future.
