“Embracing Change, Overcoming Challenges” was the theme chosen for our last Strategic Planning Retreat. The theme is a timely one to reflect upon given the current economic challenges facing the country. By the time this message goes to print, the details of the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would have been public knowledge. The IMF conditionalities are well known by those of us old enough to remember. As it was said in the past, so it is being said today; we must take the bitter medicine in order to become economically healthy. It is reasonable to ask, “How long should we be subjected to the same bitter austerity medicine?”
It is generally accepted that the government has few choices as they grapple with the country’s fiscal situation. The changes that must be made by all of us are not easy to embrace. However, it is pointless to curse the dark or to point fingers of blame. Now is the time to work conscientiously and collectively to overcome this crisis. There is a tendency in our country for public expenditure to go out of alignment as General Election approaches. Such a practice has contributed to our impoverishment and we must say to those who have authority over the public purse, no longer will we tolerate such recklessness. To overcome the challenges facing us, we must all be responsible players. Your Credit Union will be a leader in the financial sector and will play its role as a responsible corporate citizen.
Your Credit Union will also strive to find new and creative ways to serve you in these trying times. We will continue to have your best interest in mind as we offer you the various products and services. We will partner with you to weather the economic storm that is upon us and we will work even harder to be your financial institution of choice.
The crisis that confronted us during 2009 and into 2010 was not only on the economic front. In 2009 the country recorded its highest murder rate. A writer in “The Daily Gleaner” opined that it was more likely for a citizen of Jamaica to be killed than a soldier at war in Iraq or Afghanistan. The writer, no doubt, overstated his point in his attempt to be convincing but highlighted a salient feature of the country’s problem. The point is simple; we have a monster that urgently needs to be eradicated.
Closely connected to crime and violence is the state of corruption in the country. The Corruption Perception Index put out by Transparency International indicated that we are a country with rampant corruption at 99 out of 180 countries or 3.8 on the index, a further decline from previous years.
We do not seek to bury our heads in the sand like the proverbial ostrich. We encourage each member of the Credit Union family to be vigilant. Each of us must recognize that now, more than ever, the nation requires our help in creating a safe place to live, grow our children and retire. That mission must begin now and your Credit Union, as a responsible corporate entity, will play its role in enhancing that mission.
So, as we embark on this new journey for this year, may I, on behalf of the Board of Directors and the Management and Staff, wish for you and your loved ones a safe and productive New Year. May we also give thanks to God for promising to be our constant companion along the way and to be with us as we journey on. God bless you all!
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