As the world marked the 77th anniversary of International Credit Union Day, the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union Limited (GPSCCU) celebrated with a renewed call for unity, innovation, and a continued commitment to member empowerment. Chairman Mr. Trevor L. Benn reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to cooperative values and digital transformation during a series of events held throughout the week.
International Credit Union Day, observed globally on the third Thursday of October, highlights the role of credit unions in building financial resilience and uplifting communities. This year’s theme, “Cooperation for a Prosperous World,” emphasised shared responsibility and collective strength in shaping a better future.
“Each year, credit unions across the world come together to honour our shared history, recognize our contributions, and reaffirm our commitment to putting people over profit,” Benn said. “This year’s celebration calls on the credit union movement to strengthen the bonds that unite us as one cooperative family.”
Honouring Excellence: GPSCCU Bursary Awards
As part of the celebrations, GPSCCU hosted its annual Bursary Awards Ceremony on Friday, recognising the academic achievements of outstanding students. The keynote speaker, Ms. Karen Abrams, Director of STEMGuyana, delivered an inspiring address urging students to embrace leadership in a fast-changing, tech-driven world.
“You have accomplished something truly special… You have made your families, your schools, and your country proud,” Abrams told the awardees. She praised parents as “the quiet heroes behind every success story” and commended GPSCCU for “rewarding excellence and believing in the next generation of Guyanese leaders.”
Reflecting on the future, Abrams noted, “Young people, you are growing up in a world that is changing faster than any generation before you. The real power of technology lies behind the screens, not in front of them.”
A Legacy of Cooperative Empowerment
Founded in 1964 as the financial arm of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), GPSCCU was born in a period of political and economic transformation in pre-independence Guyana. The Credit Union was established to promote financial security and self-reliance among public servants, guided by cooperative principles of mutual aid, democratic control, and financial solidarity.
From its inception, members were encouraged to save consistently and access low-interest loans to improve their standard of living. Over the decades, GPSCCU has grown into one of the largest and most influential credit unions in Guyana, helping members finance homes, vehicles, education, and emergencies—while consistently paying dividends through its profit-sharing mandate.
Despite internal challenges over the years, GPSCCU has remained a vital source of financial support for public servants and continues to evolve in response to changing member needs.
Driving Digital Transformation
Chairman Benn also highlighted the institution’s strides toward modernization, including the rollout of digital platforms that allow members to apply for loans and access services remotely. This digital shift, shaped by member feedback, enhances convenience and aligns with global financial trends.
“At GPSCCU, we remain committed to offering financial and developmental services tailored to meet the evolving needs of our members,” Benn said. “Our suite of products and services is shaped by membership input and supported by some of the most competitive interest rates in the industry.”
He emphasised that prosperity should not be measured solely by financial success, but by the lives improved and communities uplifted.
A Call for Collective Purpose
Benn concluded with a call for continued unity and shared purpose across the credit union community.
“The credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People’ remains as powerful today as it was at its inception. When we work together, we all rise together,” he said. “Together, through cooperation and shared purpose, we can continue to build a credit union that delivers value to every member while fostering a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous community.”
On behalf of the Committee of Management, Management, and Staff, Benn extended warm wishes to all members and partners in observance of International Credit Union Day 2025.
