By Nicole Telford- The recent two day – May 22-23- collaborative Intelligent and Inclusive Finance Seminar has put a spotlight on the vibrancy of Co-op Credit Unions in Guyana. Chairman of the Guyana Public Services Credit Union (GPSCCU) Trevor Benn in highlighting the growth, benefit and development of Co-ops called on the Cooperatives representatives gathered to recognise technology as the world of banking and finance advances to foster more visible and accessible systems for its members.
The Chairman said, “to thrive in this new environment Credit Unions must: embrace technology and advance financial literacy.” This he notes needs the investments in digital platforms creating and managing databases and strengthening cybersecurity.” Benn emphasises the use of digital tools to tailor services to individual member needs.
The Chairman of the Guyana Public Service Credit Union Limited said, “embracing innovations is no longer optional, it is essential.”
With the driving force of a competitive banking systems advance in the world of Technology the chairman reiterated that “operating in a competitive space demands we continuously transform and reinvest in ourselves especially in this digital age.”
Benn explained that the priority now engaging the attention of the GPSCCU is replacing manual systems with automated processes which he lists would “boost productivity, lower operational cost, speed up delivery and enhance accuracy.”
The chairman said while embracing technology the human touch that defines us must never be lost, explaining that bridging the divide so no member is left behind includes “protecting data and ensure privacy, keep service personal, compassionate and value driven, promote digital and financial literacy, innovate for the needs of underserved communities and advocate for policies that balances innovation and consumer protection.”
Guyana’s credit unions face a rapidly evolving financial landscape, and Benn’s message was clear—modernisation is not a luxury but a necessity. Yet, even in the drive to digitise, credit unions must stay rooted in their core values of trust, accessibility, and community. The challenge lies in balancing innovation with inclusion, ensuring no member is left behind in the pursuit of progress.
