Partnership aims to make a difference

THE alliance that has been forged between the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP), the JIPA Network – a global network of health-care providers and the City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union Limited (COB) has the potential to transform the lives of our relatives, friends and neighbours alike through education and modified habits.

This was the word coming from Steve Belle, Chief Executive Officer of the COB. While speaking last week at the announcement of the partnership, he highlighted, “In the life of any organisation there is that one moment when an opportunity arises to make a difference, a fundamental change to the lives of everyone with whom you may come into contact. As CEO of the City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union Limited, it is my deepest conviction that this is our time to do so. This is an historic occasion as we herald an alliance that will impact on every citizen of Barbados. Together, we stand at the threshold of a new beginning.”

Belle contended, “Ours is a world plagued with illness and disease and oftentimes one wonders if this island of some 280 000 persons can withstand the ravages wrought by chronic illnesses. Our credit union has always been passionate about the health and wellness of our members. We can remember the days when the COB Fitness Centre was instrumental in highlighting the importance of good health and was a beacon in the fitness community. On an annual basis, our credit union was the leading corporate body participating in the Nation Fun Walk. The point that I am trying to make is simple – health security has always been a priority for us and always will be. The City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union Limited understands that as a responsible corporate citizen, our role has to expand to embrace issues that matter to our growing and diverse membership.

“We are fully cognisant that societal challenges invariably affect private sector institutions and therefore understand that we must share the burden of improving the quality of life of our members and Barbadians in general. It should come as no surprise then, that my Board and the management team of this organisation saw a partnership with BARP and JIPA as a key element in achieving our mandate to our members, to offer quality value-added services.”

He urged persons to consider just what it means to be a leader. “Our choices in life, whether as an individual, community practitioner, or business executive, matters to others. We must choose to join the ranks of those who want to make a positive difference in the lives of others, even those we have never met. The COB Credit Union chooses to continue its relentless pursuit of excellence and moral rectitude and fully endorses this alliance,” said Belle. (NB)