what’s inside: Staf f Long Serv ice Awards

Char i ty Dispensat ion

What OurMembers Say

SEA and Ter t iaryBursary Awards

TECUCredit Union

TECUNEWSA PUBLICATION OF TECU CREDIT UNION CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD • ISSUE 3 / 13

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NAME DATE OF DEATH(First, Last) (dd-mm-yy)

Agnes Dingwell 9/4/13Andre Esdelle-Thomas 12/10/12Anthony Coombs 8/5/13Avana Adams 7/11/13Basdeo Kissoon 5/11/13Beryl Bartholomew 6/9/13Boysie Nemah 9/8/13Boysie Ramsumair 5/30/13Brenda Phillips-Reid 5/27/13Clifton George 8/21/13Clyde Barholomew 9/11/13Daren Ramdathsingh 8/10/13David Chablal 6/3/13David Henry 6/19/13David Laltoo 7/7/13Denis Turton 5/15/13Dennis Sutton 6/4/13

Deo Jaggernauth 6/23/13Elman Traboulay 8/24/13Feeras Ali 7/11/13Glenn Mohammed 7/21/13Harrichan Joursingh 5/10/13Herman Dass 5/19/13Jattan Jitta 6/28/13Kelvin Bridglalsingh 4/13/13Kenneth Ahong 7/6/13Kenneth Augier 8/31/13Kenneth Gopie 7/14/13Kimchain Ramkissoon 12/29/12Knolly Lamy 10/2/12Lennox Attale 7/20/13Lenora Goolie 9/5/13Leonard Smith 8/24/13Louie Forde 7/2/13

Maureen Piper 5/17/13Meena Ragoonanan 6/22/13Merle Khan 6/30/13Merle Nicholas 6/4/13Moyzelie Syms 7/27/13Narine Jaggernauth 6/29/13Nicholas Ramsaroop 11/26/05Nomatee Ramharacksingh 6/5/13Paltoram Raikumar 7/6/13Percy Thornhill 7/27/13Rafeer Ali 8/1/13Rajkumar Parahoo 4/15/13Ramnarace Rajh 2/15/13Ramrajie Maharaj 9/1/13Robert Tiah 3/4/13Samuel Wright 8/18/13Shannon Kangoo 7/21/13Unalcia Sooklal 1/29/13Wilbert Caton 5/7/13

NAME DATE OF DEATH(First, Last) (dd-mm-yy)

NAME DATE OF DEATH(First, Last) (dd-mm-yy)

Tips TipsCarnival Safety

• Wear minimal jewellery.

• Travel in groups to and from activities.

• Not carry around or display large amounts of money.

• Not have wallets and change purses visible.

• Not accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended.

• Pre-plan transport arrangements and designate an alcohol free driver.

• Ensure that you secure your premises.

• Be observant when returning home, especially at night.

• Ensure that your vehicle is properly secured.

• Use paid car parks whenever possible.

• Not drink and drive.

• Not leave valuable items exposed in your vehicle.

• Be cautious of persons loitering near traffic lights.

• Have your keys in hand when you approach your vehicle.

• Be vigilant at all times when returning home especially at night and if you are travelling alone.

• All wear identification cards bearing their name, name of parent/guardian, address and telephone number.

• Not be left unsupervised at home.

• Not use public conveniences unless an adult accompanies them.

• Not be left in the charge of strangers.

• Not accept food or drink from strangers.

• Not be taken to fetes, calypso tents and other adult shows.

Here are a few reminders you should consider during the carnival period:

When attending parties and other activities you are reminded that you should:

Parents and guardians are reminded that their children should:

My Dear members,

On behalf of our Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to extend sincerest Christmas greetings to all our members and their families.

At this time of year, we welcome the spirit of goodwill, peace, love and joy into our lives. TECU joins with our 37,500 members in celebrating this season and hopes that these sentiments last all year through.

Our dedicated staff headed by our General Manager, Brian Tangwell, is there to serve you and ensure that your financial needs are met to support the hopes and aspirations of the season. TECU’s varied range of products and services are available to all our members at our three locations. I wish to thank our staff for their commitment this year, and trust that we continue to blossom into 2014 to the benefit of all our members.

To our Board members and Officers we say thank you for your dedicated voluntary service throughout the year. May God continue to richly bless you and your families this season. The Credit Union philosophy of service is richly entrenched in us and we thank God for this gift of selflessness.

Another shining example of dedication is embodied in our Legislative Committee comprising Messrs, Lloyd Lennox Hercules (Convenor), Kent Byer, Robert Andrews, Orville Andrews and Silvan Kadera. This committee has, without any fanfare, been making a major contribution to the Co-operative Credit Union Movement (CCUM). It is the catalyst around which the entire CCUM has been rallying as we seek to lobby the movement’s position on the very onerous, Credit Union Bill currently before the government agencies. We wish to extend our appreciation to this Committee whose members continue to unselfishly give of their time and energies.

The TECU team is therefore seeking continuously to be true to our motto of “CREATING AND SECURING YOUR FUTURE”.

As I end, please let me share with you a little quotation from Deepak Chopra’s book “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success”.

“Everyone has a purpose in life… a unique gift or special talent to give to others.

And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of goals.”

May God continue to bless you in your endeavours as this year comes to an end and as we prepare to welcome the New Year 2014.

Have a happy and holy Christmas season and a prosperous New Year.

Christmas GreetingsChristmas GreetingsPresident’s MessagePresident’s Message

From North America to East Asia, most cultures have embraced some form of the proverb, “every mickel mek a muckle”. For those of us that may not be familiar with the popular Jamaican patois proverb, maybe the saying “a penny saved is a penny earned” may ring a bell. Whether in patios or in good old English, the fact remains that every little bit adds up!

How many of us say to ourselves, “When I get a bigger salary, I will start to save” or “I don’t get paid enough to save”. Well the truth is that as our salaries get larger, our spending increases and our savings more often do not see the reflected growth. The ability to save must be part of our routine and often it must be something that we train ourselves to do. The best time to save is always now! A dollar a day may actually help to keep the creditors away.

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “…never leave that for tomorrow which you can do today…” These words of wisdom can be applied in our everyday savings lives. Every little counts no matter how small or large our salary. It is advised we save 10% of our salaries. This ratio remains the same whether our salary is $100.00 or $1,000.00. As our salary grows, so should our savings.

Tips to help us save:

1. Put aside a minimum amount of money for savings monthly. Saving as little as $100.00 a month, will give $1,200.00 plus interest at the end of the year. Save first spend after! If there is any money left after spending, save a little more.

2. If possible, save from the source. Create a standing order from your salaries towards savings. If you do not see it, you may be less tempted to spend it!

3. Do not be tempted to withdraw any interest earned on savings unless it is necessary. As Albert Einstein once said “…compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it, he who does not, pays it."

4. Be aware of the places that we save money. Savings accounts in banks may have monthly charges from as little as $0.00 to as much as $13.01. Credit Unions such as TECU do not charge monthly fees.

5. Cash is king! LINX, point of sale terminals and cash withdrawals from the ATMs all have associated fees. Withdrawals at TECU Credit Union are free.

6. Take lunch to work and school versus buying. Spending on meals can account for a great portion of our monthly budget.

Every mickel mek a muckle, every little adds up, a penny saved is a penny earned. Remember, the time to start saving is always now. Our financial health helps us build wealth!

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ContentsPRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 1MONEY MATTERS 2INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF 3 CO-OPERATIVES AWARDS

CHARITY DISPENSATION 4TECU HOLIDAY RESORTS 4

INTERNATIONAL CREDIT 5 UNION DAY / STAFF LONG SERVICE AWARDS

FAQ’s: HOW MUCH DO YOU 6 KNOW ABOUT TECU

GROUP LIFE INSURANCE 7 PREMIUM

TECU / LINCU WORD SEARCH 7WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY 8INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME 8ETIQUETTE CORNER 9PRIMARY SCHOOL QUIZ 2013 10SEA AND TERTIARY 11 BURSARY AWARDS

CARNIVAL SAFETY TIPS 12

OBITUARIES 12

Editors: Ms. Joy Jarvis, Mrs. Lucy Ottley, Mr. Leroy FerminEditorial Team: Joy Jarvis, Lucy Ottley, Leroy Fermin, Candice Hector, Education CommitteePhotography: Herman Herbert, Nadine Pirtheesingh, Stacy Charles,Candice Hector, Orville Wolsey Producers: Newsletter Committee& Marketing DepartmentLayout+Design: Kishore RaghoobarPrinting: Guardian Media Limited

TECU NEWS: c/o The Education Committee, TECU HOUSE, Southern Main Road, MarabellaTel: (868) 658-TECU (8328)Fax: (868) 658- 2611E-mail: tecu.education@tecutt.comWebsite: www.tecutt.com

AS AT October 31st 2013

SHARES $1,181,408,683

LOANS $597,223,715

ASSETS $1,701,392,869

RETIREES FIXED DEPOSIT $288,267,347

NO. OF MEMBERS 37,481

Investment Analyst

By

Stacy Charles Matters

Every Mickel Mek a Muckle

MONEY

TECUAT A GLANCE

The Co-operative Development Division recognised the contributions made by those in the Credit Union sector that have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and deemed exemplars of the co-operative values and principles of service to the society. AwardsInternational Year of Co-operatives

Individual Award Recipient

Director Lloyd Lennox Hercules, presented by Director of the Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies, Ms. Wendy Augustus.

SocietyAward

Director Kent Byer, presented by Ms. Michelle Roofe of the Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies.

54 TECUNEWS ISSUE 3 / 13TECUNEWS ISSUE 3 / 13

TECU Credit Union hosted its annual Charity Dispensation function on Wednesday 10th July, 2013 at TECU House, Marabella. Twenty-one (21) charitable organisations and eight (8) schools received monetary dona-

tions amounting to $100,000 on the day. A commemorative token was also given to all recipients.

TECU will continue its efforts to support these entities in the upcoming year.

DispensationCHARITY

Make a reservation today!!658-TECU (8328) / 639-2536

Staff interacting with charitable organisations

International Credit Union Day (I.C.U.) was yet again a magnificent celebration observed on Thursday 17th October, 2013. This year’s I.C.U. day theme was ‘Credit Unions Unite for Good: A Better Way’. In an effort to echo the sentiments of the theme, four notable charities were invited to participate in the celebration. These charities included Marabella Family Crisis Centre, Habitat for Humanity, National Centre for Persons living with Disabilities and Living Waters Community.

The highlight of the day’s event was the annual staff long service awards. Five (5) long serving staff members were acknowledged for their contributions to the organisation. These staff members were Ms. Sue Ann René (35 years), Mrs. Lisette Weekes-Warner (10 years), Mrs. Ria Harridan (10 years), Mr. Adrian Barrington (10 years) and Ms. Rosanna Munroe (10 years).

TECU thanks these individuals for their service and continued contribution to the society.

Staff Long Service AwardsInternational Credit Union Day:

Adrian Barrington Rosanna Munroe

F.A.Q’s:How much do you know about TECU?Questions:

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1. What year was TECU established?

2. What does TECU stand for?

3. What is the core business of TECU?

4. Are members’ savings and loan balances protected?

Answers:1. 19462. In 1984, the society’s bond became open to all, and as such an

independent name was forged from the first initials of Texaco Employees Credit Union, thus creating TECU.

3. Savings, Loans, Fixed Deposits4. Yes! TECU offers both Life Savings and Loan Protection Coverage Life Saving Coverage: 1-69 years (100%) I 70-79 years (75%) I Age 80+ (40%)(Maximum - $60,000) Loan Protection Coverage: 1-75 years ( Maximum - $150,000) I 76-80 years ($75,000) I 81-85 years ($37,500)

GROUP LIFE INSURANCE PREMIUM

If you are unable to make payments from your own funds, please be informed that you also have the option of applying for a loan to cover such cost.

AGE CLASS COVERAGE NEW PREMIUM

1-10 $12,000 $76.44

11-17 $16,500 $105.00 18-64 $39,500 (Life & AD&D) $265.44 65-74 $35,000 $180.60 75 and over $35,000 $159.60

CLIC

O R

ATES

PREMIUM BENEFIT

PLAN A $52.80 monthly $10,000

PLAN B $79.20 monthly $15,000

PLAN C $105.60 monthly $20,000

PLAN D $158.40 monthly $30,000

PLAN E $211.20 monthly $40,000

FIP

RATE

S

Members are advised that payments for the CLICO Group Life Insurance, CUNA Family Indemnity Plan (FIP) and Group Real Estate Coverage premium are due on or before January 31st, 2014. Premium would be deducted from available shares. Members are therefore reminded to ensure that sufficient funds are available on

their share account to cover their premium.

VISA • CONVENIENCE • SAFETYLOYALTY • AGENTS • DISCOUNTS

SAVINGS • SECURING • AGMAFFILIATES

TECU / LinCU Word SearchP C O F Z W X O G G C X N S E

Q S G N I V A S P Z U G J C V

B A A F G Y F C X D Z M N C M

T Y F I O D G C I A G E N T S

S K F L Q H X S J Y I J F S Y

H Q I C K W C G T N T O T N T

V G L J I O C Z E G N E D C E

I T I D U G Q V V N I Q Z E F

S C A N K G N C E I K F Y S A

A S T R U O V X I R D W L N S

W S E M C R R I L U E Y D G P

C V S Y A T P G L C Y H E H Q

K Q D G Z O C O F E I U P X X

B V M I H Z T W P S U X W V U

F E P K L O Y A L T Y P K N K

CornerEtiquette by Mrs. Lucy Ottley

We spend more of our waking hours at work than we do in our homes. The workplace brings different experiences, requires different talents and puts you in association with people you might otherwise not choose to be with. Rela-tionships are at the core of business success. Manners and etiquette therefore, have a profound effect on the way we establish and develop those relationships.

At work you share common work-related goals, and your ability to work with your co-workers will influence your success at your job. If things get difficult it may be critical that you find a way to solve problems.

Etiquette offers you tools that can smooth the way, prevent difficulties from reaching the point where they threaten success, and can help you solve problems when you need to.

Office IssuesSuccessful employment requires that you perform as expected, practise common courtesies, and solve prob-lems as they arise. The office/work environment functions best when employees are respectful and considerate of each other. This ranges from not eating someone’s lunch out of the fridge, to avoiding gossip, to communicating respectfully to co-workers.

Workplace RelationshipsSince so much time is spent with fellow workers, it is extremely important that you are aware of your reactions, always choosing to be civil and honest, “Treat others the

way you wish to be treated”. This rule must always apply.Respecting authority (rank), dealing with conflicts, and taking responsibility are all part of maintaining positive workplace relationships.

Clients, Customers, Vendors and Contractors are an integral part of your organization. Your interaction with these individuals can have a negative or positive outcome. Your efforts therefore, are reflected in your actions when dealing with them. This is a personal responsibility and you owe it to yourself and your organi-zation to make their experience pleasant, and worthwhile. Whether doing business on the phone, sending letters and e-mails, or having face-to-face interactions, your approach should always be one of civility, helpfulness, respect and consideration.

The Social Side of BusinessThe social component of business should not be over-looked. The workplace is a delicate environment and office parties, business lunches and other similar gatherings are times when civility and respectful manners still apply. Dealing positively with people will directly affect your success as an employee. Remember, common courtesies, consideration, and etiquette, are the little gestures that we perform out of respect for others.

Mrs. Lucy Ottley

On the Job

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“I got a lot of help in the sense of getting a loan. The banks ask for more collateral and it is easier at TECU than the bank even without a job letter. They have been good to me.”

“I can’t say anything bad about the Credit Union. They are here to help the poor people.”

“TECU is alright with me. I am here very rarely. The dividends are getting smaller but that’s okay with me.”

SayWhat Our MembersRadha Ragoonanan, over 5 years

Michael Williams, over 38 years

TECU’s commitment to social responsibility continues to be fundamental to the development of the community and the wider society.

Our 9th internship programme com- menced on July 1, 2013 and concluded on August 30, 2013.

Fifteen (15) interns were assigned to various departments to gain practical work experience, in addition to good office etiquette. Some of the key skills developed and attained included, financial planning, resume writing and interviewing skills, managing peer relationships, conflict resolution, written communication skills and proper record documentation.

With the success of our 9th internship programme, one of TECU’s primary thrusts will be the continuation of innovative developmental projects to help sustain the development of our community. TECU’s internship programme promises to be bigger and more successful in the future.

We wish all the interns good success in their future endeavours and trust that they would maximize the opportunity experienced, to soar to higher heights in their chosen careers.

2013Internship ProgrammeInterns visit to Tobago

EZ DEPOSITNo need for waiting in line- use EZ Deposit!!Steps for completing your EZ Deposit

1. Complete Deposit information on envelope (use one envelope per account)2. Insert cash and / or cheque in envelope3. Cheques should be made payable to TECU Credit Union. If cheque is in members name, please sign / endorse back of cheque twice4. Seal envelope and deposit into box5. Envelopes are opened by two o�cers of the Credit Union to ensure the protection of your transaction6. Deposits made by 2:00pm would be credited on the same day. Deposit made after that time would be credited on the next working day. 7. Your receipt would be mailed to you

EZ deposit can be conducted at any of our branches. Both cash and cheque deposits are accepted.

Cash Deposits in excess of $20,000 and cheques in excess of $50,000 would require completion of a “Source of Funds” Declaration Form.

Alston Francois, over 39 years

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/fp2p/?m=200908

S.E.A. and TERTIARY BURSARY AWARDSS.E.A. and TERTIARY BURSARY AWARDSIn an effort to continually motivate and develop the youth of TECU, students who are members and children of members were invited to apply for bursaries. Fifty (50) S.E.A and twenty- five

(25) tertiary bursary awards were distributed to academic achievers on Friday 20th September, 2013 at our annual bursary recipient function.

11TECUNEWS ISSUE 3 / 13TECUNEWS ISSUE 3 / 1310

The annual Primary School quiz, customarily held during Credit Union month, took place on Tuesday 15th October 2013. Eleven (11) schools from the southern region partici-pated. The students were given information on the Credit Union to study in preparation for the quiz.

2013Primary School QuizPrimary School Quiz

S.E.A. RECIPIENTSAbdullah Algernon Kassidy D. RamnarineAdelle Mongru Kaydan J. HepburnAdina D. Chandoo Kenya GreenAlexia Mahadeo Kereem T.J. BrandonAnisah S. Hosein Kyle LochanAnthony Bowlah Leigh- Ann DinnooAtiya Cummings Maegan JohnAzaria Browne Mariama TaylorBrandon Loorkhoor Megan E. Mc LeanBrandon Mc Eachrane- Lewis Mia Lum KinBrittany Taylor Nicholai RamsundarCeleste V. Williams Obadele K.P. Williams

TERTIARY RECIPIENTSAnne'el Bain Renata RamlochanChristian Jeremie Renelle MaharajDenisha Pierre Sarah ChaitooDennecia George Sarah GobinDipak Ramkissoon Sarah MootooJael-Joy Ahye Shareiz Mohammed

Crystal Gore Qasim Baksh Danneil Best Raphael PouchetDeyshia D. Carr Sahara A.M. CrawfordEsther Francois Sandhya SookhooIra Mahadeo Satish L. MaharajJade Soodoo Shawn SamarooJaden Gildharre Shivesh LallJerel Barzey Susan RagoonananJoel Philip Tia BrandfordJoseph Gokool Tiffany FrancisJosiah E. S. Bajnath Troy J. SamlalsinghJustin Ali Tylon DonaldKabir R. Bissessar Vernados D. Seepersad

Kerisha Stewart Shayena KanjuKimika Pitt Simeon MooreKwasi Edwards Simone JacobLaurissa Maharaj Talia BoodoosinghMatthew Farrow Whitney ChaseMichael Johnson Yasuri RamoutarRachel D. Siew

The winners of the Quiz were as follows:-

1st Place- Sydney Mohammed

2nd Place- Vashisht RamsaranBoth Students of T.M.L. School.

3rd Place- Zuriel Edwards of San Fernando Boys R.C. School.

4th Place- Veronique Andrews of San Fernando Girls’ Government School.