The new branch of the BPWCCUL at Mile And A Quarter, St. Peter.
The Barbados Public Workers Cooperative Credit Union Limited (BPWCCUL) has opened a new branch at Mile And A Quarter, St. Peter.
The branch, which officially opened yesterday morning, says President of the BPWCCUL, Raphael Holder, was established in response to repeated calls for such a facility in the north of the island. He said though the new location has been long in coming it was worth the wait, as it enhances the credit union’s existing presence in that community, which was previously by way of an automated teller machine (ATM) located in the Junction Hardware.
Holder revealed that ATM is one of the busiest in their network, as the area is a hub for the parishes of St. Andrew, St. James, St. Lucy, St. Peter and even St. Joseph.
With that in mind, he said that the “compact but contemporary facilities” at the new branch, with a staff complement of six personnel, will offer all the services available at the larger branches. He said it is anticipated that like the other out-of-city locations, Mile And A Quarter will make its mark on the country’s financial landscape.
“This pleasing trend of expansion underscores the willingness of our constituents to embrace the concept of utilisation outside of the city environs. The success of our Six Roads outlet is a prime example of this theory,” he told the audience.
He added, “… We therefore expect our membership to be pleased with this investment and for this location to demonstrate immediate heavy patronage.”
Speaking to the media following the opening ceremony, he addressed the BPWCCUL’s expansion in recent times, including the Six Roads, St. Philip branch, which he noted was initially small but had to be expanded due to demand.
“Six Roads, initially it was a small branch within the Emerald City location as you would know, but then the demand was so great we had to change and expand and we moved into what was the old Republic Bank. [We] expanded it, did some renovations and so forth and now it is a rather large facility. And actually, we almost do not have enough space there again because the demand is so great in that area,” he said.
Holder added, “As you know, St. Philip is one of those parishes that has been expanding rapidly, the demographics are changing there… [and] we are doing well there.”
(JRT)