SoS Faye addresses GTUCCU AGM

Written by Musa Ndow
 
Fatou Lamin Faye, Secretary of State for Basic and Secondary Education, on behalf of the Vice-President Dr. Isatou Njie Saidy, on Saturday June 9th, officially opened the 10th Annual General Meeting of the Gambia Teachers Credits and Cooperative Union, at its Head Office on MDI road in Kanifing.

In her opening remarks, SoS Faye expressed delight and appreciation to the GTU, adding that the GTU is an arm of a body that works very closely  with her Department of State.
“It is obvious that the GTU and its Credit Union deal with teachers, a major stakeholder in the education sector in the country. She added that the theme for this year’s meeting “Credit Unions-Making a difference”, is most topical and pertinent to teachers, for it is conclusive that one of the main instruments of bringing about difference in the lives of humankind and in changing the course of history in education.”

SOS Faye stated that, she was aware that the GTU Credit Union has also bailed quite a number of teachers out of trouble, anxiety and despondency. She advised teachers to continue to work in the interest of the entire membership, and be guided by their well-articulated vision of ‘transforming the GTUCCUG into a leading and vibrant financial institution that improves members’ socio-economic status, resulting in self-confidence and empowerment of its members to deal with issues affecting them in the challenging economic environment.

For his part, Omar J Ndure, President of the GTU said AGMs are the highest decision-making body to which they all belong, must take responsibility and do justice to the issues brought before it. “We must not only be interested in the financial reports but to all the other issues that may impact on our progress. We need to generate more ideas free of emotions and sentiments towards a clear and progressive direction,” he urged.

Nuha Sanneh, Officer in Charge of NACCUG, on behalf of the General Manager described the occasion as yet another manifestation of the high level of democracy prevailing in the Credit Union. He said that, they at Naccug are satisfied with the level of growth registered by the GTUCCU in membership, savings as well as loans.

“The percentage growth registered in savings, loans and membership within the eight year period is unprecedented and thus, speaks for itself. Statistics have shown that your savings grew from D328,603 in July 1998 to D37,130,698 in December 2006. Within the same period, loans to members grew from D271,192 in July 1998 to D29,185,144 in December 2006. In the same vein, membership grew from 1246 in July 1998 to a record high of 6968 in December 2006. The GTUCCU financial statement for the period under review, have shown a positive return on investments,” he said.

He commended the board of GTUCCU for being very pro-active in their activities. He further challenged the Board of Directors that there is still the need for them to look into the possibility of opening their common bond to other educational institutions as potential for membership growth within the teaching fraternity.
Mr. Sanneh then commended GTUCCU for their positive move and urged them to continue the good work.