Please allow me, on behalf of the entire JTA Co-op Credit Union Management, volunteers and staff, to express the sincere gratitude to all our members for entrusting us with the privilege of serving you throughout 2024. We are deeply honored that you have chosen us as your financial partner on your journey, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue serving you with even greater commitment and excellence in 2025.
As we approach the close of the year, it is customary to pause for reflection—taking stock of the months that have passed and looking ahead with renewed purpose and anticipation. The JTA Co-op Credit Union is no exception, and I would like to take this moment to highlight some of the significant milestones we have achieved together in 2024.
Firstly, I am proud to share that throughout the year, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to providing our members with the best possible rates on loans and savings, often surpassing what is available in the broader market. In June of this year, we were pleased to declare a dividend of 4% on ordinary shares, a testament to our ongoing mission to safeguard and enhance the financial wellbeing of each of you. This is just one of the ways in which we strive to make a positive impact on your financial journey.
Another key highlight for us in 2024 was our continued effort to enhance the physical spaces where we serve you. Many of you will recall that we undertook extensive renovations across several of our branch locations, including the significant upgrade of our Portmore, St. Catherine branch. This larger and more modern facility has already proven to be a welcome improvement, and we trust that our Portmore members are enjoying the enhanced service experience. We are excited to share that this initiative to improve and expand our spaces will continue into 2025, so please stay tuned for even more upgrades that we are confident will further enrich your experience with us.
Me at the opening of the new Portmore Branch Offices
In line with our commitment to enhancing service delivery, we also implemented a new loan origination system in 2024. This new system has streamlined our loan processing, making it quicker and more convenient for you, our valued members, to access the financial support you need. We are proud of these advancements and will continue to seek out innovative solutions to make your banking experience more seamless.
At the heart of everything we do at the JTA Co-op Credit Union is our guiding mantra: Serving our members, impacting lives positively. Over the course of 2024, we have lived this mission through various initiatives, including financial contributions to our members and their communities. We are pleased to report that, collectively, we donated nearly $20 million to support our members and their school communities. This commitment to giving back is something we take great pride in, and as we look ahead to 2025, I can assure you that we will continue to invest in programs that directly benefit you, our members.
Star Teacher of the Year Nicole Fray-Johnson receives her prize of $250,000 from the President of the Board Paul Adams. This is but one of the areas that the Credit Union supported our members throughout the year.
While I cannot reveal all the details of our plans for the upcoming year just yet, I can share that 2025 will bring a host of exciting initiatives, each designed with you at the center. Expect more personalized communications, enhanced online experiences, and improved member relations. We will also continue to implement programs that recognize and honor the contributions of our members. 2025 promises to be a pivotal year for the JTA Co-op Credit Union and for all of you, and we cannot wait to share these developments with you.
But before we dive into the future, let us take a moment to embrace the present and enjoy the festive spirit of the Christmas season. This is a time of giving, of reflection, and of joy when we reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ our saviour. For me, nothing encapsulates the spirit of Christmas more than a heartfelt Christmas carol. One of my personal favorites is Mary’s Boy Child by Boney M. what is your favourite Christmas Carol? Please share with us on our social media pages. As we close out 2024, I would like to extend my warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all of our members, as well as to the entire nation of Jamaica.
Thank you once again for your continued trust and support. We look forward to serving you in 2025 and beyond.
Robert Ramsay
