By Madiba Singhateh The Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI) Co-operative Credit Union (CCU) on Friday, 26th September, 2014 held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the institution’s main hall. In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Jacob Jatta, the Chairperson said the GTTI CCU AGM being organised is in line with the constitution that binds the cooperative and credit union. Mr. Jatta acknowledged the presence of the guests from the National Cooperative Credit Union (NACCUG), representatives of the Gambia Teachers Union and the GTTI management. He commended the members for their efforts, commitment and for attending the AGM. He said the AGM is provided for in the constitution and by-laws of the credit union and that it is an occasion when members can democratically express their views on issues affecting them and the credit union and the way forward. Mr. Baba S. Gibba, the guest speaker on the occasion, following the reading of the minutes of the fifth AGM, applauded the commitment of members. He also noted that it was a demonstration of democratic practice when the credit union members have the right to be heard and know everything about their money. In his remark, Mr. Lanlokun Olabode Thrimidhi, the chairman of the Board of Directors, recalled how it all began some eight years ago when the then management led by the former Director General called a staff meeting and that among issues deliberated upon was the formation of a credit union which was initiated by the then registrar. He said at the end of the meeting, a six person committee was formed, including himself and 5 others as members. He said they deliberated on the logistics and then thought it wise to invite the parent body, NACCUG, as well as the General Manager of the Gambia Teachers’ Union (GTU) to enlighten and orientate them on the principles and practice of credit union. “They didn’t waste time in responding to our request by visiting and talking to us,” he disclosed. He said they grasped the facts faster than expected and right there they formed the union. “The current board of Directors under my leadership have the following sums in our 2013 accounts as at 31 December D298, 807, fixed deposit D1, 077,597,” he said. Mr. Olabode thanked the general assembly for its cooperation and support. He urged the members present to be vigilant and choose the people that are ready to serve better and who will uphold accountability and transparency as principles. The other speakers at the event included Mr. Lamin Touray from the Registrar of Cooperative and Credit Union and Mr. Baboucarr Cham, the General Manger of NACCUG.]]>
