When it comes to financing education, especially higher education, our team at Grenada Co-operative Bank understands how overwhelming it can be trying to figure out how to cover university expenses. You should be focused on making the most out of your university experience –– getting good grades, building a network, and developing transferrable skills for life after graduation –– not worrying about where next semester’s tuition is coming from.
As Grenada’s only indigenous commercial bank, we are dedicated to our nation’s holistic development. We believe in the power of education to transform societies and are committed to supporting Grenadians as they pursue their academic goals. That’s why we developed financial solutions specifically designed to help you cover the costs of education, at all levels, whether you need support now or as you prepare for the future.
If you need support now, Co-op Bank can HELP!
Our Higher Education Loan Plan (HELP) is a student loan for full coverage of tuition cost, accommodations and books. Convenient and flexible repayment terms, reduced fees and a pre-approved credit card are just some of the features of this financing solution for students heading to university. At Co-op Bank, our HELP comes in two forms: Gold and Platinum. With the Gold Plan, interest is capitalized at the end of study and small, minimum principal repayments are made during the course of study. The Platinum Plan offers the convenience of repaying the interest during the period of study, and the balance never increases while interest is paid.
Another financial solution for tertiary-level education is the Earn and Learn Education Loan in partnership with the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus Grenada. Earn and Loan is a great option for people who are balancing employment and studies at UWI Global Campus Grenada. The Earn and Learn education loan offers unsecured financing up to $40,000, with a competitive interest rate, to cover tuition costs and school supplies.
As you prepare for the future, be a Super Starter!
Your little scholars may not be ready for college or university yet, but from our perspective, it’s not too early to start preparing for their higher education. More than a savings account, our Super Starter Education Investment Plan (EIP) is a well-planned investment strategy to achieve future academic goals. The Super Starter EIP offers three plans, making it easier for you to find an option that meets your needs. Our EIP also has attractive perks, including the ability to earn $5 for every “A” achieved and the chance to win scholarships to cover school expenses. Then, when the time for college comes, the Super Starter EIP can be used as security for a higher education loan.
It’s time to stop deferring your educational dreams and Co-op Bank is here to help. Visit one of our Retail Banking Units or our website to learn more.
St. George’s, Grenada – July 16, 2025 – Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited has awarded thirteen lucky students with Super Starter Education Investment Plan (EIP) scholarships for the upcoming school year. The six (6) primary and seven (7) secondary school students were presented with their scholarships on June 26th, 2025, at Co-op Bank’s Lamolie House.
The Super Starter Education Investment Plan, offered exclusively by Grenada Co-operative Bank, is a special education savings product. The EIP has three categories: silver, for primary school students; gold, for secondary school students; and platinum, for tertiary level students. The plan has several attractive features, including the opportunity for account beneficiaries to win scholarships to help cover education expenses. “The scholarship component of the EIP was developed to ensure that children across all parishes, including Carriacou and Petite Martinique, have equal access to financial support for their education. This year, we are proud to award 13 scholarships – one gold and one silver per parish,” explained Brendon Mc Gillivary, Manager, Sales and Services of the St. George’s Retail Banking Unit. The 2025 scholarship recipients were randomly selected from among EIP account beneficiaries in the silver and gold categories.
This year, for the first time, EIP scholarship recipients also received 50 Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited ordinary shares. “This is not simply a gift, but an investment in your future,” remarked Kishel Francis, Manager (Ag), Wealth Management and Financial Services. “The list of benefits of holding Co-op Bank shares is endless. As a shareholder, you will be a part owner of our bank – a strong, Grenadian company. Once you have acquired these shares, you will no longer only be an account holder but an owner. As a shareholder, you are also entitled to share in the profits of the company through dividend payments. You also have the ability to experience endless growth through capital appreciation of the value of the shares as the Bank continues to grow.”
Supporting national development through education is an integral part of Co-op Bank’s corporate social responsibility agenda. Since launching the Super Starter EIP scholarship component in 2009, the Bank has awarded 349 scholarships as a direct investment in the nation’s youth. Co-op Bank remains a trusted and dependable partner to help Grenadians meet their financial and educational goals.
Before we get started, we have a few questions to ask. Have you been thinking about making some changes around the house? Take a quick look around. Is your kitchen beginning to look a little dated? How about your bathroom? How many times did you use the tub that you said you were absolutely going to use? Since the children have moved out, do you think you can finally convert a bedroom into a space to focus on your passion projects, an entertainment centre or even a home gym? Think about how you feel at home as every day feels hotter than the last. Are you satisfied with the figure on your utility bills each month?
Now that we’ve got you thinking about home improvements, let’s talk about making them a reality.
Homeowners embark on home improvement projects for many reasons. Sometimes, it’s a matter of necessity. Sections of the roof might need to be replaced, cracks in the walls sealed and tiles replaced. Other times, it’s the last step in making the dream home complete, for example adding a backyard pool or garden patio. Renovations, like kitchen and bathroom remodels, can increase the property’s value if being considered for sale. Then, there are the upgrades needed to face the realities of climate change.
Whatever the reason for starting a home improvement project, Co-op Bank is on your side with financing solutions that offer affordable interest rates and flexible repayment terms. Consider a mortgage loan for renovations or a consumer loan, with hassle-free applications and quick approvals, for small or large purchases.
Co-op Bank continues to be your trusted partner to help you meet your financial and other life goals. Now, we can also be your BFF — helping you build for the future and protect your investments against nature’s unpredictability.
As your BFF, we can help you get up to $50,000 unsecured for climate-smart home upgrades so that you can invest in renewable energy solutions, energy efficient appliances, water storage and hurricane preparedness. And, the more climate-resilient and energy efficient upgrades you add to your home, the lower your interest rate. Check out our special Savings Points Calculator to see how much your BFF can help you save.
This is your sign to make a move on those pending home improvement projects. Whether it’s a kitchen remodel with new energy efficient appliances or an investment into solar panels and water storage, Co-op Bank has your back. Visit https://www.grenadaco-opbank.com/bff/ for more details to help you build for the future.
Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited continues to deliver upon a 2018 promise for additional shareholder engagement with the successful hosting of the 8th Annual J.B. Renwick/Arnold Williamson Shareholders’ Outreach Forum. The well-attended outreach forum, themed Building a Fit-for-Purpose Board of Directors, was held on June 18th, 2025.
Darryl Braithwaite, Chairman of Co-op Bank’s Board of Directors, explained the importance of this year’s theme in his welcome to the shareholders. “Today, more than ever, the success and sustainability of our institution depend not only on operational excellence or financial performance but on the strength, vision, and integrity of Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited’s performance. A board that is fit for purpose must be composed of individuals with the right mix of skills, experience, and foresight to guide Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited through an increasingly complex financial environment. This is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a strategic asset.”
Trevor Blake, Managing Director of the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange, led the discussion on what constitutes a fit-for-purpose Board of Directors. In his presentation, Mr. Blake explained the purpose of the Board of Directors and the roles of individual directors, and offered insight into the best practices for recruiting, onboarding and evaluating directors. This year, longstanding shareholders were presented with the inaugural J.B Renwick/Arnold Williamson Meritorious Award for decades of active engagement and unwavering commitment to the Bank.
The annual shareholders’ outreach forum fulfils Co-op Bank’s commitment to engage shareholders beyond the Annual General Meeting and create an avenue for the Bank to share information and receive valuable feedback from its shareholders. Over the last eight years, outreach forums have featured important topics of interest for shareholders, such as understanding shareholders’ rights and obligations, understanding and utilizing financial statements and annual reports, shareholders’ activism, and building wealth.
Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited announces the renewal of its sponsorship of Commancheros Steel Orchestra. The new contract, signed on Monday May 26, 2025, extends the relationship between Co-op Bank and the St. Paul’s based steel orchestra for another three years.
“We are extremely proud to continue our relationship with Commancheros Steel Orchestra,” commented Willvorn Grainger, Chief Experience Officer at Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited.
“They have represented our Bank with distinction, not just in competition, but in their innovative approach to promoting and developing the steel pan culture in Grenada. We look forward to being part of the journey for another three years.
The sponsorship relationship, established in 2022, aligns with Co-op Bank’s community outreach pillar to support culture and the performing arts in Grenada. As Grenada’s only indigenous bank, Co-op Bank is committed to the holistic development of the people of Grenada. Recognizing the significant contribution of culture and the performing arts to national development, the Bank is proud to support culture and arts-based initiatives.
Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited extends best wishes to Co-op Bank Commancheros as they prepare for the 2025 Panorama season, which culminates on August 9, 2025, Pantastic Saturday.
Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited, the Bank of the Diaspora, participated in the inaugural Grenada Day celebrations in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday May 25, 2025. The Bank’s participation in the Grenada Day celebration, organized by the Grenada Carriacou & Petite Martinique Association of Georgia (GCPAG), is part of the Bank’s strategy to strengthen relationships with customers in the Grenadian diaspora.
“As the Bank of the Diaspora, we are always exploring new avenues to engage with our customers who do not reside in Grenada. After a positive reception at the Grenada Day events in New York in 2023 and 2024, we actively looked for additional opportunities to meet our diaspora customers where they are,” explained Mr. Gary Sayers – Executive Manager, Sales & Service.
The Grenada Day Atlanta celebration featured a variety of attractions, including cultural performances, giveaways and delicious Grenadian food. Co-op Bank’s booth highlighted the Bank’s products and services, including wealth management and financial services. Especially important for the diaspora audience, the Bank’s team members demonstrated the alternative banking channels allowing customers to bank where they are with ease. Co-op Bank also used the opportunity to gather data, feedback and suggestions to better understand the diaspora experience and their banking needs.
The Grenada Carriacou & Petite Martinique Association of Georgia (GCPAG) was established to fulfill the mission of sharing its culture and resources to unify the Grenadian community in the Metro Atlanta area. Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited was proud to support the inaugural Grenada Day celebration and looks forward to continued partnership with the Grenadian diaspora in Georgia.
St. George’s, Grenada – May 15, 2025 – For the tenth year, Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited was the title sponsor of the Carol Bristol Distinguished Lecture Series, presented in partnership with the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus Grenada, to fulfill their mandate for public advocacy and engaging community.
Grenada Co-operative Bank has sponsored the Carol Bristol Distinguished Lecture Series since its inception in 2015. Delivering welcome remarks at the lecture on May 6th, Mr. Willvorn Grainger, Co-op Bank’s Chief Experience Officer, explained the Bank’s commitment to this lecture series. “As Grenada’s only indigenous commercial bank, with a vested interest in the development of our country, we take our role as a local institution seriously. This is why Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited has education as one of its major pillars of corporate social responsibility and continues to support initiatives like these. We want to afford our population the opportunity to hear from subject matter experts and be edified on topical matters.”
The 2025 Carol Bristol Distinguished Lecture was presented by Dr. Godfrey St. Bernard, a renowned regional and international demographer and social statistician. During his presentation, Dr. St. Bernard explored the theme “Harnessing People, Data, and Information Systems for Sustainable Development Trajectories in 21st Century Grenada” and emphasized the importance L-R: James Bristol, K.C.; Dr. Godfrey St. Bernard; Willvorn Grainger, Chief Experience Officer, Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited of holistic data collection to make decisions. “Development, first and foremost, is about the people. And we need to understand who are these people, how many of them exist, and how they are located in spaces,” explained Dr. St. Bernard. “Census taking and sample surveys are critical imperatives if you have to meet the needs of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators, especially in terms of facilitating some of the ideals that will permit us to begin to gauge issues of equality, equity and to what extent we are moving towards social justice.”
The Carol Bristol Distinguished Lecture Series acknowledges the contributions of the late Carol Bristol, QC, who served as chairman of the UWI Global Campus territorial advisory committee. “The linchpin of any successful society is education,” remarked Mr. James Bristol, KC. “This lecture series is part and parcel, and one of the many spokes in that wheel of education.” Grenada Co-operative Bank continues to contribute to the success of our society through educational initiatives, including annual scholarships and special education savings and financing solutions with unique features to meet the population’s varying needs. This, according to Mr. Grainger, is to “ensure that our people are well poised to first develop themselves and then to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Grenada.”
Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited, Grenada’s only indigenous bank, is proud to announce that the 2025 Pump It Up Family Fun Walk has raised more than $69,000 for the Princess Royal Hospital in Carriacou. Now in its 14th year, the Pump it Up Family Fun Walk is a staple on the Bank’s schedule of community activities to promote vibrant and physically active lifestyles.
The 2025 Pump It Up season started in Carriacou on April 6th with an exuberant crowd that, even with the signs of Hurricane Beryl still visible, exceeded all expectations as Pump it Up walkers of all ages completed the route from Harvey Vale to Hillsborough. At the end of the walk, Co-op Bank presented $5,000 to Mrs. Marisa Mc Lawrence, who accepted the donation on behalf of the Princess Royal Hospital.
contribution for the Carriacou event to Mrs. Marisa Mc Lawrence, Princess Royal Hospital
The Grenada Pump it Up walk, held on May 4th, attracted more than 5000 people for the walk from the Morne Rouge playing field to Kirani James Athletic Stadium. Most of the participants followed the normal route; however, some walkers tackled the challenge route – up Lowther’s Lane, down Marrast Hill and through River Road.
contribution for the Grenada event to Dr. Nicole Forte, Ministry of Health
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Willvorn Grainger, Chief Experience Officer, announced the total amount secured for the Princess Royal Hospital. “The Bank will contribute $1.50 per mile for each registered person on our Pump it Up Family Fun Walk. This year, we had 5,260 persons registered for the Grenada event: 5,060 for the regular route at 3.5 miles and 200 for the challenge route at 4.75 miles. With donations included, Co-op Bank is pleased to contribute $31,051.00 to the Princess Royal Hospital in Carriacou. When we add the corporate partners’ contributions and the proceeds from the Carriacou event, the total amount secured for the Princess Royal Hospital is $69,051.00.” Dr. Nicole Forte in the Ministry of Health accepted Co-op Bank’s contribution.
Every year, the Pump It Up Family Fun Walk is organized and executed by a team of staff volunteers. This year, members of staff participated in building excitement for healthier lifestyles with a step count competition and “Sneaker Fridays” throughout April.
The Princess Royal Hospital joins the eight organizations and institutions that have benefitted from the Pump It Up Family Fun Walk since its inception in 2009. Pump It Up is part of Co-op Bank’s Healthier Lifestyles programme, which aims to encourage a preventive approach to health issues and make information available to the public about health matters.
Smart home technology is transforming the way we live. Thanks to this technology, you can turn lights on and off from the couch, unlock doors without a key, or even wake up to a freshly brewed pot of coffee. In a smart home, devices and appliances are controlled automatically or remotely through an internet connection to create an optimal living experience.
Homeowners choose to automate their homes for a variety of reasons, with some of the most common being energy efficiency, safety and security. Additionally, smart home features can be utilized to create accessible environments for the elderly and differently abled. While home automation is intended to make life simpler, creating a smart home is a little more complex than buying new devices and connecting them to the internet. So, before you venture into home automation, here are a few things you should know so you can make the most of the technology.
Whether you are building a new home or transitioning your existing one, careful planning is a critical component of home automation. A great way to start is figuring out how much, or how little, automation you want in your home. Some smart homeowners opt for simple setups that control lights and security cameras. Others go a little further and also automate door locks and indoor climate control. And others go all out, automating lights, sound systems, full security systems, smart appliances, indoor climate control, window shades and more.
If you’re building a new home, let your architect know about your intentions to automate so that locations for security cameras and motion sensors, for example, can be factored into the design. This will ensure that devices are placed in the most effective locations to minimize blind spots and maximize coverage. While it seems like Wi-Fi is all we hear about these days, hardwired connections remain the best choice for reliability and security and should be included in the plans as well. Depending on the level of automation, you will also need to designate an area, like a small room or hallway, as the hub where all the network cables meet.
If you are thinking of adding smart features to your current home, make sure to evaluate the existing infrastructure before investing in new smart devices or technology. This will help you make an informed decision about the technology best suited for your home. And, if necessary, make some adjustments, like adding electrical outlets or installing multiple wireless routers, to maintain coverage throughout the house and make the best use of the smart technology.
As you continue planning for your smart home, compatibility and cost are also factors to keep in mind. With smart home technology becoming widely available, you will find dozens of brands on the market. It may be tempting to just buy whichever is on sale, but you should take your time to understand the devices that work well together first, so you don’t encounter compatibility issues later. While smart home technology has also gotten more affordable in the last few years, you should also be thinking of the costs beyond the purchase price. These costs include service subscriptions, upgrades and professional support, and the additional energy costs for always-on devices like security cameras.
Privacy is a major concern with smart homes. Following cyber-security best practices, such as network segregation, strong passwords and installing the recommended updates, is essential to safeguarding your smart home against bad actors. Reliability, especially in the event of a power outage, is also a concern. Include back up power solutions, particularly for critical functions, and set up manual overrides for all automated systems.
When it comes to creating a smart home, proper planning is essential for successful execution. The number of factors to consider might seem daunting at first, but, when implemented effectively, your smart home technology can bring innovation, convenience and comfort to your life. If you need help determining what automation setup is right for you, a smart home consultant can guide you through the process.
Ready to take the step towards automation? Here at Co-op Bank, our financing solutions are designed to help you achieve your goals. Let’s explore the borrowing option that’s right for you; visit us today.
