St. George’s, May 13th, 2024, In a ceremonial handover held at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort on May 8th, 2024, Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited presented $584,392 to the Ministry of Mental Health, Wellness and Religious Affairs for the Carlton Home Rehabilitation Centre for Substance Abusers.
The handover ceremony concluded the Bank’s efforts to raise $500,000 to re-establish Carlton Home through the annual Pump It Up Family Fun Walk. In 2016, the Pump It Up team identified alcoholism and substance abuse as major community health issues, and what started as the usual one-year contribution became a program of activities to address the substance abuse problem in Grenada.
“With the support of the benefactors, alliance partners and Pump It Up fun walkers, we were able to achieve and surpass our target of $500,000, with a total of $584,392 after this year’s events in Carriacou and mainland Grenada, surpassing the goal by $84,392,” announced Mr. Larry Lawrence, Managing Director of Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited.
To ensure the success of this fundraising venture, Co-op Bank enlisted support from corporate Grenada. Jonas Browne & Hubbard (G’da) Ltd, Cable & Wireless Grenada Ltd (FLOW), Guardian General Insurance (OECS) Limited, Antillean Group, Coyaba Beach Resort, Body Image Health Club, and Waggy T Rentals & Sounds Company answered the Bank’s call. At the ceremony, the Bank recognised the Pump It Up benefactors’ tremendous contributions. Mr. Willvorn Grainger, Chief Experience Officer of Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited, presented them with tokens of appreciation for their commitment to the Carlton Home restoration.
The effort to re-establish the Carlton Home Rehabilitation Centre for Substance Abusers encompassed more than fundraising. “As an indigenous institution, we have a vested interest in the wellbeing of the citizens where we operate,” stated Lawrence. “A healthy, thriving population provides the Bank with the opportunity to assist with the attained financial goals of individuals and their families.” As a result, the Pump It Up team employed a holistic approach to public awareness to share messages of prevention, the importance of seeking help when challenged by substance abuse, and the need for a specialized facility to assist during the rehabilitation process.
The late Derrick La Borde, a fervent advocate for Carlton Home’s restoration, joined the Bank’s public awareness initiatives, sharing his story as a recovering alcoholic. Mr. La Borde’s tremendous contributions to the cause were recognised and honoured during the ceremony.
Hon. Delma Thomas, Minister for Mental Health, Wellness and Religious Affairs accepted the donation for the re-establishment of Carlton Home and commended the private sector partnership in addressing crucial societal needs. “Co-op Bank’s generous donation not only demonstrates corporate social responsibility but also underscores a shared commitment to improving public health and social welfare. Such initiatives play a pivotal role in community development and promoting a culture of compassion and support for individuals struggling with addiction,” said Minister Thomas.
Minister Thomas also expressed her gratitude to the Grenadian public for their overwhelming support and generous contributions. “Your participation in the health walks over the years and your financial donations reflect the spirit of unity and compassion that defines our nation. Together we are making a tangible difference in the lives of our fellow Grenadian citizens, demonstrating the power of collaborative action in addressing pressing social challenges.”
The funds raised from the Pump It Up walks will be used to outfit the new rehabilitation centre. According to Minister Thomas, the new facility will be constructed in St. Andrew, on the premises of the former Nurses’ Hostel. The funds will remain in a trust managed by the Board of Trustees until construction of the facility is complete.
Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited extends its gratitude to its partners and the public for their resolute and unwavering support over the years. The Bank intends to continue the Healthier Lifestyles programme and, by extension, hold the Pump It Up Family Fun Walk next year with a new beneficiary.
On Sunday April 21, 2024, thousands of people in bright orange shirts took to the streets of St. George, participating in the 13th Co-op Bank Pump It Up Family Fun Walk, the main feature of the Bank’s Healthier Lifestyles Programme.
After a short opening ceremony and warm-up session, the walk began promptly at 4:00 p.m. from the Morne Rouge playing field to the Kirani James Athletics Stadium. While most participants took the normal route, others opted to tackle the challenge route up Lowther’s Lane, down Marrast Hill, through River Road, and on to the Kirani James Athletics Stadium.
In 2024, the curtains were brought down on the collaboration between Co-op Bank and corporate Grenada, which began in 2017 with an aim to raise $500,000 for the benefit of one major sustainable initiative – the re-establishment of the Carlton Home.
This year, the contributions of the benefactors totaled $45,000 which has been placed in the Trust Fund created for the initiative. Additionally, the Bank made its customary contribution of $1.50 per mile for each registered participant: 485 participants in Carriacou, and 4,377 in Grenada on both the regular and challenge routes, totaling $26,215 for the Carriacou and Grenada events.
In Carriacou, on April 14, the presentation of $3,000 was made to Hon. Tevin Campbell, Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government. On Sunday April 21, the Bank’s Managing Director presented $23,215 to Hon. Delma Thomas, Minister for Mental Health, Wellness, and Religious Affairs, the ministry which the Bank will continue to work closely with to see the re-establishment of the Carlton Home brought to fruition.
Speaking to participants during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Pump It Up Family Fun Walk at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium, Mr. Larry Lawrence, Managing Director of Co-op Bank, announced that the target of $500,000 was surpassed.
Mr. Lawrence stated that the Bank’s contribution, pledges made by benefactors, and other donations towards this project amounted to $584,392, that is $84,392 above the target, which is a tremendous feat. Mr. Lawrence reminded participants that the funds will be used for the outfitting of the facility and will continue to be managed by the Board of Trustees made up of the three (3) initial benefactors and the Bank until construction of the facility is complete.
Jonas Browne & Hubbard (G’da) Ltd (Hubbard’s), FLOW Grenada Ltd, and Guardian General Insurance (OECS) Limited were the first benefactors coming on board to support the initiative in 2017. They were followed by Antillean Group in 2018, Coyaba Beach Resort in 2019, and Waggy T Rentals & Sounds Co. and Body Image Health Club in 2020. Hubbard’s, FLOW, Guardian General Insurance and Antillean Group remained as benefactors for the 2023-24 period.
Between 2009-2016, different health related charities have benefitted from the proceeds of the walk, including the Grenada Heart Foundation, Grenada Diabetes Association, Grenada Kidney Foundation and Sickle Cell Foundation of Grenada, Grenada Cancer Society, Pink Ribbon Society and Lupus Foundation of Grenada. The Bank remains committed to promoting vibrant and physically active lifestyles, encouraging preventative approaches to health issues, and making information concerning health matters available to the public as part of its Healthier Lifestyles Programme.
Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited continues to support local communities. On Tuesday April 9, 2024, the Bank made a generous donation of $ 20,000 to assist with the relief and recovery efforts for the families affected by the fire that destroyed five homes in the village of Chantimelle, St. Patrick. The presentation was made at a joint ceremony hosted by Co-op Bank and Jonas Browne and Hubbard (G’da) Ltd. at the site of the fire.
Dr. Aaron Logie, Executive Manager, Finance and Wealth Management Services at Co-op Bank and a past resident of the area presented the donation to Ms. Faith Phillip, chairperson of the CHANTIVIC Fire Committee. While speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Logie extended heartfelt sympathies to the families affected by the recent devastating fire and assured them that the thoughts and prayers of the Co-op Bank family are with them during this difficult time.
Dr. Logie remarked, “As Grenada’s only local commercial bank, with a branch strategically located to serve the people of St. Patrick, and staff who currently reside or are deeply rooted in the community of Chantimelle, it is only fitting that we step forward and generously support this community in its time of need.”
According to Dr. Logie, “Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited believes in the power of partnerships, the joining of forces and resources to support one another during challenging times. And so, we have partnered with Jonas Browne & Hubbard (G’da) Ltd., a like-minded corporate entity, ready to respond to the need at hand. Like us, they understood that collectively, we can do more.” He also made a special plea to corporate Grenada and individuals locally and in the diaspora to support this worthy
cause. “The size of your contribution does not matter, as collectively, it will amount to more.”
Co-op Bank reaffirms its commitment to supporting our communities and standing with our neighbours in their time of need.
Dear valued customers,
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Here is a sample of one of the spam emails currently in circulation:
From: "Grenada Co-operative Bank" <[email protected]>
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To:
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A payment of $584 XCD has been debited from your account. If this transaction was not made by you, please click here to get a reverse payment.
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On Friday December 8, 2023, Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited entered into an agreement with The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus Grenada that will bring benefits to individuals wishing to pursue higher education at the institution.
The Bank has created “Earn and Learn”, an education loan product that is tailored to meet the needs of current and prospective students interested in becoming qualified while working. The facility offers unsecured financing up to $40,000, to finance tuition and school supplies, with a competitive interest rate and three attractive options to choose from.
The agreement was signed at The UWI’s location on H.A. Blaize Street, St. George’s by Dr. Nicole Phillip Dowe, Head of The UWI Global Campus, Grenada and Mr. Willvorn Grainger, Chief Experience Officer of Co-op Bank. Mr. Grainger remarked that this product is a welcome addition to the Bank’s suite of financial solutions and complements the Bank’s existing line of education products. This is the third financial solution aimed at satisfying the educational needs of our population.
Dr. Phillip-Dowe expressed her appreciation to the Bank for this special offer which provides students of The UWI Global Campus Grenada with an option for financing their educational goals. She also expressed her gratitude for the Bank’s commitment to the institution over the years.
As the only local commercial bank in Grenada, Co-op Bank is committed to creating opportunities for Grenadians to pursue educational advancement with ease, through financial solutions and community support programs. The Bank currently offers an Education Investment Plan (EIP), where customers can save for educational purposes. The EIP also features an annual scholarship and star points program.
The Bank now has two financing solutions: the Higher Education Loan Plan (HELP) to cover any tertiary educational needs and the new Earn & Learn solution.
On July 17, 2023, Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited announced the successful transfer of assets and liabilities of CIBC FirstCaribbean, Grenada branch. Customers are now able to access Co-op Bank’s full suite of financial solutions, through its conveniently located Retail Banking Units, CONNEX ATMs and eBanking (online) platform.
An acquisition of this magnitude marks a significant milestone in the Bank’s 90-year history. It involved the migration of over 13,000 customers, Loans valued at EC$154M and Deposits totaling EC$398.6M. This was a major undertaking for Grenada’s lone indigenous commercial bank and is testament to the experience and quality of its staff.
Customers are advised that the Bank is working assiduously to rectify any issues and challenges and wishes to thank all customers for their patience and understanding.
Noteworthy, during this process, the Bank rolled out many strategic initiatives that new and existing customers can now enjoy. These include:
- An enhanced suite of credit cards with an attractive rewards program
- Upgrades to the eBanking (online) platform
- Creation of a customer contact centre to assist with the transition and provide virtual and real-time responses to customers’ queries.
The Bank has prioritized a few post-acquisition initiatives, which will be undertaken in the coming weeks, including:
- Implementing further enhancements to its eBanking and digital platforms to allow for more seamless and efficient user experiences.
- Embarking on updating customer records to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and other regulatory standards.
Further, the Bank is pleased to announce that several former CIBC FirstCaribbean employees have joined the Co-op Bank family. This will provide customers with familiar faces as they become accustomed to doing business with the Bank and to further improve customer service delivery.
Co-op Bank remains committed to providing excellent customer experiences each and every time and wishes to thank all stakeholders involved in making this acquisition a success.
On Sunday April 23, 2023, the streets of St. George were transformed into a sea of green as thousands participated in the 12th Co-op Bank Pump it Up Family Fun Walk. This is the main feature of the Bank’s Healthier Lifestyles Programme, returning after a three-year break due to restrictions relating to COVID-19.
After a short opening ceremony and warm-up session, the walk began promptly at 4:00 p.m. from the Morne Rouge playing field to the National Cricket Stadium. While most participants took the normal route, others opted to tackle the challenge route up Lowther’s Lane, down Marrast Hill, through River Road, and on to the National Cricket Stadium.
Co-op Bank has been collaborating with corporate Grenada since 2017 to raise $500,000 for the benefit of one major sustainable initiative – the re-establishment of the Carlton Home. Speaking to participants during the closing ceremony of the 2023 Pump it Up Family Fun Walk at the National Cricket Stadium, Mr. Larry Lawrence, Managing Director of Co-op Bank, announced that the Bank will be making its largest contribution to date of $43,000 for the Grenada event. The amount was presented to Mr. Kevin Andall, Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Wellness and Religious Affairs in the Ministry of Health, the ministry with which the Bank has been working closely for this project. When combined with contributions from Carriacou, a total of $50,070 was raised by the Bank in 2023.
Mr. Lawrence further stated that with the Bank’s contribution and pledges made by benefactors the total amount secured towards this project is approximately $488,800, just $11,200 shy of the targeted $500,000. Mr. Lawrence indicated that the funds secured will continue to be managed by the Board of Trustees made up of the three (3) initial benefactors and the Bank.
Jonas Browne & Hubbard (G’da) Ltd, FLOW Grenada Ltd, and Guardian General Insurance (OECS) Limited were the first benefactors coming on board to support the initiative in 2017. They were followed by Antillean Group in 2018, Coyaba Beach Resort in 2019, and Waggy T Rentals & Sounds Co and Body Image Health Club in 2020.
Between 2009-2016, different health related charities have benefitted from the proceeds of the walk, including the Grenada Heart Foundation, Grenada Diabetes Association, Grenada Kidney Foundation, Sickle Cell Foundation of Grenada, Grenada Cancer Society, Pink Ribbon Society and Lupus Foundation of Grenada. The Bank remains committed to promoting vibrant and physically active lifestyles, encouraging preventative approaches to health issues, and making information concerning health matters available to the public as part of its Healthier Lifestyles Programme.
On Wednesday March 8, 2023, Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited held a press event at the Coyaba Beach Resort Conference Room to officially launch the 12th annual Pump it Up! Family Fun Walk.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Ericka Hosten, Manager, Marketing & Customer Insights Unit, advised that the return of the Bank’s annual Pump it Up! Family Fun Walk will be held in Carriacou on Sunday March 26, 2023, starting at the Harvey Vale playing field and ending at the Hillsborough playing field. On Sunday April 23, 2023, in mainland Grenada, the Fun Walk will go from the Morne Rouge playing field to the Grenada National Cricket Stadium.
She emphasized the Bank’s continued commitment toward the re-establishment of services at the Carlton Home rehabilitation center for substance abusers and reflected on the contributions of Jonas Browne & Hubbard (G’da) Ltd., Flow Grenada, Guardian General Insurance (OECS) Limited, Antillean Group, Coyaba Beach Resort, Body Image Health Club and Waggy T Rentals & Sounds Co. – the benefactors that have joined with Co-op Bank since 2017 to pool resources toward this initiative.
Mrs. Hosten continued by adding: “Due to the enormity of the substance abuse problem in Grenada and the significant amount of resources required to combat the health challenges arising from it, we invite other local corporate citizens to join the efforts of the Bank, its benefactors, and the Ministry of Health…companies that share similar core values and understand the importance of this challenge to come on board.”
In his feature address, the Bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Larry Lawrence spoke about the status of the fund to re-establish the services of the Carlton Home, which is managed by a Board of Trustees. “When we started in 2017, our goal was to raise $500,000 in five years. To date, we have raised $350,000 and we intend to extend our efforts for two years, 2023 and 2024.”
He also stated that the Bank is “further committed to increasing the amount matched for each participant registered from $1.00 to $1.50 per person per mile. In addition, we are pleased to announce that for 2023, all collections from the sale of packages will be deposited directly to the Re-establishment of the Carlton Home Fund.”
The benefactors gave a show of their commitment by presenting their financial contributions to Mr. Lawrence.
Since 2009, a different health related charity has benefited from the proceeds of the Pump it Up! Family Fun walk, such as the Grenada Heart Foundation, Grenada Diabetes Association, Grenada Kidney Foundation, Sickle Cell Association of Grenada, Grenada Cancer Society, Pink Ribbon Society and Lupus Foundation of Grenada. As the Bank celebrates its 12th Family Fun walk, it remains committed to promoting vibrant and physically active lifestyles, encouraging preventative approaches to health issues and making available information concerning health matters as part of its Healthier Lifestyles Programme to the public.
Photo: (left to right) Kevin Andall, Permanent Secretary wrf Wellness & Religious Affairs; Kennie John, Managing Director Antillean Group Grenada; Nigel Adams, Managing Director, Guardian Group OECS; Larry Lawrence, Managing Director Grenada Co-operative Bank Ltd; Osmond James, General Manager (ag), Jonas Browne & Hubbard G’da Ltd; Lincoln Baptiste, Commercial Director B2C & B2B Flow; Ronald Hughes, Chairman Board of Directors Guardian Group Grenada.
