EACH YEAR, the GSB Credit Union as part of their normal operations, assists a number of entities and individuals to meet their needs. This assistance programme involves the adoption of a basic school (St. Paul's United Basic School) and, annual donations to the Bellevue Hospital in addition to assisting a number of civic groups. Other involvement includes an annual community children's treat and the awarding of up to seven scholarships per year done through the Renald Mason Scholarship Awards.
The Renald Mason Scholarship Award is presented annually to members and children of members pursuing final year studies at a tertiary institution. Despite the massive hike in school fees and the cost of books, in some cases by over 100 per cent, the GSB Credit Union continues to make a substantial contribution to the educational welfare of our civil servants and their families.
FINANCIAL NEED
This year, six students topped a group of 22 applicants to be awarded the Renald Mason scholarship based on their academic performances, their financial need and their involvement in their credit union and the wider community. At the award ceremony held at the Knutsford Court Hotel last month, GSB Credit Union awarded scholarships amounting to over $300,000 to Dahlia Green, Judene Loutin, Ashmarie Berwise and Annette Braithwaite of the University of the West Indies. Scholarships also went to Antonia Cooper and Vincynette Coke of the University of Technology.
This scholarship was developed over a decade ago in memory of former civil servant and president of the GSB Credit Union in whom resided an overwhelming passion for education and the welfare of fellow civil servants. It befittingly is being awarded to these students who have managed to maintain, in many cases, outstanding grades despite their other compelling responsibilities and, in some instances, full-time careers in the public sector.
It is with great pride that the institution makes this presentation each year as their often repeated commitment to the education of the Jamaican people and particularly their membership remains inexhaustible. The GSB Credit Union has for a long time now recognised that proper education is the only true way to success and self actualisation and has maintained this contribution for over a decade despite the challenging financial climate. Its hope is to continue to transform the lives of civil servants and their families on a whole.
