News February 25 2026

Trinidad and Tobago credit unions extend relief to Jamaican communities

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  • Goods donated to the Granville Girls’ Home in Trelawny by the Trelawny Co-operative Credit Union. The handover was made by General Manager Robert Howell. Goods donated to the Granville Girls’ Home in Trelawny by the Trelawny Co-operative Credit Union. The handover was made by General Manager Robert Howell.
  • JCCUL, representing the credit unions of Jamaica, together with the team from Infiniti Co-operative Credit Union and NeXGen Change Makers, during a handover of donated goods to the Blossom Gardens Child Care Facility. JCCUL, representing the credit unions of Jamaica, together with the team from Infiniti Co-operative Credit Union and NeXGen Change Makers, during a handover of donated goods to the Blossom Gardens Child Care Facility.
  • Supplies make their way from truck to community as donated goods are offloaded. Supplies make their way from truck to community as donated goods are offloaded.

In a significant display of regional solidarity, the credit union movement in Trinidad and Tobago has extended a helping hand to vulnerable communities across Jamaica, demonstrating that the bonds of cooperation can bridge the shores between nations.

The donation, organised by the Trinidad and Tobago League on behalf of its member credit unions, was assembled in response to the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. Between February 2 and February 20, the Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League (JCCUL), on behalf of the credit unions of Jamaica, managed the distribution of the 40-foot container of relief supplies sent from Trinidad. The contents included a variety of food items, mattresses, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, diapers, wet wipes, cases of water, tarpaulins, and toilet paper.

The initiative is a powerful expression of the seventh co-operative principle, concern for community, and highlights the close operational relationship between the two leagues. It serves as a practical example of neighbours helping neighbours, as Trinidadian co-operatives moved to assist their Jamaican counterparts in supporting those in need following the hurricane.

The distribution effort saw representatives from C&WJ, Trelawny, First Regional, Infiniti credit unions and the NeXGen Change Makers Association accompany JCCUL officials to hand over the goods to nine institutions across the island:

• Santa Cruz Infirmary, St Elizabeth – food items, 4 mattresses, cleaning supplies, toilet paper

• Savanna-la-Mar Infirmary, Westmoreland – food items, 4 mattresses, cleaning supplies, toilet paper

• Parottee community, St Elizabeth – 110 care packages, 12 mattresses, 10 tarpaulins, 130 cases of water, toilet paper

• Manning’s Boys’ Home (boys 8-18 years), St Elizabeth – 2 mattresses, food, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, water, toilet paper

• Granville Home – Place of Safety (girls 8-18 years), Trelawny – 2 mattresses, food, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, water, toilet paper

• Blossom Gardens Child Care Centre (ages 0-6 years), Montego Bay – diapers, wipes, food, cleaning supplies, water, toilet paper

• Women’s Centre (pregnant teens), Montego Bay – diapers, wipes, food, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, water, toilet paper

• Runaway Bay Infant and Primary School, St Ann – food, juices, water, cleaning supplies, toilet paper

• Parry Town Infant and Primary School, St Ann – food, juices, water, cleaning supplies, toilet paper

At the Manning’s Boys’ Home in Southfield, Manager Richard Aikens expressed gratitude to the credit unions of Jamaica and the Trinidad League, noting that the institution was grateful and a bit surprised by the kind gesture.

The successful handover is a testament to the credit union mantra of ‘People Helping People’, proving that when one neighbour reaches across the shore to help another, communities are stronger for it.

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