Annual adVENTURE Newsletter 2016

adVENTUREThe Off ic ial Publicat ion of VENTURE Credi t Union Co-operat ive Society Limited

VENTURE’S REFLECTIONMr. Desmond E. Baxter served as a Director and President of the Central Regional Chapter of Credit Unions and a Director of the Co-operative Credit Union League of Trinidad & Tobago (CCULTT). In addition, he was a Director and President of BC Caroni Credit Union during the period 1998-2000 and also held the post of Director

of the Central Financial Facility (CFF) Co-operative Society.

Mr. Baxter’s commitment, knowledge, experience and willingness to serve the Co-operative Sector have contributed to the great success of VENTURE

Credit Union. He served at VENTURE from its inception in 1987 until 2016 having held various positions namely, Vice

President, Director and Secretary of the Board.

One of his cherished roles was being the Chairperson of VENTURE’s 5K Committee. Mr. Baxter was very instrumental in the formation of this event and was indeed very passionate about it. He diligently served and contributed to its overwhelming success for the past 16 years.

Desi, as he was affectionately called, was an outstanding community leader and was actively involved in the Administration of Business, Social

Welfare, Scouts, Cultural Community Development, Sports, Politics and also held a Justice of Peace post

in the Couva locale up to the time of his passing.

Mr. Desmond Emmanuel Baxter will always be remembered by his VENTURE family as a dedicated family man, Credit Unionist, Councillor, Sportsman, Justice of the Peace and recipient of The Public Service Medal of Merit (M.O.M) Silver for Community Service; a demonstration of the life he lived, a man who was committed to service.

The Contributionof a Dedicated VENTURE

Family Member

Desmond E.Baxter

IN THIS ISSUEArticles

A Tribute to Mr. Baxter

Annual General Meeting 2016 pg.3

VENTURE Credit Union 17th Annual 5K Run and Fun Walk pg.4

Loans at VENTURE-Useful Information to Know pg.5

President’s Get Together & Long Service Award pg.7

International Credit Union Day- The Authentic Difference pg.10

VENTURE Continues The Gift of Giving pg.11

VENTURE –Paving the Way for Education in Trinidad and Tobago pg.12

A Member’s Message pg.13

Strategic Planning Session pg.14

Celebrating World Diabetes Day 2016 at VENTURE Credit Union pg.14

VENTURE Partners with the Energy Industry pg.15

Seminars

Liaising with our Liaison Officers pg.3

Events

Ronnie and Friends

The Hawaiian Affair

December 2016venturecreditunion.com

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Corporate Social ResponsibilityCorporate Social ResponsibilityVENTURE continues to place emphasis on its Corporate Social Responsibility. Some of its major projects held were the sponsorship of CAMP ABLE 2016 through the Common Good Fund and the Vacation Camps hosted by VENTURE’s Children Foundation. The former was held in Tobago from 18th to 25th July and is a residential camp for deaf and hearing impaired youth. Director Tracey Elcock again functioned as a volunteer at the camp and Director Lionel Sookoo visited the camp to share in the activities. The Directorship of VENTURE’s Children Foundation prides itself in its Annual Vacation Camps for less privileged children from the communities of Morne Diable, Carapichaima and Todd's Road. It is indeed pleased with the outcome for its added event, Camps’ Sports and Fun Day on July 28, at Gilbert Park, Couva. Here are some highlights of these activities.

The nineteenth (19th) Annual General Meeting was held on Thursday 31st March 2016 at Centre Pointe Mall Auditorium in Chaguanas. This was one of the largest meetings with over seven hundred and fifty (750)

persons present. There were extensive discussions which provided statutory committees and management with insightful feedback which will assist the Organization through the present economic climate.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2016ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2016

2016 The Off icial Publ icat ion of VENTURE Credit Union Co-operat ive Society L imited adVENTURE

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VENTURE’s Education Committee was pleased with the successful relaunch of the Host Companies’ Liaison Officers Initiative. This ongoing partnership was reignited with a seminar held on Tuesday 26th July 2016, at PLIPDECO’s Conference Room. Its theme was “Helping Us to Help YOU” and the feature address was delivered by the CEO, Mr. Charles Mitchell. Additionally, the roles and responsibilities of the Liaison Officers’ were explained by Mrs. Sherese Chee Mook - Education Committee volunteer. Liaison Officers who were unable to attend the event or anyone interested in functioning as a Liaison Officer from Host Companies are kindly asked to send an email to [email protected]. We at VENTURE Credit Union always look forward to improving the service to our membership.

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Liaising with our Liaison Officers

VENTURE’s 17th Annual 5k Run and Fun Walk took place on Sunday 18th September 2016. The theme of the event was “Bringing People Together” which focused on the unification of communities in Trinidad and Tobago as well as attracting other Caribbean nations such as Grenada and The Grenadines.

This year’s theme also paid tribute to one of our own, Mr. Desmond E. Baxter (deceased), past Chairman of VENTURE’s 5K Committee who passed away earlier this year.

The 5k Run and Fun Walk is one of VENTURE’s signature events and serves as a catalyst to better integrate our communities and build camaraderie. It provides a very affordable and healthy mechanism to allow participants relief

from the several social stresses that plague our communities. The event also demonstrates the power of the co-operative model.

The event was the most successful in its seventeenth (17th) year having recorded the largest number of participants. It also attracted top athletes throughout Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and other Caribbean Islands, such as Grenada and The Grenadines. For the second consecutive year the male category was won by Mr. Kenneth Rotich of Kenya, with Mr. Cleavland Forde and Mr. Winston Missigher both from Guyana placing second and third respectively.

Upon completion of the event, participants were treated to live entertainment and refreshments. They were also given the

opportunity to access free medical services including Blood Glucose and Cholesterol Testing. Seedlings were also distributed to those who were interested in same.

VENTURE extends a special Thank You to CUNA Caribbean Insurance who have partnered with us over the years to ensure that the event is a huge success. The organization would also like to thank our 5k Committee Members, Staff and Corporate Sponsors for their invaluable effort in ensuring the event was very successful. Their hard work and contribution were recognized. We look forward to the 2017 edition of VENTURE’S 5K Run and Fun Walk which is carded for Sunday 17th September, 2017.

VENTURE Credit Union 17th Annual 5K Run and Fun Walk“Bringing People Together”

From Left: Mr. Lionel Sookoo Chairman of VENTURE’s 5k Committee,Mr. Charles Percy President, Winners, Mr. Charles Mitchell CEO and

Mr. Wayne Cordner Account Relationship Manager, CUNA Caribbean Insurance.

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At VENTURE, we are committed to providing our members with accurate and reliable information to facilitate informed decision making. Our goal is to ensure that members are fully aware of the features and functionality of our products and services so as to maximize their benefits as members of VENTURE Credit Union.

The Credit Union’s core business is lending and we offer various types of Loans with conditions tailored to suit the needs of our members. VENTURE has compiled a list of frequently asked questions and the corresponding responses, so as to broaden our members’ understanding of this product.

What are the processing fees incurred, when applying for a loan at VENTURE?

Members will incur a nominal processing fee, determined based on the type of loan:

A TransUnion fee of $70.00 per applicant will also apply for all loan types.

Can I apply for a loan online?

Yes. An online loan application is available on our website http://www.venturecreditunion.com. VENTURE receives all loan applications submitted via the online system and one of our loan officers will contact you for further information.

I have completed my loan application and submitted all the requisite documents. How long before a decision is made on my loan?

The maximum time for a decision to be made on a loan is seven (7) working days. The Credit Committee meets every Wednesday and members are contacted, within a maximum of forty-eight (48) hours after this meeting, to be informed of the decision made on their respective loan applications.

How is the first due date on my loan determined?

Loans at VENTURE Credit Union Useful Information to Know

How is the interest on my loan calculated?

Interest accrues daily on a loan, from the date of disbursal. It is calculated based on the member’s reducing balance.Example:

If a member receives a loan of $100,000 in January 2016 and the balance on that loan is now $95,000, the interest will be calculated on the reduced balance of $95,000. At an annual rate of 9%, the daily interest is determined as follows:

For every additional day, until the next principal payment, daily interest of $23.42 will accumulate on the member’s loan. If the member makes another loan payment and his/ her loan balance declines to $90,000, then the daily interest on the loan will also decrease (to $22.19).

How is my loan installment applied?

A loan installment is applied towards interest first and principal thereafter. The allocation between principal and interest will follow the amortization schedule, provided that the member has serviced his/ her loan according to the terms and conditions outlined in the loan agreement.

Does it make a difference if I pay my loan late?

Interest accrues daily on a loan. When a late instalment is received, funds are applied to interest first (inclusive of the interest accrued for the additional days of the new month), before being applied to the loan balance. As such, for late instalments, the loan balance declines at a slower rate.

Is there a penalty for lump sum payments or early repayment of my loan at VENTURE?

No. A member can make lump sum payments to their loan at VENTURE without any penalties. The payment will first be used to clear any outstanding interest on the account, with the remainder of the payment applied to the principal balance.

Members can also repay their loans, earlier than scheduled, without any penalties.

Loan Type Processing Fee Ordinary/ Medical/ Education/ Debt Consolidation $20.00 Vehicle Loan $200.00 Mortgage Loan $750.00

Interest Calculation

Reduced Balance on Loan $95,000.00 Annual Percentage Rate

9%

Daily Interest Rate

9%/365= 0.025%

Daily Interest (TTD)

$23.42

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Nirvani Sookdeo- Strategic Business Analyst.

Continued on pg.6.

Can I view the balances on my loans online?

Yes. You can access your VENTURE loan balances (and share balances) anytime and anywhere, utilizing VENTURE’s online banking platform. A member can also transfer funds from their deposit account to their loans/ shares at VENTURE using the online banking service. Please visit one of our three (3) branches Couva, Arouca or San Fernando to sign up for this service.

I have a standing order set up and the funds have left my account at the bank. How many days will it take before the funds will be applied to my loan at VENTURE?

Bank standing orders can take up to a maximum of ten (10) working days to be received from the respective banks and to be processed by VENTURE.

I need to make a payment to my loan at VENTURE. Are there any alternative means to making a payment besides waiting in line for a Member Service Representative?

Yes. VENTURE offers several alternatives to make payments to your loans.

i) Quik VAt the Couva Branch, VENTURE has a fast deposit box- “Quik V”, which allows a member to by-pass the line to make payments to their loans or deposits to their share accounts. Simply place your cheque/ cash in one of the envelopes provided, complete the fields on the envelope and deposit in the designated Quik V box. If you have any questions, one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

ii) Bill Express ArrangementVENTURE members can make payments to their loans at any of fifty-five (55) Bill Express locations throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Members must first come into any of the three (3) VENTURE branches- Couva, Arouca or San Fernando, to sign up for this service

As always, VENTURE remains focused on improving our members’ financial well-being. Therefore, if you have further questions about loans or any other area of the Credit Union, please do not hesitate to send us an email at [email protected], call us at 225-4VCU (4828) or visit one of our three (3) branches Couva, Arouca or San Fernando.

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In its second year, the Board of Directors recognized long-standing Staff Members as part of the Annual President’s Get Together, “VENTURE into the future…creating new horizons ”. The Gala Event was held on 9th January 2016 at the Port of Spain Ballroom, Hyatt Regency. The Long Service awardees were: • Patricia Seetahal – 10 years of services• Keisha Huggins – 10 years of services• Marissa Ramsamooj – 10 years of services• Valentine Edwards – 15 years of services• Brenda Perry-Roberts – 35 years of services

Congratulations to all of the awardees and best wishes as you continue in your professional journey at VENTURE! Here are some memories of the evening’s celebration.

President’s Get Togetherand Long Service Award Ceremony

From Left: President Charles Percy, Long Service Awardees Marissa Ramsamooj,Patricia Seetahal-Mohammed, Keisha Huggins and Vice President Roger Bertrand.

Vice President Roger Bertrand and Long Service Awardee Valentine Edwards. President Charles Percy and Long Service Awardee Brenda Perry-Roberts.

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Dear VENTURE MembersAs part of VENTURE’s 20th anniversary celebration in 2017, one of our exciting activities being planned for ourmembers is an exotic Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Glory Luxury ship. The Carnival Glory will set sail on August05th to August 12th 2017 from Miami, Fl. and will be at sea for one week. The ports of call are Half Moon Cay - The Bahamas St Thomas - USVI San Juan - Puerto Rico Grand TurksIn between the “island hopping”, there will be two (2) FUN FILLED DAYS aboard The Glory as there will be lots ofamazing activities to participate in while the VENTURE team cruises on the high seas starting from only $TT 13,000.00.

Please tell your valued members and friends to SAVE THE DATE of sailing at sea –August 05th to August 12th 2017. For further information, please call Michelle Borde at 225-4VCU (4828) EXTENSION 262.

Venture Credit UnionC o - o p e r at i v e s o c i e t y l i m i t e d

Why just dream... when you can VENTURE

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Ronnie and Friends Carnival Lime 2016

VENTURE Staff Fun Day 2016

Credit Union Day 2016 at VENTURE Credit Union

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Celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr 2016 at VENTURE Credit Union

VENTURE Staff in traditional East Indian wearas our Credit Union celebrates Divali 2016

Our San Fernando branch celebrates its 5th Anniversary

VENTURE’s 5K Run & Fun Walk 2016

VENTURE’s e-Statements weekly winners.

VENTURE Credit Union displays their Africangarments Emancipation Day 2016

The Authentic DifferenceNirvani Sookdeo- Strategic Business Analyst.

In the past year, Credit Unions have grown at a faster rate than other financial institutions, according to new TransUnion research. Worldwide, Credit Unions experienced year on year growth of 6% in the first quarter of 2016, significantly higher than the 2% growth experienced by the rest of the industry. Based on data from the CUNA Mutual group, Credit Union membership in the United States increased at a record pace in 2016, up 4% compared to the previous year.

It has been argued that the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009 initiated this migration as uncertainty over the viability of commercial banks rose sharply leading many consumers to question their loyalty to banks, which they blamed for triggering the economic collapse. More recently, scandals at Wells Fargo and Deutsche Bank have served as a reflection of poor corporate governance within the banking sector, increasing the attraction of the Credit Union movement. Another contributing factor is the highly publicized efforts by commercial banks to load up their customers with new fees on debit cards, chequing accounts etc. as banks seek to shore up their non-interest income.

On the local front, the financial sector has experienced a consistent increase in total assets over the past four years. However, with the overall slump in the economy in 2015, this positive growth has also slowed. The following charts illustrate this.

What is the Appeal of a Credit Union? Within the younger demographic, many persons associate Credit Unions with their grandparents and the older generation, not recognising the benefits that can be gained from membership in a Credit Union. The authentic difference of Credit Unions, compared to other financial institutions, is their commitment to improving the socio-economic well-being of their members.

Returns (Dividends)In a nutshell, Credit Unions pool their members' deposits and shares to finance their loan portfolios rather than relying on outside capital. The interest earned from loans contributes to the Credit Union’s surplus (i.e. what is left over after paying their operating expenses).

Locally, Credit Union dividends can range anywhere between 2.5% to 5.0% which is extremely attractive given the current environment of low yields.

These rates differ significantly from that of a commercial bank, simply because the business model is different.

A commercial bank accepts funds through savings and chequing accounts. These funds are then loaned to customers. The bank pays depositors an interest rate (currently around 0.1%) on funds held and receives an interest rate on the loans granted. The difference between the deposit and loan rate is the ‘spread’ earned by the bank. This spread contributes to profit, a portion of which will be paid to the bank’s shareholders in the form of dividends.

The Credit Union model differs because members deposit funds by purchasing shares at a standard, fixed price thus becoming ‘shareholders’ of the Credit Union. As such, when the Credit Union produces a surplus at the end of the year, most of

the surplus is re-distributed to shareholders in the form of dividends.

It is also noteworthy that shares and fixed deposits held in some Credit Unions are also insured up to a maximum of $125,000 and $75,000 respectively.

Cost of Borrowing (Interest)The cost of borrowing at Credit Unions is comparable with market rates. In simple interest terms, a loan can range anywhere between 4% and 12% depending on the degree of credit risk. Since members who borrow also have shares with the Credit Union, the net effect is a lower cost of borrowing simply because the member also earns a return in the form of dividend payments.

In general, credit unions are concerned for the welfare of their membership and so they work to help these members achieve their goals. Hence, loan agreements are flexible and tailored towards each member’s needs. Service charges are usually kept at a minimum. Other ServicesLike traditional banks, Credit Unions offer a range of services including ATMs, tele-banking, debit cards, online and mobile banking etc.

What to consider when choosing a Credit Union?

In the past, Credit Union membership was limited to persons belonging to a particular company, sector, community etc. Many Credit Unions have since become more open and such conditions no longer apply.

When choosing a Credit Union, it is essential to conduct thorough research and weigh the pros and cons of the available options.

The international standard for assessing the strength of a credit union is known as ‘PEARLS’ which is an acronym for:

• Protection• Effective Financial Structure• Asset Quality• Rates of Return and Cost• Liquidity• Signs of Growth

The data required to make such an assessment can be extracted from the Credit Union’s Annual Report and website. Additionally, Credit Unions host an Annual General Meeting (AGM) which provides a forum for members to ask questions about the activities, operations and the progress of their Credit Union.

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VENTURE continues to promote its Corporate Social Responsibility Programmes. Some of the major projects VENTURE was integrally involved in was the sponsorship of CAMP ABLE 2016 through the Common Good Fund and the Vacation Camps hosted by VENTURE’s Children Foundation. The former was held in Tobago from the 18th to 25th of July and is a residential Camp for hearing impaired youths. Board Director and Chairman of the Education Committee Ms. Tracey Elcock was a volunteer at the camp and Director Lionel Sookoo visited the Camp to participate in the activities. The Directorship of VENTURE’s Children Foundation takes great pride in its annual vacation camps for less privileged children and was also quite pleased with the outcome of its new initiative, Camps’ Sports and Fun Day on July 28, at Gilbert Park, Couva.

Attendees at these Camps originated from the communities of Morne Diablo, Carapichaima and Todd's Road.

Here are some highlights of these activities:

VENTURE Continues the Gift of GivingIn the communities they serve

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VENTUREPAVING THE WAY FOR EDUCATION

IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGOVENTURE Credit Union Co- operative Society Limited

Awards Esmé Raphael Bursary to UWI Student.

The Esmé Raphael Bursary, sponsored by VENTURE Credit Union, has been awarded to final year student Ms. Kasey Ramdhan for her outstanding achievement in Management Studies at the University of The West Indies.

Over the last eighteen (18) years, VENTURE Credit Union has actively been supporting young persons to acquire tertiary education as well as exposing them to the role of Credit Unions in the financial industry. VENTURE remains committed to educating the youth and establishing a pathway for their self -sustainable growth and advancement. The Bursary is named after a pioneer and member of the Credit Union, Ms. Esmé Raphael. She has given over fifty (50) years of sterling service to the Industry of which twenty (20) years have been dedicated to VENTURE. Ms. Raphael continues to assist in the growth and development of Credit Unions in Trinidad and Tobago.

The award of this bursary is strictly assessed on the merit and economic circumstances of the awardee.

VENTURE Credit Union Co-operative Society Limited, continues to take a stand against poverty and underachievement and will continue to establish the pathway for advanced education.

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Ms. Esmé Raphael (right), chairman of VENTURE Credit Union Supervisory Committee presents the Esmé Raphael Bursary to Kasey Ramadan, final year Management Studies student of the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus.

VENTURE Board Director, Ms. Tracey Elcock (right), presents Chairperson - Board of Directors,

National Centre for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), Ms. Shereen Baksh, with a bursary

cheque on behalf of the membership

I was shot on the night of Tuesday 29th January, 2013. It was as a consequence of an attempted robbery.

On that night, one of the worst nightmares imaginable took place and yet…I was strangely at peace.

Gunshots rang out in the stillness of the night. Car tires screeched and the shattering of glass windows resonated as the driver of my car sped off to get out of the bandits’ gun range. It was then that I calmly relayed the news that I was shot. The driver was in disbelief. If I was really shot, why was I not screaming in pain and panic?

When he looked across and saw the blood pouring out of my face, he started to scream. He drove even faster as he realized the urgency in getting me to a hospital. The details of this story are revealed in my book, From Lion to Lamb, A Spiritual Journey.

Every life has a turning point or a defining moment: that instant or incident which causes a one hundred and eighty degree - turn in your life. This was my defining moment. Everything was taken away from me, suddenly, unexpectedly and violently. I was left exposed, dependent and depleted.

I had been a secondary school teacher for twenty two years before the incident. In that incident, the likes of which have now become all too familiar in our beloved island, I became a victim of wanton crime. My chin was completely shattered. My lower jaw was fractured on both sides and my tongue had become partially detached. I had two smaller bullet wounds on my chest and shoulder.

I was hit in a most vulnerable area for a woman. Women spend time and money looking after their faces. We all want to look good and look young. Our society places great emphasis on appearance and flawlessness. Statistics show that persons who are considered attractive have better opportunities in almost every aspect of life; people respond better to those who appear attractive to them.

I was not a beauty queen and I do not claim to have been attractive but I did have a warm, sunshiny smile. In the weeks after the incident my smile was wiped out, both physically and emotionally. The nerves, tissues and muscles around my mouth were so badly damaged that I no longer had the control needed to form a smile. Being unable to do very much, unable to eat, to speak, to teach, to go home, there was little impetus to smile.

Recovery would be a long process. I would require reconstructive surgery before I could eat again. Unfortunately, I was unable to have this done at the hospital. Instead that costly procedure would have to be done privately. This would cause a severe dent in my financial resources.

Thankfully I had been astute enough to begin a savings plan with VENTURE Credit Union prior to the incident. I had transferred a significant portion of savings into VENTURE. I then took advantage of one of their loan sales to build my savings. I sold my car for several reasons, one of which included to divert the cash into the VENTURE account for eventual use as payment to the private hospital. After finding out about the requisite private surgery, my friends held a fund raiser; that money was also added to my VENTURE account. The old adage advises us not to put all our eggs into one basket. However I knew that when the date for surgery rolled around, I would need quick, easy, hassle-free access to my money. I also knew that holding the money at VENTURE Credit Union was safe and that it would accrue better interest there, than at most other financial institutions. The security and peace of mind I had, knowing that I would have sufficient funds for surgery, in my VENTURE Credit Union account, was priceless.

“Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”

2 Timothy 4:17

Several days before the scheduled surgery in August 2013, I applied for the necessary large amount to deposit at the private hospital and to pay the doctors. The procedure to access my cash was painless. The procedure to reconstruct my jawline was not.

Six months after the incident my salary from the Ministry of Education was stopped. One year after the incident I was called before a medical board and it was

recommended that I take retirement on medical grounds. Unable to go back to work and still having to do minor surgeries, the last of which was done in

September 2015, I was now left in a financially, emotionally and physically challenging situation.

The story sounds dismal so far but throughout the last three and a half years, the glory and grace of God have been revealed repeatedly and I have learnt, with greater conviction, what it means to step out in faith with him.

I was blessed with a team of capable professionals at San Fernando General Hospital. All staff members were consistently kind, compassionate and supportive. My family stood steadfastly by my side. The support and love displayed by many acquaintances at that time provided the security I

needed to help me get back on my feet.

God places people in our lives that are capable of giving us the assistance he knows we need, how we need it and when it is most needed.

Through several divine encounters I was able to be strong and of good courage. Many persons attributed my apparent positive outlook to my personal strength. I could not do that; I knew that my strength had come from the Lord. All negative thoughts were quickly replaced by his love and by his grace.

Even when I slipped into Post –Traumatic Stress Disorder, God’s soothing presence and peace provided the palliative conditions needed to cope and to recover. Early in the year of 2014, almost exactly one year after the attack, I was able to write my first book, From Lion to

Lamb, based on that fateful night.

Stepping out in faith, I published the book. I had limited resources but I trusted that all would work out well because this was not solely my mission.

The magnitude of being able to recover in a relatively short time, of publishing a book and obtaining occasional speaking engagements has to be emphasized; not for my benefit but to highlight the greatness of walking in faith.

Faith, hope and love are the watchwords of anyone who believes. For those who do not believe, there is still hope. Time is not on our side though. We do not know when, where or how evil will attack us. But we do know that God is with us always.

This world is serviced by two opposing forces. One is intent on destruction and one embodies love. The Prince of darkness strutted through my corner of the world on the night of 29th January 2013 and plotted for my destruction. God intervened and saved me to carry out his work.

With gratitude, I acknowledge all the persons and institutions that assisted me during a most difficult time. I am particularly appreciative of the services offered by VENTURE Credit Union and the part they played in making the recovery process more manageable and straightforward for me.

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by Caron Asgarali, VENTURE memberOut of the Mouth of the Lion

On Thursday 19th May 2016, the Board of Directors, Statutory Committee Members and the Management of VENTURE Credit Union, left the shores of Trinidad and Tobago and headed for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The team was there for the weekend, gathered in one room with the singular vision of crafting the VENTURE Credit Union Strategy for the three (3) year period 2016-2019. Our facilitator was the very knowledgeable, Mr. Mariano Browne, Managing Partner of Browne and Company and also the Executive Chairman of Elida Management Services Limited.

It is always refreshing to meet your colleagues in a relaxed environment, out of the office settings, share stories, enjoy moments of laughter and good fun.

STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION ST. VINCENT – 19th – 22nd MAY 2016 …The Way Forward

Celebrating World Diabetes Day 2016at VENTURE Credit Union Co-operative Society Limited.

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In commemoration of World Diabetes Day 2016 which is celebrated on the 14th of November annually around the world, VENTURE Credit Union Co-operative Society Limited extended its outreach Programme by hosting our annual Health Fair where Diabetes Screening and Counseling was the main focus. The event took place on October 12th, 25th and November 9th, 2016 at our Couva, Arouca and San Fernando Branches respectively. This year the theme for our event was, It’s All About Members’ Health and Wellness at VENTURE Credit Union.

In keeping with this year’s theme, Members and Staff were not only screened for diabetes but were also given the opportunity to perform a battery of tests including Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose, Cholesterol and HIV Testing, Vision Screening and Body Mass Index (BMI) check. Vaccines were also administered to the attendees of the event.

Members were also given literature from nurses within the Regional Health Authorities which informed them of ways to live a healthy lifestyle. They were also treated with light refreshments and small tokens of appreciation were distributed to them.

We at VENTURE Credit Union would like to say Thank You to all Members and Staff who participated in the event.

We would also like to thank the Organizations who partnered with VENTURE on this initiative namely:

South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA)North Central Regional Health Authority( NCRHA)BrydenPI TTVisual Eyes TT Acropolis Medical CentreNU VU EndodontricsUNICITY Core

VENTUREPartners with the

EnergyIndustry

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On Saturday 12th November 2016 VENTURE Credit Union Co-operative Society Limited presented, “A Hawaiian Affair”. This was a new twist to our annual Wine and Cheese fund raising event and was geared towards the same purpose of raising funds for VENTURE’s Children Foundation.

Patrons were delighted by performances of Hula Dancers from N9 Dance Company and Fire Breathers. They also partied to the sounds of DJs Arelon, KGB and DJ KW (Vibe CT 105.1).

This year’s event was one of the largest as over three hundred (300) party goers were in attendance.

One of VENTURE’s suppliers, Office Authority, Account Executive Mrs. Thairys Mejias-Lopez told us, “Thanks again for a lovely evening on Saturday. We had so much Fun! It was a great idea to have entertainment every hour throughout the night. This is the first time in many years that we stayed almost until the end :”

A Wonderful time was had by all!

Come and be part of our annual fund raising events in 2017. We look forward to seeing you!!!

Ronnie and Friends Carnival Lime has become one of the signature events during the Carnival season that all of VENTURE’s members, staff and the general public look forward to attending.

This year the event took place on Friday 22nd January 2016 at VENTURE’s Administrative Office Car Park. Patrons had a “BLAST” as they enjoyed live performances by some of their favourite Soca Artists such as “Sekon Sta” and Erphaan Alves throughout the night.

The staff of VENTURE Credit Union uses these events to raise funds for VENTURE’s Children Foundation.

VENTURE’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENTS Ronnie &Friends 2016

The Hawaiian Affair Fundraiser

Annual adVENTURE Newsletter 2016

Economy & Finance