HOME	SEPTEMBER 04th, 2004

SEPT 04

On Thursday August 26, 2004, the community of Saab in St. Andrew scored a first in officially declaring open its Bus Shelter sponsored by the Grenada Co-operative Bank.

The undertaking to construct this Bus Shelter for the community of Saab initiated by the Saab Community Development Organization (SCDO) headed by its President, Mr. Joseph Williams.

Co-op Bank upon receiving a request for sponsorship responded promptly, and in collaboration with the Grenada Chamber of Industry & Commerce (GCIC) was very proud to have fully sponsored the community's only Bus Shelter.

At the Opening ceremony, residents of the community who turned out in large numbers were high in praise of Co-op Bank, in meeting what has been as on e of their most dire need in recent times.

For a number of years, loyal Saab resident, Mr. Raymond Alexander also known as "Street", allowed the use of his verandah and living room to provide protection from the weather and seating for commuters of his community. "Street" was given high honour of praises in addresses made by the Hon. Minister of works, Communications & Public Utilities and representatives of the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Bank for his exemplary service to his community.

A special appreciation to the Co-op Bank was given by Ms. Ashlyn Andrew on behalf of the President of SCDO and a student - Letisha Panchoo, who reflected on the days when many children of the area would arrive to school late whenevr rain fell due to the absence of a Bus Shelter, which made it extremely difficult for Bus Operators to pick them up.

However according to Ms. Samantha Charles who delivered the "Memoirs of Saab" at the opening ceremony, the residents of Saab have always been a resilient people overcoming many challenges since 1955, after the devastation of the land by Hurricane Janet. The first settlers in the area had no water, electricity or telephone, however as time went by, the people pooled their resources and purchased the basic utilities including a number of modern conveniences. It's not surprising as to the high levels of team spirit, patriotism and loyalty that exist within this community today, and the erection of this Bus Shelter is just one in many others that attest to this. Though much has been achieved, the residents of Saab still believe that they have a long way to go.

Min. Clarice Modeste-Curwen who gave the featured address at the ceremony, stated that such achievement by the community is exemplary for others to follow and implored to residents of Saab to preserve what is now truly belonging to them. She also shared some good news from her Ministry, indicating that the community would soon benefit from improvement to roads within the area in particular the public main road en route to the Princess Alice Hospital which is also in junction with the Saab main road.

Also addressing the audience at the ceremony was the Parliamentary Representative for the area (St. Andrew North West) Hon. Alleyne Walker. Mr. Walker expressed his appreciation to all who, before assuming his new office, was instrumental in making this project a reality and gave his commitment to continue to assist in the development of communities within his constituency.

President of the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GCIC), Mr. Nigel John, congratulated the residents of Saab and further emphasized the importance for the community to maintain and care for the Bus Shelter.

The Saab Bus shelter which is located in a high traffic area, conveniently close to the Mirabeau Propagation Station and the only Bus Shelter en route from Grenville to Princess Alice Hospital through the villages of St. Clouds and Lower Mirabeau, is the fourth Bus Shelter to have been fully sponsored by the Bank under a Programme instituted by the Grenada Chamber of Industry & Commerce.

Although there are several noteworthy sponsors of other bus shelters throughout the island, Co-op Bank's contribution was exemplary in that the choice of the location was influenced by the continued commitment of the Bank to provide for the people within the community. Co-op Bank has shared a long relationship/history with the people of St. Andrew's in particular, dating back to 1977 when they opened their first branch to serve the area.

Co-op Bank is the proud recipient of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Good Corporate Citizen Award for Environmental Awareness, the only bank in Grenada and the entire O.E.C.S. to have been given this designation for the last three (3) consecutive years.