CCCU CONVENTION 2008 IN OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA — July 10th, 2008

First of all, I would like to thank our Manager, Mrs. Yolanda Gomez and the directors and officers for giving me the opportunity to attend this year’s CCCU convention in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. I must say that the whole experience was a very enlightening one. It opened my mind in so many aspects - I could practically feel all the bulbs turning on! What a wonderful Educational experience!

First of all, I had to be impressed by the fact that the convention was started with a church Service. It was optional; nonetheless, you can see that in the planning of the whole program, our Father Almighty was not forgotten. The pastor’s homily was dynamic – so I immediately thought “Oh, I just hope that this is good omen for the whole convention!” And I was not disappointed! Not at all!

The Opening Ceremony at the Grand Hall was impressive. And I felt my heart nearly burst of pure patriotic pride as our Belizean flag was carried in front, our president Mr. Burgos marched in pomp and circumstance to the front stage and our national anthem was played.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the plenary sessions – most of the speakers were very dynamic. Mr. Tom Glatt was the person I enjoyed the most – keeping everyone awake and laughing with his jokes of Budrow!

We had sessions such as enhancing leadership skills and tactics for directors and managers, optimizing CEO/BOD/MNGT Relationship, board responsibilities and practices; all of which I found quite educational and eye-opening

I also had the privilege of visiting Montego Bay Co-operative Credit Union in Montego Bay. It was a very wonderful experience because the General Manager Mr. Everton Spencer and one of the directors, Mr. Ray Howard welcomed our group of about 20 persons very warmly; Mr. Spencer gave a general rundown of the credit union. After that an array of delicious Jamaican refreshments were served. Our time there was short but sweet.

The entertainment sessions were also very good. I feel we bonded very well with the rest of the Belize delegation, which included HRCU, St. Johns Credit Union and Civil Service Credit Union. It seems that in no time at all it was time to say good-bye to everyone. The experience was one in a million and I would definitely like to repeat this experience in the future.