Valencia committed to Co-operative credit union

Valencia Cumberbatch is one of the candidates vying for a spot on the Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union Limited (BPWCCUL) Board of Directors.

Ahead of the Annual General Meeting on Saturday, December 11, Barbados TODAY spoke with Cumberbatch about her passion for service and her plan of action, should she be successful in her bid.

“I have always had a passion for volunteering, putting service above self, and I believe once elected, I will be able to see that our members gain better access to the products and services the Credit Union offers,” she said.

Cumberbatch, who has been a member of the BPWCCUL for the last 28 years, believes that her knowledge, experience, and passion for the Credit Union is an asset.

“Members can confidently put their trust in me to remain consistent in my commitment to doing what is in their best interest,” she shared.

The candidate, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Labour and Employment Relations from the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus, said she plans on ensuring the Credit Union provides exemplary customer service.

“I aim to work closely with the board and management to ensure that all staff are well trained and equipped to execute their daily functions. This way, they can provide exemplary service to members whilst gaining opportunities for personal and professional development,” she asserted.

Cumberbatch boasts a wealth of volunteer experience within the Credit Union, including the Representatives Association. And she has worn many hats in the Credit Committee — member, secretary, and now chairperson of the Educational Scholarships and Grants Committee.

Outside of the Credit Union, her volunteer resume is quite expansive. As an employee of Goddard Enterprises Limited for the past 24 years,

Cumberbatch naturally wanted to be of service there. She is past president of the Goddard’s Sports Club and has held vice president, assistant secretary, treasurer, and public relations office positions.

As a community-spirited person, she has also served as treasurer on the St Lucy Parish Independence Committee. She is currently actively involved in her community’s Neighbourhood Watch Association, where she holds the Secretary/Community Relations Office position.

Cumberbatch has her sights set on the younger members of the credit union and aims to be a part of their development.

“These are our future leaders and the ones to take this great institution forward. I plan to work closely with the board and management to engage this important demographic to make the Credit Union more visible to them as their preferred financial institution.

I also want to see school-run credit unions in all the secondary schools in Barbados.”
Cumberbatch noted that she wants to ensure that the older members’ needs are met as well. She plans to do this by working with the board and management to improve their retirement benefits.

As a member, volunteer, and candidate, Cumberbatch prides herself on the Credit Union’s ethos of “People helping People”.
She sees her willingness to serve on the board as an area where she can better serve members and contribute knowledge and experience to help the

Board of Directors make sound policy decisions. (DH)