SLYOU Magazine issue 4 | Page 40

CREDIT UNIONS TEAM UP FOR NEW UNICARD Story & Photos by Stan Bishop Credit union members affiliated with the St. Lucia Co-operative Credit Union League Ltd. now have easier access to their accounts and funds. The new development is made possible by a new ATM card, called UNICARD, which was launched at Sandals Regency Golf Resort & Spa on December 16 last year. UNICARD is expected to allay the concerns of members seeking secure, hassle-free and instant access to their funds at any time they wish. Members who have been issued the UNICARD can now access their funds and deposit their full salaries without visiting the credit union branches. The new service offers convenience in emergency cases when the branches are closed. For the launch, the new system was tested at ATMS at four credit unions: Choiseul Co-operative Credit Union Ltd., Laborie Co- operative Credit Union Ltd., Mon Repos Eastern Co-operative Credit Union Ltd., and St. Lucia Teachers Credit Co-operative Ltd. Meanwhile, Dennery Community Credit Co-operative Society, Fond St. Jacques Co-operative Credit Union Ltd., St. Lucia Hospitality Industry Workers Credit Co- operative Society Ltd. and Saltibus Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. – were expected to become part of the new initiative afterwards. Phase Two of the project is the implementation of a local debit card facility and access to other local ATM networks, while Phase Three is the provision of international debit card access 38 SL-YOU | It’s All About Business www.slyoumag.com | February - April 2020