On December 18, the FHC Foundation brought the joy of the season to life during a heartwarming visit to the Bethlehem Home. Filled with smiles, laughter, and festive cheer, the day served as a meaningful reminder of the power of kindness and community. As we shared moments with some of our nation’s most vulnerable children, we were reminded that the true spirit of the season is found in giving, connection, and love.
The Foundation was proud to partner with generous supporters whose donations helped make this visit possible, including Foska Oats, Blue Power, Kremi, and the Kiwanis Club of Young Professionals St. Andrew.
In addition, the FHC Foundation made a cash donation to the Home, which provides care for over 50 children, including those with special needs. Members of the FHC Credit Union team also joined our partners on the day, participating in a tour of the facility and sharing in this special experience together.
FHC Credit Union (FHC) proudly participated in the Civil Service Week Church Service held on November 16 at the Eastwood Park New Testament Church of God, where fourteen exemplary public sector professionals were honoured as the 2025 nominees for the FHC/CSW Civil Servants of the Year Awards. Although the annual awards ceremony was not held this year in light of the current focus on restoration efforts following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, FHC remained steadfast in its commitment to acknowledging excellence in public service and celebrating the civil servants who continue to serve with distinction.
The annual staging of the FHC Civil Servants of the Year Awards is hosted by FHC Credit Union in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service and the Government of Jamaica Civil Service Week Committee and normally recognises one awardee in each of the three categories.
The 2025 nominees reflect a broad cross-section of Jamaica’s public service. Among them were Keron Broderick and Tania Green-Jackson from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Human Resource Management Division, and Raymond Goffe from the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service’s Transport Unit, all recognised within the Technical Support Category.
Also acknowledged were several Mid-Managerial professionals, including Kay-Jay Johnson from the Western Regional Health Authority’s Operations and Maintenance Department; Simone CooperBernard from the St. James Public Health Services in the field of Nursing Midwifery; Stacy Ann Pennant Reid from Kingston Public and Victoria Jubilee Hospitals, where she serves as Coordinator
of Customer Care and Director of Patient Services; Neil Davis from the Jamaica Fire Brigade’s Corporate Services; Andre Palmer from the Radio Department of the Jamaica Information Service; and Nadine Griffiths-Thompson from the Telecommunications Department at Kingston Public Hospital.
Recognition also extended to senior leaders within the Managerial Category, including Camille Waite-Kerr from the Medical Imaging Services Department at Falmouth Hospital; Karlene Taylor McKenzie from the South East Regional Health Authority’s Operations Unit; Patrick Ferguson, JP from the Housing Management and Social Services Unit within the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation; Nicole Patrick-Shaw from the Institute of Jamaica; and Franklyn White from the National Public Health Lab.
A special distinction was awarded to Mrs. Stacy Ann Pennant Reid, who emerged as the People’s Choice Awardee after receiving an extraordinary 97 individual nominations, underscoring her exceptional impact on colleagues, patients, and the wider community.
Despite the unforeseen disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa, FHC Credit Union remains deeply committed to honouring the outstanding contributions of Jamaica’s civil servants and looks forward to resuming the full awards programme in the coming year. The Credit Union extends sincere congratulations to all fourteen nominees, whose service, dedication, and leadership continue to strengthen Jamaica and uplift the communities they serve.
FHC Credit Union (FHC) joined the global cooperative community in celebrating National Credit Union Week 2025, observed from Sunday, October 12 to Friday, October 17, under the theme “Cooperation for a Prosperous World.”
The week was marked by activities across all eleven (11) FHC branches, culminating in the observance of International Credit Union (ICU) Day on Thursday, October 16.
On Thursday and Friday, the Credit Union expressed gratitude to its members through Member Appreciation celebrations held across its branches. The events featured tokens of appreciation, light refreshments, and complimentary health check-ups, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. Members had the opportunity to connect with staff and experience firsthand the Credit Union’s ongoing commitment to service excellence and community care.
Xavier Allen, Chief Executive Officer at FHC
Credit Union, shared that the annual observance remains a special highlight on the organisation’s calendar.
“National Credit Union Week reminds us why we do what we do, to serve our members and strengthen our communities through cooperation and financial empowerment. This year’s theme, ‘Cooperation for a Prosperous World,’ truly reflects our mission to build a better future together.”
The celebration also provided members with information on FHC’s diverse suite of financial products and services, designed to help them achieve financial independence at every stage of life. From savings and loan solutions to investments, pension and insurance, FHC continues to prioritize accessibility, trust, and innovation in member service.
International Credit Union Day, celebrated annually by credit unions worldwide, recognizes the positive impact of the cooperative model in improving lives and communities. FHC’s participation underscored its ongoing role in promoting financial inclusion and supporting national development through responsible, people-focused financial solutions.
“Our members are the reason we continue to grow stronger each year,” said Michelle Tracey, Assistant General Manager, Marketing, Communications & Member Experience at FHC Credit Union. “Their loyalty inspires us to keep delivering exceptional service and to live out our core values of cooperation, integrity, and care.”
FHC Credit Union remains committed to “Cooperating for a Prosperous FHC” and to building a future where every member can thrive.
Union Day, October 16.
International Credit Union Day festivities and in-branch celebrations.
A long-standing member receives a token from May Pen Branch Manager, Tania Oglesby, during FHC Credit Union’s Member Appreciation Day activities on International Credit Union Day, October 16.
A nurse carefully administers a blood pressure check to a member of the FHC Eureka Branch during Member Appreciation Day on Thursday, October 16.
FHC Foundation Delivers First of Ongoing Donations to Jamaica Red Cross
The FHC Foundation made its first donation of items to the Jamaica Red Cross, supported by contributions collected at the FHC Investments and FHC Credit Union offices. This initial presentation, made on Monday, December 1, 2025, marks the beginning of many meaningful donations to come.
FHC Strengthens Connectivity with Starlink Donation
Vera Lindo, Member Services Manager at the Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League, discusses Starlink connectivity with FHC’s Chief Information Officer, Omari Hodelin, and Assistant General Manager for Marketing, Communications & Member Experience, Michelle Tracey. The Starlink unit was generously donated to FHC Credit Union and FHC Investments by the World Council of Credit Unions.
First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union Limited (FHC) has announced a threemonth loan payment moratorium for members directly impacted by Hurricane Melissa, reinforcing its longstanding commitment to the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.”
This initiative, implemented through the Melissa Relief Loan Moratorium, is part of FHC’s continued effort to give back to members who have placed their trust in the institution as their financial partner of choice.
“Our members are at the heart of everything we do,” said Michelle Tracey, Assistant General Manager – Marketing, Communications and Member Experience. “In times like these, it’s important that we stand firmly with them. The moratorium provides a measure of relief for those affected by Hurricane Melissa, helping them focus on rebuilding their lives and livelihoods.”
The moratorium allows eligible members to defer loan payments for up to three months. Members may apply by contacting their branch representative, completing the moratorium request form, and submitting a brief description of their impact along with supporting documentation where available.
In addition to the moratorium, the Credit Union has launched a donation drive encouraging members and the wider public to contribute non-perishable food items and other essential supplies. Drop boxes have been placed across FHC branches to make it easy for persons to donate, as part of the organization’s
collective effort to support communities most severely impacted by the hurricane.
“The credit union movement is built on solidarity and community,” added Tracey. “Through this initiative, we are living out our core ethos of People Helping People and reaffirming our role as a dependable financial partner in both good and challenging times.”
