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Q2 Issue 2011News, Information and Updates from Bank Employees Credit UnionEmbracing the Future.elcometo ourNew Look!InsideNEW BOARD & COMMITTEES 3EDUCATION COMMITTEE OFF & RUNNING 3CANCER PREVENTION 4LIVING HEALTHY 5GETTING YOUR WILL DONE 6BECU GOING GREEN 7back to work 81

Editor’s NoteDave KowlessarWelcome to thenew look of the BECUThe first phase of implementation of the BECU’s transformation project has beencompleted and will provide our members with a more comfortable member serviceexperience in our upgraded facilities at Bournes Road. Our member intimate receptionnow features a more interactive environment and a dedicated Member ServicesRepresentative with whom you can discuss your every financial need. Drop in and seethe improvements we have made to serve you better.The next phase will include migration to our new IT platform, and the launch of theupdated BECU brand all to complement our much anticipated mobile banking services.Stay tuned for information and updates.The BECU is pressing on full steam ahead withthe transformation initiatives and there are clearsigns that things are changing for the better.We have spruced up and updated our headoffice building and now have a cozy and invitingreception area to serve you better. Our staffhas been equipped with new technology, soonto be backed up with our ICT platform, so weare very excited about the future.A very successful AGM was held in Januaryand our new Board and committee membersare now well entrenched and working with ustowards realizing our vision.In this issue we further explore issuessurrounding your health and well-being, ourgoing green initiative and the importance ofpreparing a Will. We also invite you to registerfor offerings of the Education Committeefocused on financial literacy, establishing asmall business and a session dedicated toissues concerning today’s youth.new Board and Committee Members ELECTEDThe 26th Annual General Meeting was heldon January 5th, 2011 at the Kapok Hotel withapproximately 75 members in attendance. The newBoard of Directors and members of the Education,Credit and Supervisory Committees were appointedor elected to oversee the activities of the BECU forthe next financial year. The Management and Staffof the BECU welcomes the new Board and committeemembers and looks forward to working with themto ensure the future growth of the BECU and tosteer the Transformation project to a successfulimplementation.2Board DIRECTOrs:Standing back row L-R:Christopher Codrington, Lester Henry, Stacie Smith, Michael Bull & Greta Stephen2nd Row L-R: S tella Joseph, Beverly Marcelle-Bull, Coomarie Sahadeo (Secretary), Natalie Farrier &Eustace BenjaminSeated L-R: Angela Bascombe (Assistant Secretary), Kevin Sebro (President), Crystal Williams (1st Alt)

SUPERVISORY and CREDIT CommitteeS.MEMBERS OF Supervisory Committee:L- R Hayden Hernandez, Elizabeth Deen (1st Alt), Andre Blenman (Chairman),Lynette Solomon-Codrington (Secretary) & Ricardo Plaza (2nd Alt)MEMBERS OF CREDIT Committee:Standing L-R - Angela Bascombe (1st Alt), Stella Joseph, Beverly Marcelle-Bull(Chairman), Michael Bull, Patricia Sydney. Seated - Selma Bhopalsingh (Secretary).Education Committee OFF AND RunningMembers of the Education Committee met early in the year to develop theirplans. Collaborating with institutions that have the “know-how” and experienceto deliver sound advice and guidance to our members, a tentativeschedule of educational sessions has been carded over the nextfew months, targeted to the different needs and interests of ourmembership. Spaces are limited, so book yours now!!The proposed sessions include:Financial Literacy & Health SessionsThis session will address sound financial planning with specific reference to thepotentially devastating impact of medical emergencies and critical illness on one’sfinances and how sound financial planning and insurance can mitigate against this.Tips regarding maintaining a healthy lifestyle will also be featured.The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago and our very own Kevin Sebro, Presidenton the Board of Directors will facilitate the session.Proposed date:Venue:Duration:Target:Youth SessionToday’s youth are faced with many distractions andchallenges given the fast changing pace of life andway in which traditional ways of doing things are being replaced with technology andthe Internet. Make sure that you are able to adapt to our changing world and to harnessyour talents and ability to take your place and make your mark in the world of work and inmanaging your personal finances.To be facilitated by a Life Style Coach who will assist you in the methods you can employto establish goals and targets for your life and the systematic ways in which you mustconsistently work towards achieving them.Proposed date: August 27, 2011Venue:Normandie HotelDuration:8:00 am to 12 noon (To be advised)Target:40 Youth Members and children of members(between 16 and 18 years of age)April 16, 2011Normandie Hotel8:00 am to 12 noon50 Members (New and Existing members)Small Business SessionThis session will address options available regarding establishing asmall business. Turn your passion into profit and get the personaland financial freedom that owning and operating your own businesscan provide.The session will be facilitated (tentatively) by advisors fromthe Business Development Company who willprovide sound advice regarding the steps youneed to take to determine whether your newbusiness idea is a viable one and how to getfrom an idea to implementation.Proposed date:June 25, 2011Venue:Normandie HotelDuration:8:00 am to 12 noonTarget20 members3

health tipsCancer PreventionIn continuing our series on Cancer Prevention, it is important to note that muchof the suffering and death from cancer could be prevented by more systematicefforts to reduce tobacco use, improve diet and physical activity, reduceobesity, and expand the use of established screening tests. Regular use ofthese tests can prevent the development of cancer through identification andremoval or treatment of premalignant abnormalities; screening tests can alsoimprove survival and decrease mortality by detecting cancer at an early stagewhen treatment is more effective.In choosing better foods for healthier living,it is important to select those that notonly sustain life but also renewand regenerate cells andboost the immune system.Recommended dietarychanges include: C utting out or reducingthe number of fattytakeaways A voiding snacks thatare high in fat e.g.biscuits Avoiding foods that contain trans-fats Choosinglean cuts of meat and trimming off all thevisible fat E ating more fish and poultry rather than red meat Removing skin from poultry E ating less fried food – consuming baked, grilled,steam or poached food instead Using skimmed or semi skimmed milk T rying the low-fat varieties of margarine, butter,yogurt and cheese.While we strongly advocate that you take care of yourselfand do the right things to prevent cancer, sometimes inTry to get your vitamins, minerals and fiber canspite of our best efforts a cancer diagnosis can suddenlyfrom fresh fruits and vegetables preferably notand adversely affect our lives. Cancer Care is a lowdried or frozen. Fruits and vegetables also containcost insurance product that provides coverage in theantioxidants, which play a part in preventing cancerfrom developing. Tea and green teas also containunfortunate event of a cancer diagnosis. Since earlyhelpful antioxidants.treatment is the key to winning the fight against cancer,shouldn’t you protect yourself and your loved ones? As aSources: The American and Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Societiesmember of the BECU you can avail yourself of discountedpremiums on the Cancer Care Product. Call us at the BECUfor information and details.4

LiveHealthyMake a commitment to eat morefresh fruits and vegetables and toreduce your in-take of processedfoods that are generally very high insodium, calories and fat.Better yet, start your own vegetable gardenwith organically grown produce free of pesticidesand unwanted chemicals. It is a great project for the entire familythat “reaps” tremendous rewards in seeing your crops grow andin preparing and enjoying meals made from ingredients from yourvegetable garden.You can start with a simple herb garden and thenprogress to low maintenance crops like bodi,pigeon peas, melongene and tomatoes.Imagine how much you will save at thesupermarket or your neighbourhoodvegetable mart not to mention thehealth benefits of organic foodgrown without harmful chemicals!5

Will yourThe BECU is a strongproponent of being preparedfor the unexpected andensuring that your familywill be protected in a crisis.While our Family IndemnityPlan offers financial assistance for funeral and related expenses, it isequally important to ensure that should something happen to you, thenecessary steps have been taken to prevent your family from financialburden or loss of security.A Will is a very important document that every individual shouldhave to provide clear direction regarding the disposition of propertyand assets upon death. Wills are changeable at any time and can evenbe revoked if circumstances change. A lawyer can prepare your willand you can appoint a close family member or friend as your Trustee(the person who will carry out your will). Alternatively you canbe done?appoint and pay for a professional trustee who will be legally boundto ensure that your will is executed as stipulated. Your local bank mayprovide assistance in the preparation and modification of your Will andwill have the know-how and expertise to navigate the legal frameworkto have your Will executed.What ever decision you make regarding having your Will prepared,the key is to make this worthwhile investment in protecting your lovedones and safe guarding their future.

BECU’s Green InitiativeRe-cycle, Re-purpose and Re-use! Three words to live by to reduce the growing levelsof waste being produced daily in our small country.The BECU does not only advocate a Green approach to its members, butis leading by example. We have commenced a practice of re-cyclingour waste paper, plastic, glass and electronic waste.There are several plastic and bottle collection centres in manycommunities and we encourage you to help with this cause andtake the lead in establishing a recycling effort at your officeand in your homes. It is only a matter of time beforethis will become a mandatory requirement, so why notget in the habit of establishing good habits now.The following are companies that are leading thedrive for re-cycling in Trinidad. Most are willingto work with companies and communities toestablish a recycling program.For a full list of recycling programs in T&T and what wastecan be recycled visit www.greentnt.org.Recycling of Plastics, Electronic Waste & BatteriesPiranha International (Trinidad)Phone: (868) 679 7826email : info@piranhatt.comWebsite: www.piranhatt.comRecycling of GlassCarib GlassPhone: (868) 662-2231/7email: Dave Gajadhar: dgajadhar@caribglass.com.Website: www.caribglass.com/recycle.htmlRecycling of Paper (Excluding Newspapers)Ace RecyclingPhone: (868) 638-3946 or 675-1805SWMCOLPhone: (868) 625-6678Website: www.swmcol.co.tt7