IN 1949, Father Bernard C. Zimmerman, S.J. introduced the Credit Union idea to San Ignacio. The people of San Ignacio knew very little about the Credit Union movement. Father Zimmerman got together a small group to whom he gave credit union classes every Sunday afternoon. These potential members, a mere handful, started bringing a few cents to save. Consequently, Manuel Aragon was appointed temporary treasurer. Saint Martin's Credit Union received its Certificate of Inco;poration. Its license to operate as a Credit Union on May 2@,1949. The first Board of Directors consisted of President-Alfredo Zaiden, Vice-President-Wilfedo Zetina, Treasurer-Manuel Aragon, Secretary - Elena Awe and Education Director-Carolina Bums. At the beginning, collections were done every Wednesday night in the lower flat of the priest's residence in San Ignacio. Officers Meeting were held monthly and membership every two or three months. Loan protection and Life Savings Insurance were gotten in 1957 from Cuna in the United States of America through the Belize Credit Union League. In 1959, Saint Martin's purchased its own house and lot. With this new development, collection days were increased to three times a week, at night for the convenience of members, and so it went until 1975.

The St Vincent Building and Loan Association was incorporated on July 04, 1941 but began operations on January 03, 1941. We are owned and managed by Vincentians, for the benefit of Vincentians. We are located at Halifax Street, Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Association was founded with the intention of providing Vincentians with a means to practice thrift through regular, systematic savings and a way to experience the joy and pride of owning their own home. Today, we are one of the largest mortgage providers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Association offers a range of Services which include: Mortgages, Regular Savings, Super Savers, Fixed Deposits and Insurance.

Corporate Profile The St Vincent Co-operative Bank Limited opened its doors to business on 1st February 1945 and is one of the oldest indigenous financial institutions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. At the time of opening, a penny was all that was required to start an account, and to date the Bank is known as ‘Penny Bank’ or ‘Forde Bank’ after its founder Ormond Forde. The relative ease of opening an account from inception has resulted in the St. Vincent Cooperative Bank now holding more Savings Accounts than any other financial institution in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The St. Vincent Cooperative Bank is regulated by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) and offers the following services: • Residential Mortgages • Savings Accounts • Fixed deposits • Consumer Loans • Commercial Loans • Life Insurance On All Loans Exceptional service has always been the foremost priority of the Bank in its quest to become a leading financial institution in the country. The Bank’s mantra, ‘Service beyond your expectation’, is reflected in its mission statement and implemented by a courteous, efficient and reliable staff.