CaribDE Day One - Thursday, 13th May 2010

Posted by David Marquez, CUDE 2007

It is always great to wake up to the exotic sounds of a Caribbean Island and St. Lucia is of course no different. The beauty of our surroundings at Villa Santa Maria, Coubaril, Castries definitely encouraged two of the younger mentors and one participant to go exploring… using exercise as an excuse when they just wanted to see how far civilization really was! A very cold rain shower ensured they reached back (wet) in time for breakfast and a prompt start to the first CaribDE☼. But in true Caribbean style, a few participants strolled in a couple of minutes late giving excuses about the fictional time zones that exist in the region.

Tom Decker ceremoniously took the floor and started this historic occasion with an introduction of a very special person and our very own Melvin Edwards. Melvin urged the participants to take as much as they can from the program, network, be prepared to make lifelong friends and become part of a much bigger community. Melvin made mention of congratulatory messages sent by Pete Crear, CEO of WOCCU and Yvonne Ridgeard, President of Confederation of Caribbean Credit Unions (CCCU). Whilst thanking the Benedictine nuns, he saw it fit (and quite rightly so) to remind participants that the introduction of the Credit Union movement in the Caribbean had to be attributed to the Catholic Church.

Tom returned to describe the DE designation process highlighting the fact that it is comparable to a degree and with that comes knowledge and responsibility. So it was in that vein that participants must give their experience serious thought. Then came our favourite Peruvian, Carla Decker, who endorsed the former speakers and emphasized the DE’s mission, its background and summary of its roots. Carla reminded everyone present to be aware of their identity and the need to share skills to deal with all situations. Carla’s passion for this movement was revealed when she told the group that Credit Unions are tools for development, lifting people out of poverty and out of circumstantial situations.

Then came introductions. An interesting fact (tallied by the tallest man in the room, Bob Schumacher) was that amongst the DE staff present, there was 165 years of credit union experience and volunteerism in 33 DE classes! What a team to start this CaribDE! Participants’ introductions were an eye opener. The participants shared with the group their “gift” to the Class (a unique skill, attribute or experience) that will enrich the peer to peer learning process, and their “hooks” (what keeps them engaged.) The facilitators and mentors quickly saw a distinct difference in this Caribbean bunch where everyone clearly expressed their dedication and commitment to the movement, from long time CU people to former bankers and recent hires.

This was followed by a great lunch and a mean lemon meringue pie just begging to be eaten! And of course the DE participants obliged!

After lunch saw participants very excited to prepare their short presentations on development issues. These Caribbean DE’s in training were anxious to deliver their presentations and after this expressive exercise, Carla duly noted that it was the first DE class she saw people strictly adhere to the 3-minute timeframe. Quite ironic for a people who live on island time!

Melvin, David and Dorwin Manzano presented the history of the movement but with all different styles showing the diversity that exists in the region.

The day started to wind down with the straw exercise. What the facilitations did not cater for is that in the Caribbean, we were accustomed to huts with thatched roofs! As a result, each group got their structure to stand and quite tall I may add. Bob’s group did finish in the first 25 minutes but were almost like the tortoise and the hare as they eventually came in second. Debbie Wege’s group eventually got up but the structure looked as though it was gender split! My group obviously cannot read lips and as a result came in third as the structure kept heading towards the floor! But congratulations must go to Kathy Chartier’s group who emulated the leaning tower of pizza and were so annoyingly confident that they offered the other groups extra straws! It was quite an enjoyable time and really worked well in helping the group to bond.

This was followed by a reception out of our so called concentration camp with a five minute drive to a little bar where most were falling down to tiredness. However, we were on our way to expanding a professional and committed core of volunteers!

Day 2. here we come!