Member thanks credit union with unique gift
For most of us, dealing with financial institutions is about as comfortable as a visit to the dentist… but today, which just happens to be World Credit Union Day, we have a little story about a man who feels so good about the relationship with his credit union that he went one step beyond merely paying off his loan.
If you’re among the thousands of Belizeans who belong to a credit union you’ll recognize this little guy as the symbol of economic security that membership provides. This particular rendition, in gleaming zericote, is a gift from one very grateful member of the Holy Redeemer Credit Union. For Glenford Villanueva, owner of the I and I Gift Shop at the airport, it was his special way of saying thanks.
Glenford Villanueva, Credit Union Member
“This sculpture, I decided to do it because I know that Miss Jane does a whole lot of things for Belize people, thousands of people. All these problems, she has listened to for these years and years. I feel that she should have something represented from the rest of the credit union.”
The bulk of the actual carving was done by Villanueva’s longtime friend Roberto Castillo, who found the job extremely challenging.
Roberto Castillo, Sculptor
“It was real hard because I had to use one inch chisel to take out the whole form of the wood and then I had to use different types of tools to get out the details into work. And over all it was real hard because if you notice how this thing is built you have to use one little piece of log and it took a lot of time, about a whole month, and after all I am satisfied with the work I done.”
More than satisfied was H.R.C.U. General Manager Jane Usher, who believes that sound financial management — as practiced by people like Villanueva — is the best way to build a nation.
Jane Usher, General Manager, H.R.C.U.
“We talk a lot about it: alleviation of poverty and the greatest tool to alleviate poverty is working together, working together and managing the only medium of exchange and that’s money.”
Q: “So is this man coming or going from the Credit Union?”
Roberto Castillo
“Well he is going with a pocket full of money.” (laughs)
Janelle Chanona for News Five.
The carving is on permanent display in the lobby of the Holy Redeemer Credit Union.
