The City of Kingston Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. (COK) was incorporated in 1967 in response to the need for an inclusive credit union that offered membership to citizens of Kingston and St. Andrew. This was important as, although there were some 130 credit unions at the time, their membership was restricted to certain professions or church groups. The COK concept meant that, for the first time, people could join a credit union once they were residents of the Corporate Area.
This initial concept was first proposed by Mr. Albert Morris, but he was years ahead of his time and the idea did not catch on. However, in 1967, Mr.Paul Chavannes, a CUNA Mutual sales representative to Jamaica and Belize, recalled Morris' proposal and approached members of Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League (JCCUL) and the Registrar of Co-operatives.
Mr.Chavannes' lobbying efforts were successful, Registrar of Co-operatives, Mr. James Kirlew, gave his blessings along with two shillings and six pence - the required registration fee for incorporating a credit union. On October 26, 1967 the vision became a reality.
Just a month after registration, COK held the first Annual General Meeting on November 24, 1967. At that time there were 13 members and total shares of sixty pounds (J$120).
Mr. Chavannes voluntarily ran the office from his desk in CUNA Mutual's Office, located at JCCUL headquarters at 2A Manhattan Road, Kingston 5. This continued until February 1969, when the first employee was hired.
On March 1 1970, COK rented a room from the JCCUL. But by April 1973, one room was insufficient and a property at 27 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5 was purchased. COK continued to grow, and further expansion became critical so property, previously acquired at 66 Slipe Road Kingston 5, was occupied in December 1979.
By 2005, COK will occupy new offices, now under construction, at 68 Slipe Road Kingston 5.
COK's Founding Members
Mr.Paul Chavannes (deceased) - Founding Member and the first employee
Mr. Albert Morris - Founder, and the first President of the Board. Currently, the Vice President of the Board.
Mr. Ken LaCruise - Founding Member, and the first treasurer of the Board.
Mrs. Vinette Foster - Founding Member, the first female member. and former member of Credit Committe.
Father Gerard McLaughlin - Founder, Father McLaughlin was an ardent worker who not only formed part of the foundation of the credit union movement in Jamaica but was also the first president and managing director of the Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League.
Mr. Roy Anderson - Founding Member, was seen as a true educator. For several years, his responsibility was to provide member education, where he engaged the minds of the members to understand the complexity and richness of cooperative thoughts and philosophies. Roy Anderson was a civil servant who worked tirelessly to shape the direction of the credit union.