Credit Union Celebrates 50 Years of Members Helping Members

CICSA Co-operative Credit Union marked a major milestone on Friday with a commemorative ceremony at its Huldah Avenue headquarters, ahead of its official 50th anniversary on 15 March 2026.

The event brought together founding members, past and present members of the Credit Union’s Board of Directors and Committees, and government leaders including Premier and Minister of Financial Services, Hon. André Ebanks; Deputy Governor and Head of the Civil Service, Hon. Franz Manderson; and MP, Hon. Wayne Panton. The ceremony was also broadcast live on Radio Cayman, allowing members and the wider community to share in the celebration.

During the ceremony, Founding Member, Mr. Lemuel Hurlston, reflected on the Credit Union’s journey from humble beginnings to a thriving member-owned financial institution.

“What began in 1976 with seven civil servants contributing CI$5 each has grown into a strong cooperative serving nearly 21,000 members across the Cayman Islands,” Mr. Hurlston said. “Our story is a testament to the power of cooperation and the belief that when people come together to support one another, communities thrive.”

Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Patricia Estwick, noted that the milestone reflects the collective commitment of generations of members, volunteers, and staff.

“For five decades, our Credit Union has remained grounded in the simple but powerful principle of members helping members,” she said. “Every achievement we celebrate today is the result of the trust our members have placed in us and the dedication of those who have served the organisation over the years.”

Founded in 1976, the Credit Union began with a group of seven civil servants who pooled CI$35 in contributions to establish a financial cooperative built on shared ownership and mutual support. These pioneers were Mr. Gilbert McLean, Mr. Louis Moncrieffe, Mr. John (Lemuel) Hurlston, Mr. Colford Scott, Mr. Ray Miller, Ms. Rachael Ebanks, and Mr. George McCarthy.

Today, the Credit Union has grown into one of the Cayman Islands’ main lending institutions and the only locally owned financial institution, with over CI$705 million in assets, CI$518 million in loans issued, and a membership of nearly 21,000 individuals across the islands.

Beyond providing financial services, the Credit Union has also invested significantly in community development. Over the years, more than CI$3 million has been directed toward education, supporting grants, youth initiatives, and financial literacy programmes that help empower future generations.

During the ceremony, guests reflected on the Credit Union’s role in helping Caymanians achieve important life milestones, from purchasing homes and financing education, to building financial stability for their families.

The Chairman of the Board, Ryan Rajkumarsingh, said, “As we celebrate this golden anniversary, we are reminded that the strength of the Credit Union is not defined solely by its financial performance, but by the community it serves and the opportunities it creates for its members.”

As the Credit Union celebrates its 50th anniversary, the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to building on the legacy established by its founders and continuing to serve its members and community for generations to come.

“Together, we have built something lasting,” Estwick said. “As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing to serve our members and community for generations to come.”