Grenada-based Ariza Credit Union has capped another successful fiscal year with robust financial results, marking a series of notable milestones including a historic first for member benefit distribution at its 28 April Annual General Meeting hosted at the Grenada Trade Centre.
For the 12-month period ending 31 December 2025, the member-owned financial cooperative reported an annual surplus of EC$11,183,343. After completing all statutory and mandatory reserve allocations, the institution retained EC$6,821,839 in unallocated surplus — a result that underscores its consistent financial strength, disciplined operational management, and enduring confidence from its membership base.
In a break from longstanding convention, Ariza Credit Union distributed member returns totaling EC$2,586,609 on the same day the AGM was held, allowing attendees to access their dividends and loan interest rebates while the meeting was still in session. This innovative shift is being framed as a tangible demonstration of the cooperative’s core commitments to immediacy, full transparency, and direct value delivery to the people who own and use the institution.
The full payout breaks down into two components: EC$1,450,578 in 5% dividends issued to holders of Equity and Qualifying Shares, and EC$1,136,031 in 3% rebates on interest members paid on loans over the fiscal year.
Centered on the 2025 AGM theme ‘Membership Redefined: Empowering Members, Securing Our Future’, the gathering reinforced Ariza’s dual strategic focus: deepening collaborative relationships with its membership while positioning the organization for long-term, sustainable growth and systemic stability. In addressing attending members, the Board of Directors reaffirmed its ongoing pledge to prudent financial stewardship, emphasizing that the cooperative’s success must translate directly into tangible benefits for every member.
The AGM also oversaw a series of structured leadership and governance transitions aligned with the cooperative’s bylaws. Outgoing board member Lyndonna Hillaire-Marshall, who completed two consecutive terms of service, was honored for her contributions. Two incumbent directors, Alana Twum-Barimah and Tricia St Bernard, won re-election to serve second consecutive terms on the Board. Dahelia Thomas, a former longstanding staff member of Ariza Credit Union, joined the board for her first elected term. On the institution’s Credit Committee, Desiree Stephen and Judy Pivotte were both re-elected to serve second terms.
Mervyn Lord, Chief Executive Officer of Ariza Credit Union, commented that the strong 2025 financial results and smooth governance transition reflect the inherent strength of the member-owned cooperative model, as well as the unwavering trust members place in the institution’s leadership. Moving forward, Lord noted that Ariza will remain laser-focused on expanding member value, strengthening organizational financial resilience, and supporting long-term shared prosperity for its membership and the local community it serves.
As it enters the new fiscal year, Ariza Credit Union maintains its core commitments to building institutional resilience, fostering member confidence, and delivering sustainable, shared value to both its membership and the broader Grenadian community.