Can’t get money from GPSU credit union

Dear Editor,

I am the daughter of the late Ivan Sylvanous Forrester, MS, and co-beneficiary of his Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union (GPSCCU) dues. Herein lies the bone of my contention.

Ivan Forrester joined the credit union from its genesis and in 2009, he nominated my sister and I as beneficiaries in the inevitable event of his death.

He died in October 2012. We furnished the credit union with all the documents necessary to facilitate the smooth processing of our claim as beneficiaries. The word ‘smooth’ is thinly veiled sarcasm. The run around is royal, the monarchy of England pales in comparison.

At the time of his death, Ivan Forrester was 83 years old and an active and contributing member of the credit union. His cheques arrived directly from the Ministry of Finance every month, like clockwork, until he died.

After numerous fruitless visits to the credit union and a few meetings with members of the board, the credit union accountant finally informed us that the insurance company in Trinidad did not honour the claim. Upon further inquiry, it was explained to us that the member was too old and that there is an existing policy between the insurance company and the credit union, that members are covered up to the age of 70.

What is puzzling is the fact that the credit union knew of this policy and they were still collecting the old man’s money way past the age limit. As a matter of fact we were advised by a staff member not to withdraw the money. “It will be doubled when the member dies”. The man was 80 years old.

To add further insult to injury, the credit union informed us, very nonchalantly, that the letter of nomination cannot be located. To my knowledge, there was never a fire reported by the credit union, at least not since 2009.

What is going on at the GPSCCU? It’s almost five years and we are still to receive the benefits that our father diligently saved at this institution. I am hoping that someone of relevant authority reads this letter and is able to shed some light on this dark situation speedily.

Yours faithfully,

Jacqueline Forrester

Editor’s note

We are sending a copy of this letter to the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union for any comment they might wish to make.