Senator The Honourable Leroy Baptiste, Minister of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development, is highlighting the role of credit unions in promoting financial inclusion, supporting small businesses and strengthening communities as Trinidad and Tobago observes International Credit Union Day 2026.
In his message, he underscored the importance of member-owned co-operatives in providing accessible financial services and building economic resilience amid uncertainty.
Read his full message here:
Message from Senator The Honourable Leroy Baptiste, Minister of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development on the occasion of International Credit Union Day 2026
Fellow citizens, members of the Co-operative Credit Union Movement, and friends.
It is my distinct honour to join the Co-operative Credit Union League of Trinidad and Tobago and the international community in celebrating International Credit Union Day 2026. This year’s theme, “Cooperative Finance: A Steady Signal in a Noisy World,” is both timely and instructive.
We live in an era of economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, and competing demands on every dollar. In such times, people need institutions they can trust. Credit unions have remained a stable and consistent option. They are member-owned, democratically governed, and rooted in the communities they serve. They transform modest savings into shared strength, offering accessible credit and financial services to workers in the public and private sectors, families, farmers, and small and micro entrepreneurs.
Credit Unions in Trinidad and Tobago have earned a reputation for prudence, member service, and community commitment. They have stood with members through difficult periods, offering a human face to finance when many felt excluded. Financial inclusion is not a luxury; it is a foundation for dignity, opportunity, and upward mobility.
For the Ministry of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development, credit unions are essential partners. By promoting financial literacy, responsible borrowing, and affordable enterprise financing, they help workers build resilience and help small businesses start, grow, and create jobs. They also strengthen the social fabric by keeping wealth circulating within communities. Strong co-operatives also support decent work and productive employment, key priorities for my Ministry.