KINGSTON, Jamaica — First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union Limited (FHC) has announced a three-month moratorium on loan payments for members directly impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

The company says the move is to reinforce its longstanding commitment to the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People”.

“Our members are at the centre of everything we do,” said Chief Executive Officer, Xavier Allen. “At times like this, it’s important that we stand firmly with them. The moratorium provides a measure of relief for those affected by Hurricane Melissa, helping them to focus on rebuilding their lives and livelihoods.”

The moratorium allows eligible members to defer loan payments for up to three months. Members may apply by contacting their branch representative, completing the moratorium request form and submitting a brief description of the impact experienced, along with supporting documentation where available.

In addition to the moratorium, the credit union, together with its subsidiary, FHC Investments, has launched a donation drive encouraging staff, their members and the wider public to contribute non-perishable food items and other essential supplies towards the national relief efforts.

Drop boxes have been placed across FHC branches, making it easy for people to donate, as part of the organisation’s collective effort to support communities most severely affected by the hurricane.

The organisation will also be contributing to the Credit Unions of Jamaica’s relief efforts, both in cash and kind, which will see team members across the movement going into communities in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Trelawny, Hanover and St James on Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9, to deliver care packages.

“The credit union movement is built on community,” stated Assistant General Manager of Marketing Communications and Member Experience, Michelle Tracey. “Through this initiative, we are living out our core ethos of ‘People Helping People’ and reaffirming our role as a dependable financial partner in both good and challenging times,” she said.