Racquel Williams, Debt Management Unit Clerk is all smiles as she signs up the newest member of the branch, deputy mayor of Portmore and councillor for Hellshire, Leon Thomas. - Contributed

Rasbert Turner, Portmore Star Writer

The McMasters branch of COK Sodality Co-operative Credit Union recently opened its full-service diebold ATM - the first of its kind for any credit union in the Caribbean.

The ATM was officially opened during a small ceremony by Deputy Mayor of Portmore Leon Thomas. Many residents turned out to enjoy the festivities and offers on hand.

"It is a great addition to Portmore, as in addition to its flexibility, there will be no users fees applied," Timo Whyte, the credit union's member relation officer, said at the opening of the new ATM to coincide with Credit Union Week, a highlight of the 45-year-old credit union calendar year.

"A number of our partners have come on board to display their products and members are being pampered," Jacqueline Coolgar-Bailey, the branch supervisor, said.

Several residents, many of whom are members of the credit union, told THE PORTMORE STAR that they are thankful for the new ATM at the McMasters plaza location. It was revealed that customers can use the ATM to do transfers, withdrawals and deposits.

While hundreds of Portmore residents will able to access the machine, members of disabled community will not be so lucky.

While the deputy mayor commended COK for its investment in the municipality, he implored the management to consider the concerns of the disabled.

President of the Portmore Self-Help Disability Organisation, Bridgette Johnson, added that there need to be more consideration for the disabled community. "We are concern that no wheelchair ramp has been provided for physically challenged persons; it must be address," Johnson said.