L to R: Secy Manwar Ali, Pres. Aman Hosein, Qur'an reciter Nabeel Ali

“We have had ten years of growth and success and we intend to continue on that path even though we are now in a period of local and global financial challenges,” said Aman Hosein, President of Takaaful T&T Friendly Society on Sunday, April 5th, at the Eleventh Annual General Meeting of the Society.

The Meeting which was held in the Maracas Conference Room of the Bureau of Standards at Macoya got underway at 9.25 a.m. with a most beautiful Quranic recitation by youthful Nabeel Ali, youngest son of manager Imtiaz Ali. Matters on the Agenda then moved along smoothly, with the meeting coming to a close shortly before noon, inclusive of elections, announcements and the distribution of gift baskets.

Secretary Manwar Ali presented an encouraging Report of the Board of Management’s achievements during the past year 2008. Highlights of the Report included

• A 15% increase in membership.
• Increase in the Society’s Waqf (Endowment) Fund by 208%.
• Increase of the Funeral Benefit from $2,500 to $4,500.
• A rebate of 17% to the FBS participants.
• Successful hosting of the Society’s AGM, Annual Dinner, Family Day and Football Competition
• Beneficiaries of the Waqf Fund included orphans, the elderly, battered women and bereaved families.

The Audited Financial Statements for the year ending December 31st, 2008 were presented by Treasurer Khamal Khan. Elections conducted by Trustee Omar Gorib saw 3 directors elected for three years and 2 substitutes for one year.

The continued sterling efforts of the BOM, members of the various committees and consultants were recognized by members as was the continued generosity of corporations who donated the gift baskets such as S.M. Jaleel & Co. Ltd., Nestle, M&D, R. Khan Trading, Canamax, Shazam Mohammed Real Estate, Low Cost Supermarket, Aspirona Systems and Chief Brand Products Ltd. The Society also receives similar support from corporate sponsors for their Annual Five-A-Side Small Goal Night Football Competition.

Members were informed of the Society’s Annual Dinner due to take place on May 9th next at the Islamic Centre, Kelly Village, Caroni with details of the Family Day to be announced at a later date.

Following the AGM, members were provided with lunch and other refreshment and an opportunity to socialize.