THIS year is designated International year for Co-operatives by the United Nations. Guyana is the only Co-operative Republic in the world and like many other countries, has co-operative societies of various types: for example, cooperatives in agriculture, land, housing, utility services, consumers, credit unions, fishermen etc.
However, in Guyana, co-operatives should play a dominant role as part of the tri-sectoral economy, being the third economic sector.
Co-operatives function in all 10 administrative regions in Guyana, and have contributed successfully to the living standards of its members, and the country as a whole. Co-operative societies in Guyana have assets totalling in excess of $3B.
It is however regrettable that today the Department of Co-operatives in Guyana has only one Regional Co-operative Development Officer in the entire country. This situation should be corrected as cooperatives continue to play a major role in the lives of the people of this country, and members need to be educated on the various aspects of cooperatives.
I firmly believe that the need for co-operative education is the key to success, and every effort should be made by the authorities to continue sensitising Guyanese about the cooperative movement. A stakeholders’ commission should also be appointed without delay. The Guyana National Co-operative Union which is the apex body for all co-operative societies in Guyana must play a vital role as the representative body for all co-operative societies in Guyana.
I trust that the present minister with the responsibility for co-operatives, will ensure that co-operatives begin to take its rightful place in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. Also, all schools must have legally registered School Thrift Co-operative Societies. These societies should be supervised by teachers, while training for members of these societies must be ongoing.
Long live the Co-operative Republic of Guyana!
Long live the Co-operative Movement in Guyana!