AFTER a decade of inactivity, Linden Utility Services Co-operative Society (LUSCS) has regained its active status through an Annual General Meeting (AGM) and general election held on May 19, 2024.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections took place at New Silvercity Secondary School in Silvertown Linden, overseen by Chief Co-operatives Development Officer (CCDO), Jankanauth Panchu.

According to the Ministry of Labour, the CCDO, in his feature address to the committee, urged the new committee to give serious consideration to the recommendations made by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) which was supervising the Co-operative Society.

The IMC took office in April 2022 after uncovering instances of mismanagement and a lack of transparency within the organisation. The IMC’s term ended in September of last year, and under the guidance of Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, the Ministry’s department of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies initiated efforts to ensure a seamless transition of the ‘Co-op’ back to its members.

In addition, Panchu emphasised the significance of being accountable and transparent in the management process, and emphasised the importance of adhering to laws related to combating money laundering and financing terrorism.

He emphasised the importance of holding monthly general meetings in accordance with the Co-operative Societies Act, Chapter 88:01 of Guyana’s laws.

Alfred Julian, Hugh Stephens, Carol Benjamin, Vaughn Fernandes, Joseph John, Clause Williams, William Isaacs, former CCDO Perlina Gifth, and Royston Huston came together to form the Committee of Management following the elections. Meanwhile, Sydney James, Eusi McFarlene, and Viviane Duggan were elected to the Supervisory Committee.

According to their announcement, this development will facilitate the disbursement of funds to members and initiate the registration process for new members.