RESIDENTS of Moraikobai in Region Five celebrated the launch of a new Benevolent Friendly Society, the Moraikobai Farmers Association, on Tuesday. The launch took place during a two-day sensitisation outreach focused on child labour in the agricultural and logging sectors, organised by the Ministry of Labour.
The outreach, held at the Village Benab, provided an opportunity for Ministry of Labour officers to engage with the local community and educate them about the services offered by the Ministry. The establishment of the Moraikobai Farmers Association aims to support and address the needs of the agricultural community through close collaboration with the village council.
The event included a general meeting where the association was officially established, and a new Committee of Management was elected. This initiative is expected to bolster the agricultural sector in Moraikobai by fostering a co-operative approach among local farmers.
During the outreach, discussions were held with workers from the agricultural and logging sectors, as well as cash crop farmers. Topics covered included Guyana’s labour laws, the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, employment opportunities through the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA), and skills training opportunities offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and Cooperative and Friendly Societies.
Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, emphasised the importance of co-operative societies in enhancing the standard of living for Guyanese. He highlighted ongoing efforts to increase awareness and utilisation of these societies, noting their role in improving various sectors, including agriculture, land, housing, utility services, consumer needs, credit unions, and fisheries.
Minister Hamilton has previously stated that co-operatives are crucial for uplifting communities and improving livelihoods, and his ministry is committed to supporting their establishment and growth across the country. The launch of the Moraikobai Farmers Association marks a significant step in this direction, providing a structured platform for farmers to collaborate and thrive.
