The co-operative movement will take centre stage soon when several activities are held in celebration of International Day of Co-operatives on Saturday, July 2, 2022.
Co-operatives Build a Better World is this year’s theme, and all members of credit unions, co-operatives, and the general public are encouraged to attend the various activities being organised by the Co-operatives Department, Ministry of Energy and Business.
Celebrations in Barbados will begin on Sunday, June 26, with a service at the St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Corner of 7th Avenue Belleville and George Street, St. Michael, starting at 8:00 a.m.
On Wednesday, June 29, there will be a virtual co-operative forum, starting at 6:00 p.m., under the theme: Creating a Digital Platform for the Co-operative Sector.
Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business, Sandra Husbands, will deliver remarks, while co-founder of the electronic wallet MyReadyCash App, Keith Downer, will give the feature address. The public is encouraged to register in advance for the forum.
For additional information on the forum, persons may call the Co-operatives Department at 535-0150 or 535-0151, or email coops@barbados.gov.bb.
The events will climax on Saturday, July 2, with A Village-A-Fair, at the Church Village Green, Central Bank, Church Village, St. Michael, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A number of co-operatives will be displaying their products and offering services.
These include those in the agricultural sector, such as Ujamaa and Addis Alem Co-operatives, as well as Emerging Brands Barbados and the Women Entrepreneurial Co-operative, which are multipurpose societies comprising clusters of small businesses with different skillsets.
The items on sale will include produce, plants, various types of condiments, coconut and turmeric oils, natural fruit juices, jewellery, craft, and natural soaps. Free health checks will be provided by the Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados, while manicure services will be offered by the Caribbean Cosmetology Academy.
Entertainment will be provided throughout the day and will include a coop band, modelling by the Global Event Planners and dancing by Dance Machine. Coop resident DJ Glen will also ensure that there is a lively ambience. Food and refreshments will be on sale.
International Day of Co-operatives (#CoopsDay) is observed annually. According to the International Cooperative Alliance, the aim is to increase awareness of co-operatives and promote the movement’s ideas of international solidarity, economic efficiency, equality, and world peace.
There are approximately three million co-operatives in the world, and at least 12 per cent of the world’s population are members of the movement.
In Barbados, there are 34 non-financial co-operatives registered in various sectors, including construction, transport, agriculture, investment, and renewable energy.