Growth of Co-operative Movement in Barbados: New Non-Financial Co-operatives on the Horizon, Says Acting Registrar Brent Gittens

Interest in the co-operative movement in Barbados continues to grow, says Acting Registrar of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies, Brent Gittens who disclosed that two new non-financial co-operatives are expected to be created.

“We have two co-operatives that are in the pipeline; one is in business development and the other construction. We haven’t actually registered them yet, but they are in the pipeline to be formed, and we will continue to press ahead,” Gittens said on Friday at the Pop-Up Co-op Market, in the car park of Baobab Tower.

“The movement is a lot more diversified than five or ten years ago. We currently have about 35 non-financial co-operatives. Their assets are estimated at about BDS$14 million, a membership base of over 1 500, and approximately 100 employees,” he further disclosed.

Gittens said various co-operatives have been created in agriculture, transport, construction, entrepreneurs, creatives, and sports.

He said one of the department’s key initiatives for the year is the promotion of a culture of consumerism and entrepreneurship, through public education, mentorship, counselling, and training.

“We are planning to do some educational outreaches to secondary schools this year. We continue to have our Co-op Markets in each quarter, which allows us to promote and showcase the co-operatives as innovators and entrepreneurs. We will also offer training for the movement in relevant areas,” Gittens said.

“We recognise that groups and individuals will continue to pool resources together in these very challenging economic times, and the mission of the department is to assist the government in empowering and enfranchising Barbadians, and in so doing, build out the Barbadian economy.”

The Acting Registrar said seven schools were removed from the department’s official register after years of inactivity. He gave the assurance that his office would be placing a strong emphasis on strengthening those societies that are operational so that they can remain active.

(BGIS)