The Grenada Co-operative League Ltd (GCLL) hosted its inaugural Business Luncheon of the Co-operative Sector on 29 March 2023 at Belmont Estate.
The luncheon was held under the theme “National Transformation and the Co-operative Sector in Grenada.” Delegates comprised of representatives from all credit unions, non-financial co-operatives and the Grenada Authority for the Regulation of Financial Institutions (Garfin).
Specially invited guests included Hon. Lennox Andrews, Minister for Economic Development, Planning, Tourism, ICT, Creative Economy, Agriculture and Lands, Fisheries and Cooperatives; Hon. Dennis Cornwall, Member of Parliament for St Patrick East and Minister of Government, Senator the Hon. Adrian Thomas, Minister of State with responsibility for Agriculture and Lands, Fisheries and Co-operatives; Meryl Phillip Sylvester, Registrar, Department of Co-operatives and David Fritz, General Manager, Corp-EFF Insurance Company Ltd, Dominica.
Feature Speaker Prime Minister the Hon. Dickon Mitchell highlighted the critical role the co-operative sector plays in promoting sustainable development and community empowerment, which he stated are critical elements for the holistic well-being of citizens and society. He also emphasised that one of the key benefits of Grenada’s co-operative sector is “its ability to promote economic growth and job creation in rural areas, with members working together to create sustainable enterprises that generate long-term jobs and prosperity.”
The Prime Minister urged the GCLL to continue with its agenda to expand the non-financial co-operative sector and gave his government’s commitment to supporting efforts towards strengthening existing entities and the formation of new co-operatives.
Randy Boyke-Cadet, President of the GCLL, encouraged delegates to engage in robust discussions about ways the co-operative sector can chart a new path towards prosperity for our tri-island state; noting that the sector is a key driving force in our country’s economic growth and development. He indicated that the initiative was birthed in the belief that to transform the co-operative sector, there needs to be structured learning opportunities drawing on the knowledge and expertise of people who will bring tremendous value to the “Co-operative Table.”
The GCLL takes this opportunity to thank the Prime Minister and Ministers of Government for attending the event and the assurance of the government’s commitment to the development of the co-operative sector in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
The GCLL would also like to thank all delegates for their participation as we strive towards the advancement of Grenada’s co-operative sector. Follow the Grenada Co-operative League Ltd (GCLL) on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
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This seems like more talk and no action. As it stands, financial cooperatives do help break the barriers to easy finance for people. For poorman to get a loan he has to sell his entire family.