Dear Editor,
I wish to bring to your attention the fact that there is a legally registered apex umbrella organisation in Guyana which is the Guyana National Co-operative Union Ltd, Regd # 41, which is the representative body for all co-operatives across the ten administrative regions.
The organization’s mission is to mobilize and integrate all co-operative entities into a self-reliant national co-operative movement.
Its objectives are to formulate policies and to organize co-operative work; to promote co-operative education and training; to represent the co-operative movement in all matters relating to its development and well-being; to collaborate with national and international co-operatives and other agencies and organisations for the development of society in accordance with the tasks and duties assigned to the co-operative movement in the Guyana Constitution.
This body comprises one elected member from the District or Regional Union of the ten regions who sit on the Board of Directors. The body was established on July 2, 1949 as a secondary national umbrella body, and operated as such until 1981 when it became a tertiary organisation. It is the only authorized body permitted to sell all co-operative stationery in Guyana, and at present the society is again under the management of the Chief Co-operatives Development Officer who has appointed a committee to manage same.
This year which is the International Year for Co-operatives as designated by the United Nations, every effort should be made to make the movement vibrant and self reliant.
The Guyana National Union played a pivotal role in the launching of the International Year for Co-operatives in Guyana. In recognition of the year an activity which was held at the Umana Yana was attended by co-operators from across the ten administrative regions, along with representatives from the United Nations, various organizations, government ministries, and the Minister of Co-operatives.
The President of Guyana was represented by Minister Leslie Ramsammy.
However, it would be difficult at this time to say that the Guyana National Cooperative Union could assume the full responsibility of revitalizing the movement, since it lacks the financial, human and other resources to do same.
With the new dispensation, and demonstration of their support for the growth and development of the co-operative movement in this testing period, they should provide the necessary funds in order to create a climate of sustainable performance.
During this period the apex body along with the Division of Co-operatives will mount a comprehensive training and education programme through visits to the regions. Also there will be radio and television programmes educating the nation on the importance and the benefits of co-operatives to the citizens.
The body will also seek to re-establish its link with the International Cooperative Alliance, and will seek an annual subvention to meet its monthly expenses and salaries.
Yours faithfully,
C Conway
