The Barbados Cooperative Movement has been hailed as a driving force behind economic empowerment.
Cooperatives employ over 2 000 people and have over 240 000 members and more than $3 billion in assets, Registrar of Cooperatives Brent Gittens told a service on Sunday at St Stephen’s Church, held to commemorate International Day of Cooperatives earlier this month.
The 2025 activities are being held under the theme, Co-operatives Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.
Gittens underscored the sector’s national importance, highlighting its growth into new and diverse areas over the last decade and its inclusive reach.
“Our movement strives to leave no one behind as it caters to Barbadians from every segment of society,” he said.
He cited areas where its impact can be seen, such as enhanced housing opportunities, higher levels of education, gender equality, decent work, poverty alleviation, and the growth and development of entrepreneurship among young people.
Drawing a comparison between the church and the cooperative model, Gittens said, “Both enjoy a community-oriented focus and a shared vision of service to its members.”
Delivering the sermon, Reverend Lisa Jessamy-Maynard encouraged members of the movement to remain grounded in spiritual guidance.
“As you are called to advocate for your members, you need to spend time listening to the voice of God for his direction. By so doing, you will always act in the best interests of your members and the wider society,” she said.
The celebrations will continue with a marquee fair on Saturday, July 26, at Church Village Green, next to the Central Bank. It will showcase craft, clothing, agricultural produce, vegetarian food, fashion and music. (STT)
The post Co-op movement hailed for empowering Barbadians appeared first on Barbados Today.
