The Dominica Cooperative Movement on December 7, launched it activities for 2012 United Nations International Year of Cooperatives, under the theme “Encouraging Entrepreneurship through Co operatives” .
Addressing the gathering was Hon. Collin McIntyre representing the Hon. Prime Minister; Minister responsible for Cooperatives Hon Gloria Shillingford, Hon Norris Prevost Parliamentary representative for the Roseau Constituency, Mr. Cletus Joseph President of the Dominica Cooperative Society’s League, Mr. Al Monelle for the Director of the International Labour Organisation and Miss Mariet Canoville Registrar of Cooperatives.
Ms Jane Jackson was presented with a $1,500 cheque for winning the Cooperative Theme Song Completion. The Mahaut Steel Pan entertained the participants.
The United Nations General Assembly on December 18 2010 declared 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives, highlighting the contribution of cooperatives to socio-economic development.
The aim is to Increase public awareness about cooperatives, how they benefit their members and contribute to socioeconomic development and the achievement of Millennium Development Goals; also to promote awareness of the global network of cooperatives and their efforts in community building, democracy and peace.
A cooperative is an autonomous voluntary association of people who unite to meet common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations, through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise. In general, they contribute to socio-economic development.
As self-help organizations that meet the needs of their members, cooperatives assist in generating employment and incomes throughout local communities. Cooperatives provide opportunities for social inclusion.
The cooperative sector in Dominica has about 57,000 members in about 39 cooperatives and is estimated to account for over 1,000 jobs around the island. International Years are declared by the United Nations to draw attention to major issues and encourage action.
To commemorate the Year the Cooperative Movement has the following activities among other, Calypso competition and OECS summit in August, Fish festival in November, focus on youth in January and Agriculture month.
Another minister represending the Prime Minister again??? This PM is always out of DA. This is the actions of a desperate man – the damage to the interity of Dominica’s image by this government has been done and no amount of negotiations and trying to correct things under this government can be done at this time. The PM can stay out of Dominica as much as he likes, but the net is closing in. The longest road has a bend!! We are praying! The voice of the majority is the voice of God……………patience to see prayers answered ………seconds, minutes, hours days weeks months, years………..it will surely be answered!!!