The Government of Dominica has committed $20,000 to the Good Hope Farmers Cooperative Society Limited. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit made the announcement during the cooperative’s official registration ceremony held on Thursday.
“I came here to make a commitment, but I think you have suggested that it is doubled and that you have asked for a grant of $20,000 to help your cooperative to better serve its members,” Skerrit said. “I want to say to you that the government will provide the $20,000 to you.”
He added that the government looks forward to continued collaboration with the cooperative through the Ministry responsible for programmatic engagements.
Interim President of the Good Hope Farmers Cooperative Society Limited, Ashile Grove, in addressing attendees at the ceremony, revealed that the cooperative’s formation followed more than a year of discussions, beginning with Cooperative Officer Shirley Joseph.
“It is a great honor to stand before you today to celebrate a milestone that means so much to our farming community—the official registration of the Good Hope Farmers Cooperative Society Limited,” Grove said.
He stated that the cooperative was formed in response to shared challenges, including poor market access, low produce prices, and limited resources.
“But we held onto one thing, and that was hope. Together we have pooled our skills, land, tools, and passion together and we are here today,” Grove added.
He outlined the cooperative’s vision to pursue smart, sustainable, and inclusive agriculture, with goals to empower youth, embrace innovation, protect the environment, and contribute to food security in Dominica.
But what is $20,000 to brag about nou? Gason PM spending more than that on the funeral of friends. I know that because I am a family member of a deceased
This is like a one drop of rainfall in the Pacific Ocean. It changes NOTHING!
So you do realise that you are publicly and shamelessly admitting that you surrender your responsibility to bury your “family member” to the State, right?
Commendable, the formation of the Farmer’s cooperative. This is very likely the best model for sustained farming in Dominica.
I also appreciate the Government’s commitment, nonetheless we have to be careful with the Govt’s involvement/influence in everything. There should be some semblance of independence in the private sector. This is definitely a bothersome trend that mostly sabotage rather than support. Finally, 20k is a fairly good donation, but shall we get serious with farming, just compare the budget for Gov’t funded parties (E.g., Vybz Kartel fee) to this 20k. Then suddenly this feels grossly inadequate.
I share your sentiments. Anything this grossly underperforming, ruling regime does is for political advantageousness.
Agriculture should be the predominant industry in Dominica. To shell outp a measly $20 000 to this initiative is nothing boast about. This is mediocre at best. Farmers are unsung heroes. They are indispensable to society and should be given preferential treatment as they not only provide a basic necessity of life (food) to the community, they also deliver employment.
Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble employment of man. The government should give it the full support it deserves.