Dear Editor,
Many people as well as co-op societies supported Minister Simona Broomes’ call for an inquiry into co-op societies. According to a news item published in the Kaieteur News, it appears that the Co-op Department is in disarray. After reading this, many people felt that the enquiry should start at the Co-op Department head office. To help the co-op movement to develop and grow, members of functioning co-op societies feel that the people appointed to the current National Co-op Union Committee should step down as soon as possible, and let the societies nominate and/or elect representatives from each Region to the committee. Region 3 has capable people like H Rahman, G Gulliver, Hubert, S Rogers and others.
Over five years ago the building that was used for the Region 3 co-op office and other government operations was burnt down; weeds are growing on what is left of it. It is an eyesore, because this site is within the compound of the Education Department office and is located on the West Bank Demerara main public road. Every day regional officers, government ministers and MPs pass by and behave as if they do not see it and do not care for the development of the co-op sector.
After the destruction of the co-op office building, we were informed that the Region 3 administration offered the regional co-op officer a space and a desk within the Engineering Department at Vreed-en-Hoop, where he could work. It was reported that this officer never occupied the space in this building.
On many occasions myself and members of the Belle Vue Co-op went to see the Chief Co-operative Development Officer and the former Minister of Labour to enquire about the Region 3 co-op officer. We were always told that the officer was out in the field working. Then later we were told that he had a desk and was working from the head office in Georgetown. We were informed that the Region 3 administration paid the co-op officer’s salary, but it did not monitor him. If this is true, then it needs to be addressed.
During the 1970s and ʼ80s The Region 3 Co-op Department was staffed with some very dedicated officers, including, for example, Mr Baichan, Mr Howard, Ms Croal and others; and they were always willing to help and give advice to all co-op societies. This Region had two co-op officers and about two office staff supporting them. And I am very glad that I have known and worked along with these dedicated officers, helping to organise the co-op society, assisting them in organising seminars, etc.
I am associated with and have worked with one of the oldest co-op societies in Guyana. This is the Belle Vue Cane Farmers Marketing Co-op Society, Reg # 967, and for approximately 60 years, this 55 member co-op has been selling sugar cane to Wales Estate. Also there are about seven other functioning cane farmers’ marketing co-op societies selling their sugar cane to Wales Estate, on the West Bank of Demerara.
The current APNU+AFC government should revive and build the co-op sector and the Co-op bank in Guyana, because these will help to alleviate rural poverty and help build a better life for all in rural areas.
Yours faithfully,
B Balkarran
Former committee
member for the
Guyana Cane Farmers
Association and
GAWU
