Dear Editor,
Please allow me to respond to an article written by Mr B Balkarran which was published in the Stabroek News and the Kaieteur News on Thursday, January 7, in relation to co-operatives in Guyana (‘The enquiry into coops should start at head office’ SN, Jan 7).
First of all, I would like to inform Mr Balkarran that the Co-operatives Department is not in disarray as he erroneously presumed, and that both the Chief Co-operatives Development Officer (CCDO) and Deputy CCDO are well qualified to manage the affairs of the department. I would also like to advise him that there is a comprehensive strategic plan in place to revive the co-operative movement in Guyana, starting with the very inquiries ordered by Minister Simona Broomes.
Secondly, those who were placed on the Interim Management Committee of the Guyana National Co-operative Union consisted of very capable persons from Regions No 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10. Some of them are from different cooperative backgrounds, ie, credit unions, agricultural co-operatives, multipurpose co-operatives, etc. The aim is to restore the Guyana National Co-operative Union to its former glory.
Thirdly, steps are currently being taken to place Regional Co-operative Development Officers in some of the administrative Regions, including Region No 3. To quell some of the speculation in the letter, it must be noted that the Region No 3 Officer was employed through the Public Service Commission and his salary is being paid by central government.
Finally, I would like to thank Mr Balkarran for his contribution and assure him that this department has been working very closely with the National Cane Farming Committee and other relevant bodies to ensure that not only those cane farming co-operatives on the West Bank of Demerara continue to develop, but all functioning co-operatives around the country.
Yours faithfully,
J Panchu
Assistant Chief
Co-operatives Development
Officer
