The Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs addressed the nation in recognition  of International Cooperatives Day on Saturday, July 2.

During her statement the minister referenced the importance of cooperatives within society, and the abundance of work done by the organisastions even when met by the many challenges that they face. The minister went on to state that due to this, the Government of Saint Lucia is working on legislation to aid cooperatives in overcoming challenges.

“The Cooperative Societies Act and the Cooperative Societies Regulations have been under review as far back as 2008. My government commits to the finalization of these two pieces of legislation within this financial year. The demands of modern business practices states that cooperatives must be  prepared to face the global challenges. As such, the finalization of the legislation is a priority for government,” she said.

The minister also commented on the many attributes cooperatives have made to society.

“As we celebrate International Cooperatives Day 2022 we can proudly say that our cooperatives have provided the much needed landscape to change our lives. The difference through the cooperative principals, the democratic structure, the service to members, the cooperation among cooperatives, the concern for community and the social goals that cooperatives embody are worth mentioning and recognizing today. As we join fellow cooperatives in over 180 countries and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of IInternational Cooperatives Day, I wish to thank every member employee, volunteer, for your invaluable contribution to this important movement.”

International Cooperatives Day is an annual celebration of the cooperative movement observed on the first Saturday of July, since 1923, by the International Cooperative Alliance.