Youths encouraged to participate in co-operative societies

…“these avenues help you to meet your customers directly” – entrepreneur

Youths from across Guyana are being urged to take part in co-operative societies, this call was made by the chief co-operative’s Development Officer, Janaknauth Panchu on Saturday during this year’s Co-operatives Market Day, hosted at the Labour Ministry’s tarmac.

Panchu noted that the current co-operative societies’ demographic is made up primarily of adults. On this point he called for youths to participate more in co-operative societies noting that these societies have numerous benefits that will solve some of the everyday hurdles faced by youths such as employment.
“We are hoping to have the youths becoming involved, because there is so much potential in being in a co-operative society, lots of potential and they are youths that may be unemployed. If they get into a corp or form a corp they could benefit economically and improve their whole life,” Panchu posited.
Moreover, he highlighted that Labour Ministry in collaboration with the Legal Affairs Ministry have issued 40 no objection letters to the Housing Ministry for the processing of land titles. These titles will be given to the members involved in the housing co-operative society.

Meanwhile the co-operatives Market Day saw several small businesses showcasing their products and services to members of the public.
One business owner, Abigail John, a young business owner from Buxton, East Coast Demerara who operates a local wine production business (Propa Local Wines) highlighted that the winemaking craft was introduced to her by her uncle. As such the woman noted that she has been practicing the craft for six years however, last year she decided to branch off from operating under her uncle’s business and decided to establish her own, she further thanked the Labour Ministry for giving her a platform to further expand her enterprise.

“This is my first time here at the Ministry of Labour farmers market so I am very optimistic about the outcome. It is a welcomed initiative and I will always support all farmers market,” she stated.
Radhika Basdeo, the owner of Basdeo Agro-processing highlighted that she wanted to add value to the crops produced on her family’s farm in this regard. Basdeo also commended the ministry for conducting their annual market day. She further noted that the initiative promotes small businesses and helps bolsters customer relationships with manufacturers.
“These avenues help you to meet your customers directly because when you distribute to a supermarket or a daily market you don’t actually meet your direct customers, so these initiatives makes your reach your direct customers,” she stated.
This year’s Co-operatives Market Day saw the participation of more than twenty (20) co-operative societies, small businesses and agencies. These include the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union (GPSCCU), Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), Bath Agricultural Development Co-operative Society, Vergenoegen Agricultural Producers Co-operative Society, Yarrowkabra Coal Burners Association, Marfriends Land Co-operative Society, East Berbice Aquaculture Co-operative Society, D’s Body Therapy, Maliyah’s Kitchen, Dixie’s Punch De Creme, Jofa, Basdeo’s Dynasty, and Leisa’s Salon and Beauty Products, among others. Market Day serves as a platform for agricultural and producer co-operatives, as well as public and private sector agencies, including small businesses, to showcase their products and services, and attract more customers. In a similar vein, it allows persons to purchase a wide range of items from vegetables and fruits to plants and craft, at an attractive price.