The Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs will join the world in celebrating International Day of Cooperatives on Saturday 6^th July, 2024. This year, International Day of Cooperatives will be observed under the theme “Cooperatives build a better future for all.” The theme chosen by the United Nations fully aligns with the Ministry’s collaborative approach towards the soon to be introduced harmonised Cooperatives Societies Bill.

Honourable Emma Hippolyte, who is the Minister with responsibility for the Cooperative Sector in Saint Lucia, in a public address in honour of International Day of Cooperatives, said: “In keeping with the intention of International Day of Cooperatives, which identifies how the [cooperative] model makes life better for all, our credit unions together with the Department of Cooperatives, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority, the Ministry of Commerce, the Attorney General’s Chambers and our non-financial agricultural, service and fisher cooperative societies have been very involved in the review and editing of the Cooperative Societies Bill—ensuring that the legislative requirements, reviews and edits maintain the intention of the cooperative enterprise model. This bill is expected to be presented to Parliament shortly.”

The Department of Cooperatives will also be working alongside cooperatives and credit unions in the south of the island to develop, coordinate and publicize a simplified version of its originally conceptualized school mascot trivia, targeting students in District Seven.

Throughout the world, cooperatives will have the opportunity to showcase their past and present contributions to building a sustainable future, accelerating efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030—an agenda adopted by members of the United Nations in 2015. According to the United Nations, cooperatives are being encouraged to “showcase their high standards for inclusive and sustainable growth, and service as stewards for protecting the environment and fighting climate change. Through democratic governance and shared ownership, cooperatives set an example for peace and stability, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together on equal terms, and fostering understanding and respect. The cooperative youth will be empowered to lead the way by giving them opportunities, transferring knowledge, and ensuring equity and equality for all.”

The United Nations International Year of Cooperatives will be observed in 2025.

For further information, please contact the Registrar of Cooperatives Ms. Althea Jean-Caesar at 468-5568.