(JIS) – Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, has expressed support for the Cooperative movement in the Caribbean and Jamaica, stating that against the background of economic instability worldwide, the movement could contribute to economic growth.
He says that it would be difficult to fully quantify the impact that the Cooperative movement has had in Jamaica, adding that the extraordinary success of the movement is deserving of celebration.
“Today we have a total of 213 cooperatives in a variety of sectors, at the grassroots level cooperatives have bonded people, created important synergies, and fueled a passion for social engagement,” he stated.
The Governor-General was giving the keynote address at the International Year of Cooperatives awards banquet, being staged jointly by the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU) and the Cooperative Development Society of Jamaica, at the Ritz Carlton Resort and Spa, in Montego Bay on Saturday, June 23.
He said that the local Credit Unions are at present demonstrating the required spirit of social activism, and commended them for their many social outreach programmes.
Turning to his “I believe” initiative, the Governor-General described the cooperative movement as an aspect of what is right with Jamaica.