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This weekend, Dominica joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Cooperatives Day under the theme “Rebuild Better Together”.

This year, cooperatives around the world will showcase how they are meeting the COVID-19 pandemic crisis with solidarity and resilience and offering communities a people-centered and environmentally just recovery.

Minister with responsibility for cooperatives, Hon. Roselyn Paul emphasized the importance of cooperatives for Dominica’s continued success.

“For a long time in Dominica through cooperatives, we have shown that it is possible to produce, consume, save, educate, serve and live together, while also prioritizing the wellbeing of people and the environment. All of us – cooperatives, organizations, and people, must act today to achieve a just recovery in this complex world and more specifically in our local context. I want to take this moment to recognize cooperatives and their members for the enormous effort and the great difference they have already made. Rebuild Better Together is a call to continue putting our cooperative principles into action,” Honourable Paul stated.

Minister Paul highlighted some of the latest advances cooperatives have made, in addition to the long serving credit unions on the island.

“The Dominica essential oils of over fifty years continue to make its mark and contribute to export and foreign exchange earnings. The new emerging cooperatives around Dominica, Grand Bay Farmers’ Cooperative Ltd, the North East Multipurpose Cooperative to name a few that add value to primary products, expands agriculture base and the rural economy. The M’Largan, a product of the cooperative society’s league, using new technology to promote, market and facilitate trading of goods and services to the benefit of our economy” she explained.

Minister Paul commended these cooperatives and pledged government’s continued commitment and support to cooperatives.

“I commend all our cooperatives for your efforts and that of the Cooperative Division and assure you of the government’s continued commitment and support. I commend you for all of these initiatives for as a small island developing state we have risen to the challenges posed by a competitive global environment. And hence we realize how even in time of crisis, our strong cooperative identity is based on unique values and principles that are focused on responding to the needs and aspirations of our people,” Honourable Paul added.

Marked by cooperatives worldwide since 1923 and officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on the centenary of the ICA in 1995, the International Day of Cooperatives is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of July.

The aim of Cooperatives Day is to increase awareness of cooperatives and promote the movement's ideas of international solidarity, economic efficiency, equality, and world peace.