Cooperatives promote peace through unity

The cooperative movement is calling for greater unity and peace across society through dialogue and collaboration.

Registrar of Cooperatives Brent Gittens made the call during a service at the James Street Methodist Church on Sunday to mark the observance of International Cooperatives Day, which this year is being celebrated under the theme “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World”.

Gittens said peace was more than the absence of conflict, describing it as being built on justice, inclusion, mutual respect and concern for one another.

“Cooperatives are founded on values such as self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. They encourage people to work together to meet common needs and aspirations, while striving to ensure that no one is left behind. In a world that is often divided, cooperatives offer a practical example of what can be achieved when people unite around shared goals and shared responsibility,” he said.

He added that cooperatives contribute to peace by fostering “a culture of cooperation rather than competition, participation rather than exclusion, and dialogue rather than division.”

The Registrar noted that cooperatives continue to improve the lives of Barbadians through financial institutions such as credit unions, as well as non-financial cooperatives involved in agriculture, transport, entrepreneurship and other enterprises, creating opportunities for economic and social advancement while strengthening communities.

“When individuals are given a voice, when communities work together, and when opportunities are shared fairly, the conditions for peace are strengthened.”

Encouraging Barbadians to embrace cooperative values, Gittens called on young people to appreciate the benefits of working together to help build a more peaceful Barbados.

He also invited the public to the Cooperatives Exhibition and Celebration at the Church Village Green at the Central Bank of Barbados on July 18, where cooperatives from across the island will showcase their services and products. (LG)