-As international co-ops week begins

-by Shamiah Grant

The Ministry of Labour’s Department of Co-operative and Friendly Societies has marked the start of International Co-ops Week by shining the spotlight on farmers in Mocha Arcadia whose cooperative model is transforming livelihoods.

From poultry and goat farming to crop cultivation and agro-processing, these cooperatives in Mocha Arcadia are proving that when communities work together, everyone benefits.

As International Co-ops Week gets underway, the Ministry of Labour is showcasing how cooperatives are creating jobs, boosting local food production and strengthening livelihoods across Guyana.

For these farmers, cooperation has become a pathway to opportunity. By pooling resources and supporting one another, they are expanding production, securing markets and earning a steady income despite the challenges posed by changing weather patterns.

Lorick Demattos said his passion for farming brought him back to Guyana, where he is now building a future through agriculture.

“So it is something that I love I got a passion for it I have being living in the U.S and I migrate back here to deal with this because I love it,” he said.

Shevin Douglas says demand for his produce remains strong, allowing him to supply shops consistently throughout the year.

“It is nice that yall coming to visit us here so that things can be a little bit better on our behalf and me personally too I love this.Well the market is wonderful I don’t get problem with the market I supplies all the shops,” hesaid.

For Burnetta Ann Baker-Murray, the ministry’s visit is about more than recognition, it is giving small farmers a platform to showcase what they have built.

“I feel that is very nice about the ministry because you know you in a corner by yourself and now they come to expose what you are doing,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Mocha Arcadia Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Raeburn Jones, said the cooperative has helped restore agriculture in the village.

“When we started out, it was mostly service, a fervent push towards agriculture again within the community because in times of old this was one of the highest producing areas in terms of agriculture,” he said.

International Co-ops Week is being observed from June 28 to July 4 under the theme “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World,” highlighting the role cooperatives continue to play in building stronger communities and a more resilient economy.