Co-operatives Day Expo Highlights Community Development in Cayo

The Department of Co-operatives marked the International Day of Co-operatives on Saturday with a ceremony and mini expo in San Antonio Village, Cayo District.  The event was held in collaboration with the San Antonio Village Council and brought together co-operative members, small businesses, farmers and several public and regional support agencies. The observance highlighted the role that co-operatives can play in helping communities pool resources, strengthen small enterprises and create opportunities for farmers and producers.  Among the featured speakers was Michael Lund, Deputy Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme in Belize. Lund spoke about the UNDP’s work in the country and shared some background on the co-operative movement in his home country of Denmark.  Chief Agriculture Officer Dr. Victoriano Pascual represented the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries. He spoke on the importance of small farmers organizing themselves and the assistance available through the ministry’s various units.  Registrar of Co-operatives Gareth Murillo also addressed the gathering, outlining the history and significance of international observance while sharing information on the department’s plans and programmes.  The expo featured co-operatives from across the Cayo District, along with micro, small and medium enterprises invited by the village council. Participating stakeholders included the Extension Services, the Bureau of Standards, the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation, the Pesticides Control Board, CARDI, CRESAP, SAIB, IICA and other supporting agencies.