The Tribune

By ALEXANDER HAWKINS

THE second in a series of four distinguished lectures facilitated by the Department of Co-operative Development within the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources takes place next week with the emphasis on youth and women’s participation in co-operative entrepreneurship.

Tuesday’s lecture will be given by Calnan Weech on the “Role of Co-operatives in Economic Development and Co-op Youth Development” at the College of the Bahamas at 7pm.

Mr Weech is the Senior Director of Information Technology with the Island Hotel Company, parent company of the Atlantis Paradise Island resort and has experience in the co-operative sector. At Queen’s College, under his supervision, the pupils saved a total of $30,000. Judy Simmons, the Director of Societies (Acting) in the department, told The Tribune that Mr Weech “understands the importance of the sector”, adding that the lecture would continue to promote “entrepreneurial co-ops” as a productive part of the Bahamian economy, as well as increasing the participation of women and the youth in the field.

The aim of the series - launched earlier this year by V Alfred Gray, the Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources - is the increase of co-operative membership, with a rise in an awareness of how Bahamians can maximise limited resources to improve themselves and the country economically. It would also help align the Bahamas with mandatory sustainable development goals.

Members of government are expected to attend along with representatives from the North Eastern Pastor’s Alliance as well as specialists in engineering and environmental issues.

The first lecture in the series was given by Dr Kenneth Rogers, an entrepreneurial Bahamian opthamologist, in April. He identified factors that contribute to poverty, presented statistics on the level of unemployment and how it affects the economy and outlined how embracing opportunities can lead to becoming an entrepreneur. It was well attended by the public.

The remaing two lectures are scheduled for September 20, with Dr Olivia Saunders speaking on economic inclusivity, and December 13, with Dr Keith Major on leadership development. All of the remaining lectures will take place at the Harry C Moore Library and Information Centre at COB’s Oakes Field campus.