Agriculture and Marine Resources, Ministry of
Traders Building
East Bay St.
P.O. Box N-3208
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
Web Site: | http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/cooperatives |
Phone: | (242) 397-7400 |
Fax: | (242)- 356-4622 |
- Cheryl Bowe-Moss, Director of Cooperatives Development
Producer/Supplier Cooperatives
School (Youth) Cooperatives
MISSION STATEMENT
"To Promote Ownership of competitive and adequately supervise Cooperative Enterprises by insuring adherence to Law, International Standards and Best Practices."
VISION
"The competent authority for the safety, soundness, growth and expansion of the Cooperative Sector."
Mandate
The Government of The Bahamas recognizing its legal obligation to ensure at all times the safety and soundness of all financial institutions operating in The Bahamas has mandated the Department of Co-operative Development with the authority to enforce the Co-operative Societies Act 2005
Chief components of the Department's mandate are:
- Promotion of Cooperatives
- Cooperative Law Enforcement
- Registration of Cooperative Societies
- Arbitration
- Inspection and Supervision of Cooperative Societies
- Audit
- Education & Training
- Research & Development
- Policy Promotion & Advice
- Resource Mobilization and Management
- Liquidation of Cooperative Societies
OVERVIEW
The Department of Co-operative Development was established in 1975 following the enactment of the Co-operative Societies Act 1974 and The Regulations. The 1974 Act was repealed and replaced by the Cooperative Societies Act, 2005.
The Department of Co-operative Development is presently under the portfolio of the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources.
What is a Cooperatives?
A cooperative is a business formed by people with a common need who own and use it. They organized themselves to provide goods and services which they need. They operate based on the seven core cooperative principles. The member-owners share equally in the control of their cooperative. They meet at regular intervals, hear detailed reports, and elect directors from among themselves.
Cooperatives adhere to internationally accepted principles that guide all other cooperative organizations:
- Voluntary & Open Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Member Economic Participation
- Autonomy & Independence
- Continuous Education & Training
- Cooperation among Cooperatives
- Concern for Community
For more information please do not hesitate to contact the Department.
-
The Bahamas Co-operative Societies Bill, 2014See details...
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Three (3) Day Youth Entrepreneurial WorkshopSee details...