Minister for Community Development with responsibility for cooperatives, Gretta Roberts, is calling for stronger national support for the cooperative movement, saying cooperatives play an important role in building peaceful, inclusive and resilient communities.
Her remarks came as Dominica joined the international community in observing International Day of Cooperatives on July 4, under the theme “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World.”
Roberts said cooperatives are not only economic organizations, but community-based institutions built on values of self-help, democracy, equality and solidarity. She noted that these principles create space for people from different backgrounds to work together toward shared goals.
According to the minister, cooperatives can help address some of the causes of conflict by promoting inclusion, shared decision-making and equal participation. She said inequality, exclusion and lack of opportunity often fuel division, while the cooperative model encourages dialogue and mutual respect.
Roberts added that voluntary membership, democratic control and concern for community help create an environment where trust can grow and grievances can be addressed through discussion rather than division.
She urged government, civil society, businesses and young people to recognize and support the role cooperatives play in national development and social stability.
“As organizations that emphasize collaboration over competition, cooperatives teach us to value harmony, resolve differences amicably, and work together towards progress,” she said.
Roberts said continued support for cooperatives can help empower individuals, bridge social divides and strengthen communities across Dominica. She encouraged stakeholders to use the cooperative model as a practical tool for building trust, expanding opportunity and promoting peace.
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