29/05/2026
On Thursday May 28, 2026-32 farmers gathered at the Black Bay Community Center in St. John for a stakeholder engagement session aimed at educating community members on the following:
- The benefits of a cooperative,
- legally forming cooperatives – what are the principles involved
- and self-employment benefits under the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
The session featured presentations from three key resource persons representing various government departments and agencies.
Mr. Kenly Edwards, CSA Coordinator within the Rural Development Unit (RDU), delivered a presentation on the benefits of cooperatives. He outlined the different types of cooperatives and explained how individuals can benefit from working collectively. Mr. Edwards highlighted advantages such as shared labour, increased access to grants, and improved opportunities for community development through collaboration and collective action.
Acting Registrar of Cooperatives, Mr. Brian Grimes, presented on the formation of cooperatives, focusing primarily on the legal requirements and registration process. He explained the minimum membership requirements needed to establish a cooperative and emphasized the importance of completing the legal process to obtain certification and qualify for available benefits and support. Mr. Grimes also stressed that one of the most critical factors for a successful cooperative is the establishment of a clear purpose and shared goals among members from the outset.
The final presentation was delivered by Ms. Lisa Douglas, Public Relations Officer at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), who informed participants about self-employment benefits available through the NIS. She emphasized the self-employed flex plan (SEF) in which she highlighted the range of benefits accessible to self-employed persons and encouraged individuals to remain compliant by making contributions at least once annually to qualify for these benefits.
Participants engaged actively throughout the session, which served as an important platform for community education and dialogue on economic empowerment, cooperative development, and social protection opportunities available to farmers.
