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IDPADA-G CREDIT UNION

The IDPADA-G Credit Union was registered on February 7, 2020. The Credit Union, by law, is required to convene its first general members meeting within one month of registration. However, due to preventative measures in place to stem the spread of COVID-19, the Credit Union has postponed scheduling its inaugural General Meeting. Members will be informed as soon as it is safe to convene the meeting. 

At the inaugural meeting, members will ratify policies for the operation of the society and elect officers to serve on the management committee for the first year of operations. The current membership stands at eight hundred and fourteen persons from all coastal regions of Guyana, and Region 7.

‘Break barriers’

…President urges IDPADA-G Co-operative Credit Union
…says body must adopt new model for economic enterprise

By Lisa Hamilton

President David Granger has challenged the Co-operative Credit Union of International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly – Guyana (IDPADA-G) to adopt a new model of operation which would enable it to becoming competitive with the formal financial sector.

At the First General Members Meeting of the IDPADA-G Co-operative Credit Union held via zoom on Tuesday, as keynote speaker, the Guyanese leader proposed a four-stage model for the transformation of the Credit Union into an engine of enterprise development.

The Co-operative Credit Union was registered on February 7, 2020 as a means to provide alternative options to African Guyanese which IDPADA-G believes have been affected by credit and financial support services skewed against them.

In his remarks, President Granger established that the United Nations (UN), in declaring 2015-2024 as IDPAD, openly recognized that Africans were the victims of the greatest crimes against humanity and have not yet overcome the legacy of colonial oppression and underdevelopment. It was in 2016, at the Cuffy 250 forum, that the President recommended a five-point plan for the Decade in Guyana which included African economic empowerment, one of the inspirations of IDPADA-G to launch the Credit Union.

However, the Head of State said that the old model of economic empowerment through Co-operative Credit banks and unions have served its purpose and the future demands a new model which drives enterprise development.

QUEST FOR ECONOMIC EMANCIPATION

Explaining further the perspective, President Granger said that the history of co-operative credit banks in Guyana — which existed over a century ago — emerged to meet the loan needs of African subsistent farmers and African basic household and emergency needs. He said that it was a “quest for economic emancipation” for a better life away from the oppressive plantation system and led to the Great Village Movement.

However, he said the early proprietors of African villages faced “formidable obstacles” in their pursuit of economic empowerment suffering, as a result, from economic exhaustion and lack of financial capital.

They then entered into collective ventures pooling their resources to purchase abandoned plantations for the establishments of homes, farms and churches with properties being allocated by shares or, in the cases of proprietary villages, there were arrangements for each person to own their own property.

“Africans left a proud tradition of frugality and thrift. Their capacity and propensity to save allowed them to overcome the lack of access to capital. Some retained the ancestral tradition of raising funds through informal schemes such as ‘box-hand’ in an effort to circumvent the difficulties in sourcing funds from formal banking institutions,” the President said.

When this proved insufficient to support economic activities, they turned to co-operative credit banks establishing them in several villages. Regrettably, the fortune of these banks were tied to the economic fortunes of their members who the President reminded were “principally, poor, peasant farmers”. It led to the collapse of the co-operative credit bank by 1912 but a revival in 1914 allowing for government loans and greater regulation.

Even so, President Granger said that though the co-operative credit banks saved small farmers from “loan sharks and assorted money-lenders”, it never became a major driver of economic enterprise. It was unsuited for modern competitive industrial and manufacturing business development. Cooperative credit unions were the successors of the cooperative credit banks but he said that only 30 such institutions existed as of October 2019 with a little over 24,000 members with estimated assets of US$28.9M.

A NEW MODEL NEEDED

The Head of Sate put forward that modern-day African economic empowerment in Guyana demands a ‘new model’ of cooperative credit unions. He said that this model must move beyond catering only for elementary stage of development —- the provision of personal and subsistence loans — to an engine of enterprise development.

He outlined these four stages as moving from the traditional or subsistent stage to the commercial or retail stage to the industrial or manufacturing stage and then the internationally competitive stage. “The ambition of new model should be to provide financial services from the level of the small farmer and household, right up to the level of industry. Financing is needed at the levels of micro-, small- and medium-scale enterprises, particularly in the agriculture and agro-processing sector,” the President advised.

“The ‘new model’ which I propose, envisages cooperative credits union as financial institutions with increasing assets, reserves, savings and shareholdings. The model is one which would see shareholding and savings widened and with a more diversified lending portfolio. All of this would necessitate legislative and regulatory changes. The ‘new model’ is necessary for economic empowerment. Its development is propitious for the remaining years of the International Decade of People of African Descent.”

He also pointed to a number of government initiatives such as the $50M agro-processing plant at Parika; the Regional Agricultural and Commercial Exhibitions (RACE); the Rural Entrepreneurial Agricultural Project (REAP) which can be sources for investment, sources through which many Guyanese are forming their own businesses.

He urged the IDPADA-G Co-operative Credit Union to carefully consider the adoption of the new model for it would give the Union the potential to compete with the formal financial sector. However, as it embarks on its new journey, the President said that he looks forward to joining the Credit Union.

During the First Meeting, remarks also came from Chairman of the Coordinating Council of IDPADA-G, Vincent Alexander who thanked those who played key roles in the formation of the Credit Union. He said that the Credit Union will work towards setting an example for good governance.

“The fact that we’re having this meeting signals our intention, here on, to ensure that the manner of conduct of our business is in keeping with the requirements and reflects best practices. IDPADA-G and all of its arms are intended to be an example to the community so that all other organisations can walk in our footsteps as we seek to achieve the goals of the decade,” Alexander stated. Chair of the IDPADA-G Co-operative Credit Union Steering Committee, Shamane Headley said that close to 1,000 persons that have already purchased shares in the Union.

Source: Guyana Chronicle | Lisa Hamiton

‘Be Ambassadors of Peace in the Midst of Violence’

5 young students caught in a violent protest- these are their stories beyond their injuries.

On March 19th 2020, members of the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana travelled to various villages in Region 5, Mahaica-Berbice, to lend support to the families of children affected by the March 6th protest in Bath Settlement. The protest, related to what was termed, ‘the delay in the release of the 2020 Election Results’, targeted a state owned school bus transporting students predominantly of African descent and resulted in five (5) of these students between the ages of 13-16, sustaining physical injuries to their heads and other parts of their bodies. The psychological trauma suffered by the students remains largely unknown.  During the visit, household supplies were presented to the families and tablets were given to the students to aid the completion of their schoolwork from home.

The students, each with their own stories, dreams and talents, made an excellent impression on the visiting team. One female student when asked what she wanted to become, boldly proclaimed- a doctor! Her mother, a healthcare professional, laughed and nodded supportively after the pronouncement. The young lady then disappeared into her home and emerged again carrying her report card. She showed the team how she performed exceptionally at school and had secured first place on several occasions including her last round of examinations. She also explained how she liked to participate in school activities and served as class prefect. The IDPADA-G team affirmed the young lady by greeting her using the term ‘Doctor’ and encouraged her to persevere in the pursuance of her goals.

When the team arrived at the home of one of the youngest students affected, her younger brother and sister looked on curiously. The student relayed to us that although she was terrified shortly after the incident, she was now able to go about her days with some normalcy. Her mother, an educator, recalled being in shock upon receiving the news about what happened to her daughter. She thought about all the children in her care, how they were of various ethnicities and she had endeavoured to treat them all fairly, yet her daughter suffered this fate. After the incident however, she still remains resolute that she will continue to discharge her duties as per normal and will not allow hate or fear to affect her work.

Amidst the brilliant young ladies visited, there was a sole exceptional young man. Very reserved and soft-spoken, never meeting the gazes of the visitors as he listened to why they ventured to see him. It wasn’t until they inquired about the impressive vegetable garden in front of his home, that he became at ease. He sprang up from his sitting position and proceeded to offer a tour through his garden. He explained that he loved to spend his time caring for his crops and spoke about his plan to grow more food to sustain his household. The team inquired if agriculture was also his career goal, to which he responded in the affirmative. Although he is some years away from completing secondary school, he does aim to enrol at the Guyana School of Agriculture.

The penultimate visit was to the home of a police officer who had worked tirelessly over the days following the Election to ensure that order prevailed and the security of citizens remained uncompromised. He was not able however, to shield his daughter from the protest action that unfolded. He recalled how his daughter returned home drenched in her own blood after refusing to be taken to the hospital for fear that she would suffer further harm on her way there. Her mother explained how she immediately became her daughter’s doctor, removing pieces of broken glass from her face. The daughter, with her pleasant demeanour said that she felt safer at home. When asked about her career choice, to the team’s surprise, this brave young lady explained that she wanted to become a soldier because she wanted to protect others. Even after such a traumatic event- she still retained her love for humanity.

The final visit was to the home of another aspiring doctor, specifically- a paediatrician. Her love for children, coupled with her love for science has motivated this career choice. She recalled receiving a blow to the head during the incident and becoming unconscious. She feels fortunate to be alive and wants to use her skills to impact the lives of others positively. Her father indicated that he takes the education of his daughters very seriously. He wants them to have all the opportunities that he didn’t and therefore puts his various talents to work to provide for his family. The list of services that he offers advertised outside of his home spoke volumes about his level of commitment to this purpose.

The final visit was to the home of another aspiring doctor, specifically- a paediatrician. Her love for children, coupled with her love for science has motivated this career choice. She recalled receiving a blow to the head during the incident and becoming unconscious. She feels fortunate to be alive and wants to use her skills to impact the lives of others positively. Her father indicated that he takes the education of his daughters very seriously. He wants them to have all the opportunities that he didn’t and therefore puts his various talents to work to provide for his family. The list of services that he offers advertised outside of his home spoke volumes about his level of commitment to this purpose.

IDPADA-G Emergency General Meeting

On Sunday March 15, 2020, IDPADA-G’s Coordinating Council convened an emergency meeting of its General Assembly to discuss the well-being and safety of the African Guyanese community in light of the discord following the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

This Emergency meeting sought to address, in particular, the heightened racial tensions and racially motivated attacks against people of African Descent in Guyana. Members of the organization noted the restraint demonstrated by the African Guyanese community in the face of racially motivated attacks, and voiced fear for the safety of our entire community, considering the attacks on innocent school children, the security forces and random African Guyanese.

Within the United Nations framework, as the Country Coordinating Mechanism mandated to protect the interest of African Guyanese, IDPADA-G has compiled a report on this situation. Following a motion passed by IDPADA-G’s General Assembly, the organization submitted the report along with a petition to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the broader international community and the local Ethnic Relations Commission, to alert them to the recent acts of “racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance” towards African Guyanese.

On Thursday March 19, members of the Coordinating Council along with the CEO and representatives of the secretariat visited the families of five students from Western Berbice who were injured during an attack on their school bus. In each case, words of comfort and tokens of support were shared with the children and their families. IDPADA-G pledged to continue their support by providing mentors for the students, and to provide counselling where needed.  It was gratifying to observe the show of appreciation from each family for this visit.

EMPOWERING YOUTH 2ND ANNUAL YOUTH CONFERENCE

IDPADA-G hosted its 2ND Annual African Youth Leadership and Empowerment Conference under the theme, “Youth in Guyana’s New Economy: Opportunities for Success.” The conference, held on February 15th, 2020 at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, addressed over 300 youth between the ages of 18-35, from 8 of the 10 Administrative Regions in Guyana.

Young entrepreneurs displayed their products in the Conference Marketplace, networking with their peers and establishing beneficial linkages. Participants were excited and inspired to learn about their products and eagerly supported them.

Inspiring presentations on African and African Guyanese history, careers, training opportunities along with cultural segments such as drumming, national songs and spoken word motivated and enlightened attendees.

The programme, hosted by Youth Committee members Ms. Zoe Frank and Mr. Yuborn Allicock, featured addresses by Ministers of Government, Hon. Catherine Hughes, Hon. Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and International Guest Speaker Ms. Atlantis Browder. IDPADA-G’s Chair, Mr. Vincent Alexander, explained IDPADA-G’s vision and plans to fulfill the mandate of the UN mandated Decade for People of African Descent.  Youth committee Chair, Mr. Matthew Gaul, shared about the genesis and work of the youth committee and invited participants to become engaged in the process.

Ms. Atlantis Browder– African American Egyptologist, Author and Educator, spoke on the topic of African history, pre-enslavement. She boldly proclaimed the fact, that if African History was a 1000-page book, enslavement would be only one page. This reinforced the fact that African history is rich and that we should all take pride in who we are, our contribution to civilization and the need to take up our rightful place in the development of our society. She reiterated that “before there was any other history there was African History.” 

Minister Hughes in her address drew the audience’s attention to the message on her t-shirt – “History has its eyes on you” and reminded the youth that “we came here with our ancestor’s blood in the oceans and now . . . because of their sweat, because of their pain, because of their vision, because of their sacrifice, all of us can sit here . . . to talk about where we want to go.”

Minister Halley inspired youth with a message urging them to take collective action for greater impact. She encouraged each person to bring their best to the table in the aim of making Guyana a better place and noted that youth do not have to be in high office to make an impact, since every decision that they make now impacts their lives and by extension the society.

Products of Small Businesses owned by Youth Participants on Display during the Conference
Products of Small Businesses owned by Youth Participants on Display during the Conference

Breakout sessions provided youth with useful and timely information about the business and employment opportunities available under Guyana’s new Decade of Development, including the new energy sector.

Mr. Eric Phillips, Chair of the Guyana Reparations Committee presented the case for reparative justice for Guyanese of African Descent. He specifically recounted the invaluable contributions made by African Guyanese to the development of Guyana and the centuries of unpaid labour that our ancestors gave to build this nation. Mr. Sharma Solomon, former Chairman of Region 10, spoke about political history and the responsibilities of youth in a democratic Guyana. Having lived through several injustices endured by African Guyanese such as the 2012 Linden struggle and having risen to the occasion himself, to offer leadership to his region- he made an impassioned plea to youth to make their own contributions to Guyana.

Ms. Elsie Harry, Master’s student and 2017 valedictorian of the University of Guyana, brought the conference to a powerful close with a call to youth action – to prepare themselves to become leaders of their communities and to help shape Guyana’s development trajectory.

AFRICAN HISTORY MONTH Exhibit and Lectures IDPADA-G at the National Library

The IPADA-G exhibit, Paragraphs of African History opened on January 27, 2020 at the National Library and remained on display throughout African History Month, February 2020.

This informative history exhibit consists of twelve “books”, each presenting a glimpse or “paragraph” of a larger body of the work of internationally renowned researchers, including Guyanese George G.M. James and Ivan Van Sertima. Numerous credible independent researchers continue to participate in the effort to depict the true contributions of the African People to world civilization.  The exhibit highlights some of their findings.

The historical period of the display stretches from 1966, the era of Guyana’s Independence, back in time to the African beginning of the human species and includes a review of the African contributions to Guyana, Europe, contemporary and ancient Nile Valley regions, and the Americas. 

In conjunction with the exhibit at the National Library, IDPADA-G hosted two lectures on the pivotal post-emancipation period.  Lectures by Ms. Kizzie Kitt, a researcher from the National Museum on “The Management of Villages” and the “Village Movement: its Significance in Guyana’s Economy” by Ms. Johnnell Henery, a researcher, allowed guests to not only view the exhibit, but to focus on and learn more about the struggles that forged the Movement.

The presentations set out some of the factors that shaped the very foundations of African Villages in the British Guiana post emancipation era.  Included were examples of archival documents illustrating the purchase of Plantation Northbrook (Victoria) and Plantation Cotton (Plaisance) and primary source documentation of the challenges emancipated Africans confronted as they sought to establish villages and governance systems.  The audience learned about some of the legislation implemented by the colonial Government to control and often stymie the management of African village communities during the 1840s to 1860s.  

Paragraphs in African History and the lecture series at the National Library have ended but thanks to the Ministry of Social Cohesion, the exhibit is now permanently displayed in the National Museum which provides access to the general public.  

Election of Committee Chairs and New Co-ordinating Council Members General Meeting

During the January General Assembly Meeting, member organizations selected committee members for IDPADA-G’s revamped committee structure.  Chairman – Mr. Vincent Alexander reminded members that the committees reflect the central pillars of IDPADA-G’s work and keep it focused on serving the interests of the African community in the areas of Education, Employment, Economics, Equality and Expiation.

Meetings were subsequently held to elect chairpersons of each committee. The newly elected Committee Chairs form the IDPADA-G Coordinating Council alongside the Chairman, CEO and co-opted members. The 2020-2022 Coordinating Council members are:

  • Mr. Vincent Alexander – Chairman
  • Ms. Olive Sampson – Chief Executive Officer
  • Dr. Simpson Da Silva -Chair, Economics Committee
  • Mr. Gladston Alert – Chair, Education Committee
  • Dr. Norman Ng-A-Qui – Chair, Employment Committee
  • Mr. Tom Dalgety – Chair, Equity Committee
  • Mr. Royston Peters- Chair, Expiation Committee
  • Dr. Patsy Francis – Co-opted Member
  • Mr. E. Lance Carberry – Co-opted Member
  • Ms. Miryom Levi– Co-opted Member
  • Ms. Ayanna Mc Calman– Co-opted Member

BUSINESS PLAN DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

Having engaged with several small/micro business operators over the last year, IDPADA-G   observed that most of them did not have a clear vision of where they were going with their business. The others, while they had some idea this was all in their head and was not documented. This meant that most of them would end up where they didn’t want to go and inevitably the business would end at a place that was unexpected.

To help remedy this situation IDPADA-G took the decision to host a workshop to assist business owners to develop a business plan.

The workshop was held on November 6 and 7, 2019 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

The target group comprised those business operators who had visited the secretariat for a variety of reasons including, overwhelmingly, financing for their business. Initially IDPADA-G had targeted thirty persons, but this was increased to forty. Thirty-nine confirmed their participation but on Day 1 of the workshop twenty-five were in attendance and on Day 2 there were twenty-four.

The workshop was facilitated by Ms. Shamane Headley, Research and Marketing officer of the Small Business Bureau, Georgetown.

Dr. Norman NG-A-Qui, member of IDPADA-G’s Co-ordinating Council declared the workshop open and, among other things, sought to  impress upon the participants the need for timeliness especially in light of the changing environment they will be operating in with the advent of Guyana’s ‘oil-producing nation’ status.

After appropriate ice-breaker exercises Ms. Headley launched into the programme which had as its primary outcome business operators equipped with the ability to prepare a bankable business plan. Among the areas covered were visioning, market identification, marketing plan preparation, customer profiling, preparation of a cash flow statement. The interactive style of the facilitation encouraged the full engagement of the participants who were required to develop their own business plans.

Ms. Olive Sampson, Chief Executive Officer, addressed the session highlighting the purpose for hosting the workshop and expressing her hope that the participants would be ready to raise their standards for operating their business.

The participants thanked IDPADA-G for hosting the workshop and the interest in seeing them become more successful business operators. They were equally high in their praise of the facilitator and the way in which she presented the programme ensuring that they got it right.

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