The Department of Cooperative Development, within the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, recently hosted an awards luncheon as part of its activities celebrating “Cooperative Month”, with the theme, “Cooperatives: Committed to Community Development.”
The luncheon event, hosted on Friday, June 19th, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., was held at SuperClubs Breezes, Cable Beach in New Providence, and saw the twenty-nine (29) active cooperatives from throughout the country, including those from Eleuthera, gather in fellowship.
Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell, along with Minister of State, the Hon. Leonardo Lightbourne, delivered remarks highlighting the important role cooperatives play in strengthening communities, creating opportunities, and supporting national development.
During the event, cooperatives were recognized and awarded for their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments, celebrating their continued contributions to the growth and development of The Bahamas.
Active cooperatives within Eleuthera, represented at the luncheon, included: Rural Hatchet Bay Community Cooperative Society Limited (Chairman – Mr. Thomas Pinder Jr.; Secretary – Ms. Indira Rolle); Greater North Eleuthera Alliance (Chairman – Mr. Colin Moss); Innovative Entrepreneurs Farmer’s Cooperative Society (Chairman – Mr. Dorlan Curtis), South Eleuthera Cooperative Society Limited (Chairman – Mr. Edrin Symonette); and the Eleuthera Sustainability Cooperative Society (Chairman – Mrs. Bekera Taylor).
This year the Department of Cooperative Development also commemorated the 50th year in existence of the Legislative Cooperative Societies Act – with its mission statement – “Accelerating wealth creation through ownership of viable cooperative enterprises.”
International Cooperative Day was celebrated on July 4th, 2026.
