The Acting Registrar of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies, Richard Harris, has advised members of the Barbados Contractors and Artisans Co-operative Society Limited on how to remain relevant.
He made the suggestions during a ceremony to formally launch the Co-operative at Infinity on the Beach Hotel, Dover, St Lawrence Gap, Christ Church, recently.
Harris said the board of the Contractors Co-operative Society must find innovative solutions to obtain contracts for its members.
“This may not be an easy task during times of COVID-19 which compounded with other negative economic setbacks, for Barbados, has slowed down the construction industry,” he said.
He said the association, which registered its operations under a year ago, had not been operating for several months during the lockdown. Harris said the more than 200 members of the association must undertake an aggressive marketing programme by “knocking on as many doors in their communities, in the public and private sector and on social media to discuss their existence and the services provided and a business card with their contact information”.
“The society is your business and you all must become sales persons through hard work and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure its success.
“Members should not act selfishly and bring the society into disrepute. Characteristics such as honesty, reliability and good manners should be present,” he said.
Harris urged members to inform the credit union about their services, perform their duties well and he gave the undertaking that the Co-operatives Department would play its role by educating members through partnerships with stakeholders.
Harris also advised members to take advantage of services offered through other cooperative agencies such as the Co-operative Society Investment Fund Limited and the Barbados Co-operative Business Society. (BGIS)
