Events

Cooperative Division hosted stakeholder conference - Coconut oil Industry

The Cooperative Division, in collaboration with the Believers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, hosted a stakeholder conference on the coconut oil industry at the Garraway Hotel on Wednesday May 3rd, 2017. The purpose of the conference was to examine the issues affecting the industry and design strategies for increasing the production methods, quality, safety standards and marketing of coconut oil. Coconut growers, producers, consumers, bankers, financiers and policy makers formed part of the stakeholder conference and at the day’s end, a seven (7) man committee was established to help drive the industry forward. Addressing the conference were Miss Mariet Canoville Registrar for Cooperative who delivered the welcome address. Mr. Joseph Issac parliamentary representative for Roseau Constituency gave a brief address. While Mrs. Helen Royer delivered the featured address on behalf of the Minister responsible for Cooperative. Mr. Marthan Walter also addressed the conference in the absence of the Minister of Trade Ian Douglas who was out of state and Mr. Ryan Anselm represented the Minister for Agriculture. The Adrien Bannis member of the Believers Multi-Purpose Cooperative presided over and gave the opening prayer at the conference. Various stakeholders made presentations among them were Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Enterprise and Small Business, Ester Thomas. Mr. Brandon Defoe, consultant for Believers Multi Purpose Cooperative Society Ltd. He highlighted the status of coconut oil Industry. He stated that the demand for coconuts has grown upwards of 500% in the last decade. This he said was due to the fact that coconut-based derivatives, such as soaps, virgin coconut oil, health products and coconut water, have all seen large spikes in demand, so much so that producers may not be able to keep up. However the top coconut suppliers are struggling to meet the increasing demands of the global economy. Coconut products are used to make everything from clothing to animal feed to beauty creams. Its kernel is harvested for its edible flesh and delicious water, while its husk is used for its strong fibers. Coconut growers, producers, consumers, bankers, financiers and policy makers formed part of the stakeholder conference and at the day’s end, a seven (7) man committee was established to help drive the industry forward.