Co-operative Societies Appeals Tribunal launched

Any person who is aggrieved by a decision of the Registrar of Cooperatives and Friendly Societies, under the Co-operatives Societies Act CAP 378A, or the regulations, may appeal.

That’s according to Minister of Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Commerce, Dwight Sutherland, as he officially launched the Co-operative Societies Appeals Tribunal, yesterday.

Section 171 (1) of the Act states that where any dispute that relates to the business of a society arises, any party to the dispute may refer it to the Registrar for a decision. Furthermore, Section 172 (1) provides for the establishment of a Co-operative Societies Appeals Tribunal, and its role as outlined under Section 172 (3) of the Act states that the Tribunal shall have the jurisdiction to hear appeals against the decision of the Registrar or an arbitrator.

During a press briefing at his Ministry’s office at Warrens Office Complex, Minister Sutherland revealed that the Tribunal comprises of Chairman Anthony Reece Esq, an Attorney-at-Law; Deputy Chairman Hally Haynes, President of the Barbados Co-operative and Credit Union League Limited; and Member Davidson Ishmael, Operations Manager with the Barbados Teacher’s Co-operative Credit Union Limited.

“With all businesses you will have challenges, so the Tribunal is here as a key cog in the wheeling, in building out co-operatives successfully. To ensure that any challenges would be dealt with outside the court of law,” Minister Sutherland said, noting that Brent Gittens, Registrar, regulates and supervises 25 non-financial co-operatives which comprise consumer, transport, agricultural, junior savings, investment and craft, as well as has oversight of 39 friendly societies.

“Members within the co-operatives from time to time may have challenges, and of course Mr. Gittens once he comes up with a decision, those members from within the cooperative may not agree with his decision and they have a right to go to arbitration and that body is the Co-operative Tribunal”.

“Making up the Tribunal are experienced members, persons who the government feel are fitting to lead any arbitration or any dispute that will arise from time to time among the members of the co-operative. And I want to thank these members publicly for accepting the offer,” he expressed.

Moreover, the Minister indicated that since the Mia Mottley-Led Administration took up office, there have been major achievements for the Co-operatives Department from June 2018 to December 12th, 2019.

He said that the six Co-operatives registered within the period were Farm Connect Co-operative Society Limited; The Co-operatives Society Investment Fund Limited; The Barbados Association of Coach Owners Co-operative Society Limited; The Emerging Brands Co-operative Society Limited; United Transport Co-operative Society Limited; and The Barbados Contractors Society Limited. (TL)