The Board of Directors of the Gouyave Fishermen Co-operative Society Limited, expresses great concern over the so-called investigation of fraud and money laundering, and the subsequent detention and release of its immediate former president in the latter part of 2021.
The Board of Directors, acting on behalf of the general co-operative body, will like to dismiss the myth and perception in the public domain, that it is responsible for the initiation of such an investigation.
The Board wishes to inform the public that anyone claiming to be acting on behalf of its membership is fallacious and is doing so on his or her own accord. This position was further confirmed at a Board of Directors meeting held with representatives from the Department of Co-operative and Grenada Co-operative League on the 29th November, 2021.
The Board of Director is saddened by this development, since it can have far-reaching consequences and implications. However, the Board of Directors and the members of the co-operative remain strong and resolute, and stand on the management and performance record of the Co-operative.
This record is evident and is recognised through the ability to attract project funding for the acquisition of its own building in the town of Gouyave, through the auspices of GRENCODA.
The Gouyave Fishermen Co-operative Society Limited is also proud to be in collaboration currently with the Government of Grenada, the Carriacou Fisherfolks (Inc) and ONE SKIP (an American Company, led by young fisher-folks themselves who are assisting fishers’ organisation projects in the Southern Caribbean). The umbrella project is being managed by Grenada National Export Traceability Technology Inco-operative (GNEXTT), of which all the collaborators are stakeholders.
The collaboration is towards a value-added project which is expected to bring training and experience, income and much needed opportunities to the people of St. John and by extension Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
The Gouyave Fishermen Co-operative Society Limited therefore encourages a responsible approach to resolving any issues with stakeholders, including fisher-folks who are not part of its membership.
The Board of Directors of the Gouyave Fishermen Co-operative Society Limited expresses heartfelt thanks to you the general public, for your understanding and objectivity in this matter, and sincerely extends an invitation to anyone who has concern about the operation of the co-operative to have meaningful dialogue.