GUYANA HOSTS LANDMARK CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT EDUCATORS PROGRAM

By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — In a historic move for the local cooperative sector, Guyana is currently hosting the 57th session of the Caribbean Development Education Program (CARIBDE). The week-long summit, held in partnership with the Guyana Public Service Cooperative Credit Union (GPSCCU), marks the first time this premier regional initiative has been staged on Guyanese soil, bringing together credit union leaders and development practitioners from across the Caribbean.

Credit Unions as Pillars of Stability

The program’s opening ceremony featured a keynote address from the Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keioma Griffith, who highlighted the legal and social framework that makes credit unions so vital to the Guyanese economy.

• Legal Foundation: Minister Griffith reminded the gathering that credit unions in Guyana are registered under the Cooperative Societies Act 88:01, a law designed to ensure these institutions remain pillars of stability.
• Economic Participation: He emphasized that cooperatives are not just financial institutions but engines of social equity that expand economic participation for citizens who might otherwise be marginalized by traditional banking.

The CARIBDE Mission: Strengthening Leadership

Now in its 57th session, CARIBDE is recognized as the Caribbean’s most prestigious educational initiative for credit union professionals. The program is designed to foster:

1. Leadership Capacity: Training the next generation of managers to navigate modern financial regulations.
2. Regional Collaboration: Allowing policymakers and educators to share strategies for solving common Caribbean development challenges.
3. Sustainable Growth: Promoting business models that prioritize community well-being alongside financial health.

The week-long curriculum includes expert-led workshops and interactive discussions that cover topics ranging from digital transformation in credit unions to climate-resilient financial planning.

GPSCCU: The “Bedrock” of Guyana’s Financial Trajectory

Trevor Benn, Chairman of the GPSCCU, underscored the pride his institution feels in facilitating this landmark event. He asserted that credit unions remain the “economic lifeblood” of the nation.

“Credit unions remain the bedrock of the financial trajectory of this country. As the GPSCCU, we are well-placed to participate in and support Guyana’s rapid economic advancement.” — Trevor Benn

The GPSCCU noted that hosting CARIBDE demonstrates Guyana’s growing capacity to manage high-level professional and educational events on a regional scale.

Event Timeline (March 2026)

The CARIBDE program concludes this Saturday, March 21, with a new cohort of educators ready to implement advanced development strategies across their respective home nations.