RECENT EVENTS

Cipriani College Facilitates Capacity-Building for Guyana’s Fisheries Cooperatives: Four-Day Training of Trainers Program Supported by International Partners

May 20, 2025
GUYANA

Cipriani College Hosts Successful Training of Trainers Programme for Guyana’s Fisheries Sector

Port of Spain — Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies proudly hosted a significant capacity-building initiative from May 27 to 30, 2024, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour of Guyana, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. This four-day Training of Trainers programme was a pivotal step toward strengthening the technical expertise of officers working within Guyana’s fisheries cooperative sector.

The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to foster transformative development within Guyana’s fisheries industry, especially focusing on the Atlantic seabob value chain. By equipping key personnel with advanced skills and knowledge, the programme aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of artisanal fisheries cooperatives across the country.

Facilitated by Mr. Colin Bartholomew, Programme Dean for Cooperative Studies and Credit Union Management at Cipriani College, the training was carefully tailored to meet the sector’s specific needs. Mr. Bartholomew emphasized the importance of empowering technical officers to deliver targeted support to fishing communities: “This capacity-building effort is designed to enable officers to work directly with fishers and cooperatives, helping them retool and upskill for more sustainable and member-driven enterprises.”

The initiative aligns with Guyana’s national agenda to bolster the viability of artisanal fisheries and supports the objectives of the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives. It underscores Cipriani College’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and strengthening cooperative institutions in the Caribbean and beyond.

Cipriani College remains dedicated to serving as a hub of excellence in cooperative education and training, leveraging strategic partnerships to promote economic empowerment, community development, and sustainable livelihoods. Through initiatives like this, the College continues to contribute meaningfully to regional development and the global cooperative movement.

This capacity-building programme is part of the FISH4ACP initiative—a collaborative effort by the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), implemented by FAO with funding from the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It exemplifies the College’s ongoing commitment to supporting innovative solutions for sectoral challenges and opportunities.

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Department at Cipriani College.