Police Consumers Co-operative Society planning modernization of supermarket facility
Stabroek News
April 27, 2007
One of the longest surviving co-operative societies in Guyana is moving to modernize its operations to bring the service in line with contemporary practices. Stabroek Business has learnt that plans are in train for the modernization of the Guyana Police Consumers Co-operative Society supermarket to bring the establishment on par with the various other similar facilities that have been established in Georgetown and across the country in recent years.
Arguably the oldest establishment of its kind in the country the Society was established on October 27, 1971 during the heyday of the co-operative movement in Guyana. The facility is managed by a Board of Directors chaired by the Commissioner of Police and including officers and ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
Treasurer of the Society Sgt. Neville Cadogan said the upgrading of the facility which is expected to cost several million dollars, will see the Robb street supermarket expand the range of products which it offers to customers to include a broad range of non-food items. The modernization exercise is expected to be completed next year.
Cadogan also said the society is contemplating a shift from the present practice of purchasing some items from local wholesalers to undertaking its own importation and distribution. "Essentially, what we are seeking to do is to reduce the costs associated with purchasing items from local distributors in order to pass those savings on to our members. We are also looking at the possibility of operating a distributorship of our own."
The Society has a membership of 8,779 police officers and ranks and provides food and other consumer items to its members under a credit system. Cadogan said the facility, which also serves the general public, offers consumer items at prices which are competitive when compared with other outlets across the country. He explained that while the Society operates a single outlet in Georgetown policemen and women and their families from various parts of the country do their regular shopping at the supermarket. In 2005, it recorded a sales turnover of more than $116m and according to Cadogan the sales turnover for last year is expected to be higher.
He said the society has experienced "periods of difficulty" during its 34 years but that more efficient management practices had now placed the facility on a more efficient footing. "What we are seeking to do is to run a conventional business like any other commercial facility," Cadogan said.
Secretary of the Cooperative and Manager of the facility Inspector Ramnarine Persaud said the move to upgrade the facility was being undertaken with a view to improving the quality of service to the GPF and to police families as well as to members of the public who support the establishment.