LUSCSL diversifies with electrical store, document centre

Mar 21, 2010 News

The Linden Utility Services Cooperative Society Limited (LUSCSL), on Friday afternoon, further diversified its services, with the opening of a new Electrical Store and Document Centre on the ground floor of the establishment at Burnham Drive, Linden.
In her welcoming address to invitees and special guests, General Manager Esme Yangapatty described the launch of the store as an exciting and rewarding experience for everyone.
Secretary of the Committee of Management, Charles Sampson, in his brief remarks posited, ‘This ‘society’ is here to stay’ and alluded to the numerous times that there had been efforts to usurp the entity, which nonetheless continues to grow.

Chairman Valerie Adams- Sharpe looks on as Destiny Sharpe cuts the ceremonial ribbon

Sampson promised that with the advent of the new store, Lindeners and even persons from outside of Linden will be able to access electrical fittings and accessories at competitive rates. Among those items will be energy saving bulbs.
He pointed out that the cheap prices will be welcome relief for Lindeners especially, who have been subjected to exorbitant prices for certain commodities over the years.
Chairman of the Committee of Management Valerie Adams-Sharpe, said that she felt particularly enthused, encouraged and motivated, especially after listening to a stirring rendition of an inspirational song, by a LUSCSL staff member, which spoke of the resilient and indomitable spirit of those associated with the enterprise.
Adams-Sharpe described the launch of the store as a milestone for the organization, which will be celebrating its fiftieth anniversary in a few weeks.
‘’Today marks a milestone, since we’re here to launch the ‘Centre’, where residents can purchase electrical accessories at competitive prices, and I will say to you that if you go anywhere else and see cheaper prices, just come in and talk to the supervisor,’’
She exhorted Lindeners to support the new enterprise, which reportedly cost G$9.5 million to establish – inclusive of rehabilitative works, fixed assets and electrical accessories.
Adams-Sharpe said that the Committee of Management, since its installation, had pledged to make a difference – and so far has been making a difference to the community, which it serves.
She added that members have shared a common vision, and visualized the potential of the ‘Society’, which has the capability to do much more.
Adams-Sharpe also reminisced on the day LUSCSL was handed back to the members in August 2007 by Minister Manzoor Nadir, after being managed by an interim committee, and recalled her exact words to him, after she was sworn in as Chairman of the committee of Management.
“Honourable Minister, you will never have the chance to come and take back the ‘Society’ from its members, or have to question the Board Members.’’
Three years later, Valerie Adams-Sharpe still maintains those words.
She was officially sworn in as the first female Chairman of the Linden Utility Services Cooperative Society’s Committee of Management, in August 2007.
Adams-Sharpe was presented with the symbolic gavel of authority by Minister Nadir, who after installing the new Committee of Management, had said then that Government had recommitted to the development of cooperatives, and would ensure that all societies are functioning or face possible dissolution.
Recently, government took control of more than twenty cooperative societies across the country, after evidence of irregularities and mismanagement surfaced.
LUSCSL, formerly the Wismar Christianburg Electricity Supply Cooperative Society, was registered in 1960, to supply electricity to its members, all of whom resided on the Wismar Shore. It is one of the oldest Cooperatives in Guyana. Over the years, the Coop has diversified and subsequently got involved in logging. The acquisition of the electrical store is its latest economic venture. (Enid Joaquin)