These weaknesses of the cooperatives have caused certain serious opportunities slip by the cooperative system. What do I mean by this? Please recall the recommendations of the Famine Commission 1901 which I quoted earlier. They had recommended that micro finance, self-help groups, joint liability groups, etc. as a part and parcel of cooperative banks. Where are they today? Not with the cooperatives.
In closing, I'd like to again thank all of the artists who submitted their pieces to the awards committee, and I congratulate all of the finalists and awardees on their achievement. And finally, to you, our audience, both here in person and online, I thank you for supporting these artists, this competition and the arts in Barbados in general. Cheers to 25 years!