Joseph Remy, President of the Co-operative Credit Union League said it is unfortunate that Government did not consult with representatives of key sectors in the country ahead of next week's mid-year budget review.
"There has been no consultation and no discussion with civil society. The Co-operative League was not consulted and we are one of the sectors that contribute to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country," Remy said yesterday.
He said in the past the co-operatives movement has served as a buffer for working class people in times of recession and it is likely to continue to play that important role during this current period of economic challenges.
Remy said the nation will have to wait to see what the Government will do with the fuel subsidy when the mid-year review is presented by Finance Minister Colm Imbert on April 8. "We hope there will be no negative fallout from the Government's next move on the fuel subsidy.
"We want equity in society. Not only those who live in opulence should benefit," he said.
He added that the co-operatives movement, with its broad base of 500,000 members, will continue to make suggestions on the best directions for the financial sector and the economy in general.
"We are hoping that the Co-operative League will not be affected by what is happening.
"We have contributed a lot in the past and will continue to contribute to the financial sector," he said.