About Us

Thus, the first project that the Society embarked on was the acquisition of forty-four acres of land from Huggins Trust and the completion of housing lots using funds contributed by prospective owners. A phased approach was adopted. Prospective owners deposited one thousand dollars initially which was used to acquire the estate. Careng Group was retained to draw plans and Pioneer Construction to provide infrastructural work.  In 1987, both Phase I and Phase II of the development were completed with 250 housing lots, and depositors who completed payment of $8,850.00 were granted possession of assigned lots pending final approval from the Director of Surveys. After this, transfer of freehold deed of title commenced in 1999, and the original depositors did not pay more than $13,000.00 for housing lots that are valued currently at more than $200,000.00. A ceremony marking the official completion and distribution of lots was held on October 12, 2003 and today more than 100 families live on the development, Sheila Lamorell Gardens, in tribute to the visionary founder of the Society, Mrs. Sheila Lamorell.

Subsequently, the Board entered into agreement to purchase approximately 440 acres of the Huggins Agricultural Estate in Erin and offered plots ranging from 2 acres to 5 acres to members using the previous strategy that successfully funded the housing development programme. Upon acquisition of the agricultural estate, freehold deed of title was given to landowners who had completed the purchase price of the land. They were also expected to later contribute to the overall cost of infrastructure to provide access roads to all properties. Currently, there are approximately 40 members who own agricultural plots and some have begun cultivating them. The Society has sought to engage the assistance of governmental agencies in further development of the agriculture project to provide access to all properties and improve infrastructure to landowners given the costly nature of development.

The Boards elected to manage the affairs of the Co-operative Society since its establishment recognized that sustainability of the organization could only be achieved if steps were taken to engage in commercially viable enterprises. Provision in the surveying plans had been made for a commercial site on the housing development as well as for additional housing developments at two sites on the Erin agricultural estate: the first along the SS Erin Road, and the other along the Carapal Road, Erin. To date, plans to erect a building on the commercial site have been granted provisional approval by the Town and Country Planning Division and funding for construction is being negotiated. This initiative will provide office and meeting space as well as facilities that could be rented out for different commercial activities to serve the community and provide employment for residents. It would also provide a revenue source for the Society.

 Plans for the other two housing developments at Erin have also obtained provisional approval and the Board is working with different companies to move these towards successful completion to ensure the sustainability of the Society’s operations. The sale of lots from these two projects is expected to also increase the revenue position of the Society.

Five different Boards have managed the affairs of Members of the Rancho Quemado Co-operative Society since it was initiated in 1985. Mrs. Lamorell served up to time of her passing in 2011; after which Mr. Orielly Forde, the then Vice-President, assumed responsibility. Mr. Rayland Roberts then led the organization; and he was succeeded by Mr. Clarence Balbosa, who currently holds the position.

Currently, the Society has over 300 members. Despite the challenges faced by many small Co-operative Societies in Trinidad and Tobago, ours have had the benefit of the contributions of members who have given their time to contribute to the survival of the organization for over thirty years at both the Board level and in any capacity as requested. The Board works closely with office of the Commissioner for Co-operative Development to fulfill its obligations to members. In the near future, office space together with expanded media presence would increase member accessibility and improve communication with the executive. A membership drive was initiated and this is projected to continue to make the Society more active, relevant, and responsive to the changes in the environment to stimulate and support the community. We have built on and expanded the original vision and mission of the Society as we strive to develop our community and secure a secure future for our members.

To create a sustainable, viable organisation that would have the participation of all shareholders and benefit the community.

To provide infrastructural support for the housing development and the agricultural projects, secure the assets of the Society, and establish office space and other facilities that would enable initiatives in agriculture, increase membership involvement, and promote economic activity. This would be achieved by establishing internal organizational structures, identifying appropriate agencies for assistance, and forging alliances for collaboration in order to create opportunities for employment and improve the standard of living in the community.

At all times, the actions of the Rancho Quemado Co-operative Society shall consider the interest of shareholders and the community, and business shall be conducted in a manner that is accountable, transparent, ethical and just.