Strengthening sectors. Reducing administrative burdens. Building a stronger voice for Rodrigues.

The Rodrigues Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) is launching a new Affiliate Membership and Service Offer designed specifically for local associations representing economic, professional, and social sectors across the island.

Many associations in Rodrigues play a vital role in organising sectors, representing members, and contributing to community and economic life. Yet, most operate with limited resources and rely heavily on volunteer boards, often struggling with administration, compliance, and continuity. At the same time, the absence of structured and regular dialogue between sectors limits collective coordination and effective advocacy.

This new initiative aims to address both challenges.

Under the proposed framework, recognised associations in Rodrigues may become Affiliate Members of the RCCI at no cost.

Affiliate Membership is built on a simple and balanced principle:

· No membership fee, and

· A commitment to participate in a Monthly Affiliate Members Meeting convened by the RCCI.

These meetings will provide a structured platform for associations to:

· Share updates on their sector’s situation and recent developments;

· Highlight challenges, constraints, and emerging opportunities; and

· Contribute to a clearer, island-wide understanding of economic and social dynamics.

For the RCCI, this regular exchange strengthens its ability to represent the private sector and civil-economic bodies with evidence, accuracy, and credibility. For associations, it offers a direct and consistent channel into a broader coordination and advocacy framework.

Practical Administrative Support – When You Need It

In addition to Affiliate Membership, the RCCI proposes a menu of optional administrative and organisational support services, offered at modest, cost-recovery-based rates.

These services are designed to reduce the operational burden on associations, particularly those run by volunteers, and to help professionalise day-to-day administration where needed. The offer includes:

· Access to RCCI meeting rooms for association meetings;

· Preparation and safekeeping of meeting minutes;

· Maintenance of membership registers;

· Basic bookkeeping and accounting services; and

· Management of member subscriptions and preparation of annual returns for filing with the Registrar of Associations.

Associations may opt for individual services or bundled packages, depending on their size, capacity, and needs. There is no obligation to take up services in order to benefit from Affiliate Membership.

Why This Matters

This initiative is about more than administration. It is about building stronger sectors through better organisation and better coordination.

Expected benefits include:

· Reduced administrative pressure on association committees;

· Improved compliance and institutional continuity;

· Stronger sectoral visibility and credibility; and

· A more coordinated and informed private-sector voice for Rodrigues.

For the RCCI, working closely with associations reinforces its role as a service-oriented chamber and a platform for collective action, rather than a distant or purely representative institution.

Next Steps

The Affiliate Membership framework and service offer are currently being finalised following internal discussion within the RCCI. A phased engagement with interested associations will follow.

Associations wishing to learn more, express interest, or participate in the initial pilot phase are invited to contact the RCCI Secretariat.

Together, we can reduce fragmentation, strengthen institutions, and build a more resilient economic and social fabric for Rodrigues.

Practical Administrative Support – When You Need It

In addition to Affiliate Membership, the RCCI proposes a menu of optional administrative and organisational support services, offered at modest, cost-recovery-based rates.

While Affiliate Membership is primarily intended for associations representing economic, professional, and social sectors, the administrative support services are open to a much wider range of associations in Rodrigues. This includes, among others, parent–teacher associations, sports associations, cultural bodies, and other community-based organisations that may require structured administrative assistance but do not fall directly within an economic or professional sector.

These services are designed to reduce the operational burden on associations—particularly those run by volunteers—and to help professionalise day-to-day administration where needed. The offer includes:

· Access to RCCI meeting rooms for association meetings;

· Preparation and safekeeping of meeting minutes;

· Maintenance of membership registers;

· Basic bookkeeping and accounting services; and

· Management of member subscriptions and preparation of annual returns for filing with the Registrar of Associations.

Associations may opt for individual services or bundled packages, depending on their size, capacity, and needs. There is no obligation to take up services in order to benefit from Affiliate Membership.

Why This Matters

This initiative is about more than administration. It is about building stronger, more resilient associations and sectors through better organisation and coordination.

By opening its administrative support services to a broad spectrum of associations, while maintaining a sector-focused Affiliate Membership framework, the RCCI seeks to support institutional capacity across Rodrigues without blurring mandates or priorities.

Expected benefits include:

· Reduced administrative pressure on association committees;

· Improved compliance and institutional continuity;

· Stronger sectoral visibility and credibility; and

· A more coordinated and informed voice contributing to Rodrigues’ economic and social development.