Combat - December 2017

Issue#6 Volume#38

Combat Voice of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

Editorial

An anti-people Budget

The 2018 National Budget was presented on November 27, 2017 under the theme “The Journey to the Good Life continues”. It was possibly the most heavily promoted Budget in the history of Guyana. Quite a number of expensive billboards, costing thousands of dollars each, were mounted across the country. At the same time, Guyanese were treated to many ads that appeared in the electronic media, and then there was a lot of talking up by officials of the Government. Obviously, this whirlwind served to build high expectations for the Budget.

December, 2017

GuySuCo has no money to pay redundant sugar workers

Unfortunately for the working people, that promised euphoria came crashing down on the evening of November 27, after Guyanese learnt what the Budget had really contained. For the working-people, it seems the journey they were on was taking them further away, rather than closer to, the promised Good Life. They asked themselves whether the Government was really listening to their cries; whether the Administration really cared for them; whether our leaders were really concerned about easing the burdens and pressures they face every day.

While the Budget did contain a few bright spots for instance, the removal of VAT on Education and the exempting of taxes payable on leave passage allowances for employees in the private sector - many of the burdens put in place over the previous two (2) years remain firmly entrenched. Today, workers still are required to pay VAT on many important and essential items, such as electricity, water and medicines.

Today, workers still have to pay exorbitant costs to access Government services. Today, workers are seeing, more and more, their life’s goals slipping out of their hands; they see their achievements undermined, and they find it ever more difficult to make ends meet.

There was also the painful slap on the face of our pensioners, who were given a mere $500 per month increase in their pensions. This increase translates to a $16 per day hike, which is both laughable and disturbing. It is sad that the Government, staffed by so many pensioners, has taken an unsympathetic approach to our country’s elderly, whose contributions we stand on proudly today. This latest insulting pension increase, Combat recalls, comes after the pensioners’ subsidies for electricity and water were arbitrarily and cold-heartedly withdrawn.

And for the workers, more hardships appear on the horizon. The Budget indicated that property values will be evaluated in 2018, indicating that high rates and taxes will be payable.

Continued on page two (2) COMBAT

December, 2017

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) was dismayed and surprised to learn, during an engagement with the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) on December 20, 2017, that the sugar company has absolutely no money to pay the some 4,000 sugar workers whose jobs have been deemed redundant at Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara Estates. Those workers’ last worked on December 29, 2017, and the affected workers expected to receive their payments at that time, to sustain themselves and their families during the difficult period brought about by the harsh and heartless plans for the sugar industry.

The Corporation’s admission is in complete contrast with what Government officials have been saying. We drew to the GuySuCo’s attention, for instance, that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, pointed out that a significant chunk of the State support flowing from the 2018 Budget was intended to offset the severance payments to the redundant workers. The Corporation, however, clarified this was not the case, and the $6.3B allocation was intended solely and wholly to support the operations of the three (3) estates that would remain under GuySuCo’s control. We also queried about the $2.5B loan the Corporation recently obtained. GuySuCo advised that the sum was intended to sustain its operations until the 2018 first crop commences.

We noted that Corporation’s explanation was vastly different from what we read in the press. The December 07, 2017 Guyana Chronicle reported GuySuCo Chairman,

Professor Clive Thomas, as saying that “the sugar company has been able to negotiate for an advance on a temporary loan from a local bank to the tune of $2.5 billion, and that would not only assist in paying the workers their severance, but aid in covering the company’s expenses for the remainder of the year”. Professor Thomas, in that article, went on to say, “Workers will receive their severance

by December 31”.

In our engagement, the company advised our Union that, sometime earlier in the year, the Corporation advised the Government on the need for support to finance the payments, and at that time, a preliminary figure was submitted. And then, a few days ago, an updated figure to meet the payment was submitted to the Administration. The recently submitted figure, GuySuCo informed, was still not final, as the Corporation’s audit department was examining the data. When pressed, the GuySuCo said the audit process would be completed sometime in January, 2018, and thereafter, the final sum required from the Government would be submitted. At that time, it follows, the Government would have to consider the request, and in all likelihood, approach the National Assembly for a supplementary allocation, in order to meet the expenditure. That aspect will take a few weeks at least, and seems that the earliest the workers would be paid could very well be towards the end of February, 2018.

Continued on page four (4) PAGE ONE

An anti-people Budget

Continued from page one (1)

The Budget indicated that heavy borrowing will also be a significant feature. This, for us, is particularly worrying. Between 2015 and 2017, the Government has borrowed some $85B, locally and abroad; a figure that will jump to $128B when the 2018 Budget borrowings are taken into account. This is a massive sum in a very short period. These sums have to be repaid with interest from our revenues and

resources. The writing is quite clearly on the wall as more taxes, more pressures, more burdens and more difficulties are on the road ahead.

Budget 2018 is dull and uninspiring.

It gives our people very little hope for a bright future. Today, the working-people’s backs are being braced firmly against the wall, and the State, rather than easing the tensions, is adding to the woes. Budget 2018 is clearly an anti-people and anti-progress Budget.

GAWU will continue to champion the workers’ cause

Oil - What are the stakes for our people?

The coming to light that the Government received secretly a signing bonus from multinational oil giant ExxonMobil has been shocking news to many Guyanese.

The revelation in the press was rightly met by condemnation from several quarters, especially in light of the outright and unambiguous denials by several Government officials. The Administration, in defending its decision, argued that the money received was intented to pursue Guyana’s case regarding the border with Venezuela at the International Court of Justice. But if this was indeed the case ,why the great deal of secrecy? Certainly, there is a view that there is a lot more than what has really reached the eye.

But we recognize another aspect that, so far, has not emerged in the discussion; that is, the foreign transnational enterprise financing, possibly wholly or significantly, this country’s border dispute case against Venezuela where ExxonMobil has a strained relationship with the Maduro Government. Moreover, the Government should take care not to be seen as being used in any way in the ongoing conflict faced by the Maduro Government of Venezuela.

Benefits?

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, in his contribution to the 2018 Budget debate, informed the nation that Guyana stands, from 2020, to benefit from US$380M as royalties from Exxon’s operations, as well as US$1M in licensing fees, US$300,000 for capacity building COMBAT

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and a similar amount for Corporate Social Responsibility. To use round figures, Exxon will contribute, according to Minister Trotman, US$382M, which seems impressive on the surface. But as GAWU has pointed out, the devil always gets in the details. In exchange for the quoted sum, Exxon and its partners will cart off US$19B worth of oil in its first year of operation. Certainly, the Minister’s touted sum, in Guyanese parlance, is ‘chicken feed’ for Exxon.

In other words, the Guyanese people’s take is negligible. In terms of jobs, there is not great hope there too. Former Minister Robert Persaud, writing in his column entitled “O&G food production synergy” on website oilnow.gy said, “The O&G sector will, in the short-term, as currently designed, directly create no more than 400 new jobs. Hopefully, if more services and local content space are created, we can see indirect jobs reaching close to another 1000, only in certain regions. But anyone anticipating an instant tsunami of new jobs by this sector directly needs to wake up and sip some fever grass tea.” Just recently too, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, was quoted to have said in the December 12, 2017 Guyana Times, in his presentation to the GMSA awards activity on December 08, 2017, “It is important that all of Guyana’s attention is not placed on oil and gas alone”.

The Government should listen keenly, as it’s still not too late, and ensure that our oil resources are used in the interest of Guyanese today and tomorrow as well.

We refer to Mr Andre Marks’ letter “Will GAWU provide for sugar workers, given the billions collected in union dues?” which appeared in the December 10, 2017 Kaieteur News. Though we wished what Mr Marks said was true, we must unfortunately advise him and the public that our Union, despite being the recognized bargaining agent for the field and factory workers, has not collected billions he referred to over the forty-odd years we have represented the workers.

Further, through the payment of dues, we have represented workers collectively and individually, as the case may be, to the GuySuCo, as they would have required. In some instances, significant sums were expended to pursue matters at arbitration and through the judicial system. When that is juxtaposed against

the sums we received, it says a lot. Added to that, the Union has its expenditure to meet in providing representation to the workers; certainly, it would have had to be met from the income we received.

And though thousands of workers will no longer remain in GuySuCo’s employ, and therefore cease being financial members of our Union, the GAWU will continue to represent them and champion their cause.

We also wish to share with Mr Marks that GAWU, during that time it assisted the workers with strike relief, achieved such feats through the kind-hearted support of many individuals and organisations that stood in solidarity with the workers. At this time, we remain open to working together with others in assisting the workers.

GAWU’s contentions on sugar never based on race or any such factor Head of the Sugar Special Purpose Unit (SPU), Mr Colvin Heath-London, in an article entitled “GuySuCo operating in rogue manner”, which appeared in the Guyana Chronicle of December 07, 2017, is reported to have said “…unlike what GAWU and the PPP want others to believe, the sugar industry is not wholly an Indo-Guyanese sector”. We find Mr Heath-London’s reported statement untrue and misleading.

As a responsible organization, we wish to advise Mr Heath-London and the Guyanese public that our Union has never argued that the industry’s workforce is largely Indo-Guyanese. Our contentions have always been centred around the effects of the plans to minimize the industry on the workers, irrespective of race, geography, sex, religion and any other factor.

Some persons have argued along the lines Mr Heath-London espoused, but such sentiments have never been expressed by GAWU and the PPP/C as far as we are aware. We hasten to point out that the White Paper on the Future of the Sugar Industry in Guyana, dated March 16, 2017 which was not released publicly but our Union obtained a copy, sentiments similar to those referred to by Mr Heath-London were contained therein.

We recall a known supporter of the Administration also making similar statements as well.

We hope that this would clear up any misconception in Mr Heath-London’s mind, as we see many of the sentiments we expressed were also shared by him in the December 07 article.

PAGE TWO

VP Ramjattan and his colleagues writing a sad chapter of our history

Vice President, Minister of Public Security, and AFC Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan is quoted in the December 08, 2017 Guyana Times as saying during his contribution to the 2018 National Budget debate: “This party [AFC] must make hard decisions in relation to sugar”. But while VP Ramjattan was making such an incredulous statement in the Parliament, his Party, in a statement, was expressing “…its deep concern for the welfare of sugar workers who are likely to be affected by the changes contemplated by the GuySuCo”.

The two statements are like night and day, and cause us to wonder what is really the Party’s true position regarding the plight and the hopeless future which confronts so many thousands of our compatriots.

What is even more disturbing is that VP Ramjattan’s tune today is vastly different from the one he was singing prior to receiving his Ministerial portfolio. At the APNU/AFC Whim rally on March 29, 2016, he said, “We are not going to, in any

way close the sugar industry”. He went on to say, “We intend to make that industry profitable again…because it creates so much employment directly, but indirectly for so many people across this country”. In the November 05, 2011 Kaieteur News, the VP is quoted to have said “…we would make the workers even happier with 20 per cent…”.

Now, today, the workers are told by the VP that “that Guyana’s sugar sector has a terminal illness that the Government cannot cure”. What a sad aboutface from a leader who told the sugar workers not that very long ago that the industry was too big to fail, and that he and his colleagues will take care of them. Today, in ‘taking care’ of the workers, VP Ramjattan and his colleagues are writing a sad chapter of our history. We see him all too willing to ‘pull the plug’ and sending thousands to the army of the un-employed.

Minister Broomes should take some responsibility Junior Minister of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, in her contribution to the 2018 National Budget debate on December 06, 2017, among other things, spoke about the re-employment of Skeldon Estate worker Daniel Stephens, who, it is recalled, was dismissed in September, 2014 after an altercation with the then Estate Manager. In her presentation, Minister Broomes spoke about her involvement in ensuring that Mr Stephen was reinstated. That came about after our Union engaged her and related the circumstances which led to the aggrieved worker’s dismissal, which we felt was unfair. Despite the fact that Minister Broomes did not mention the various actions and local battle by the Union on behalf of Mr Stephen, after hearing us, the Minister intervened and Mr Stephen COMBAT

December, 2017

was thereby re-instated without any loss in service, and received half-pay for the period he was off the job.

We do not begrudge Minister Broomes taking some credit for Mr Stephens’ reinstatement. However, in a similar fashion, shouldn’t the Minister also take some responsibility for the Government, of which she belongs, putting not only Mr Stephens’ out of work, but thousands of his colleagues in Skeldon and other estates, as reported by the media? The Minister, in her presentation, spoke about the losses of Mr Stephen during the time he was unemployed. Today, those circumstances have now come full circle, as Government’s dismissal of workers will leave not only Mr Stephens but very many poor, ordinary sugar workers to face unaffordable losses.

GAWU looks to see PM’s Rep in active defence of sugar workers The GAWU was indeed surprised, to say the least, having read Mr Gobin Harbhajan’s letter titled Guysuco management is incompetent which appeared in the December 07, 2017 Kaieteur News and in the December 08, 2017 Guyana Chronicle under the title “Fire CEO, board of GuySuCo”.

The GAWU recalls the several letters appearing in the press in which Mr Harbhajan was very critical of our Union. In this letter though, interestingly, we found, several of his contentions were also raised by the GAWU in recent times, but then were criticized by Mr Harbhajan.

Now, when what our Union has been saying for the past months is becoming a reality, Mr Harbhajan has seemingly changed tune and has become critical of GuySuCo and its CEO. But something is clearly amiss about the Prime Minister’s Berbice Representative’s sudden change of heart. Just days ago, he accompanied the PM to his birthday celebration at the Auchlyne Primary School, where several persons staged a picketing exercise call-

ing attention to the dismissal of hundreds of workers at Rose Hall. Surely, Mr Harbhajan could have used that opportunity to seek to persuade the PM to make efforts to halt the injustice to the workers.

Or, if he did, he did not succeed. After all, he had a moving, heart-rending story to tell: that his “office is bombarded with 15 to 20 sugar workers begging for information on their fate and what will be done to assist them”.

We nevertheless are pleased that the PM’s Region #6 Rep has come to the realization about the profound impact the plans for the sugar industry is having and will have on so many ordinary Guyanese.

In passing, one notes the news that the CEO has resigned, but this cannot mean the Government is without blame. We expect, down the road, to see Mr Harbhajan becoming increasingly active in defence of the workers’ just causes, and taking forthright positions to reverse their dismissals and the closure and sellout plans for the sugar industry.

GAWU and AMCAR sign Recognition Agreement

GAWU General Secretary, Seepaul Narine; GAWU President, Komal Chand, together with AMCAR’s CEO, Jean-Francois Grein; the Company’s CFO, Bramnarine Singh, and CLOSH Charles Ogle and an official of the Department of Labour displaying the signed agreement

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Amazon Caribbean (Guyana) Limited (AMCAR), on December 08, 2017, appended an agreement formalising the Union to be the representative of the workers employed at the Company’s location at Rosignol, West Bank Berbice.

The Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURCB) since July 29, 2014, approved the Union’s Recognition application. During discussions to frame and finalize the agreement between the GAWU and AMCAR, a number of hurdles arose, which resulted in a delay in signing of the Recognition and the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes Agreement which the parties today appended.

The Department of Labour, Ministry of Social Protection, under the Chairman-

ship of the Chief Labour, Occupational, Safety and Health Officer Cde Charles Ogle, assisted the parties to overcome an important difference as to the different categories of employees who are eligible for Union representation, in compliance with the Union Recognition Certificate.

Our Union and the Company will next begin engagements regarding our Collective Labour Agreement. That agreement will set out the terms and conditions under which employees work and will address pay rates and benefits such as overtime, leave allowances, etc. We hope that this agreement will soon be concluded, and the GAWU and the Company’s relationship can go forward in a fruitful manner.

The Company’s workforce is engaged in the processing and canning of Heart of Palm for export, mainly to Europe.

PAGE THREE

Government desert sugar workers in their time of need

Our Union refers to Mr Abel Seetaram’s letter – Sugar workers, their families and the PPP – which appeared in the December 06, 2017 Kaieteur News.

Mr Seetaram, in seeking to defend his Government’s callous, cold-hearted approach to the sugar industry, has sought to find scapegoats as a means in order to justify the unconscionable actions taken by the APNU/AFC Administration. This is indeed saddening, and speaks to the illogicality being employed to defend the indefensible.

Mr Seetaram said our Union was aware that the industry was bankrupt prior to May, 2015. This, however, is far from reality. The GAWU’s first indication of GuySuCo’s financial difficulties was on May 25, 2015, when the then CEO invited us and NAACIE to advise that the industry was facing a cash crunch. Immediately, our Union, having been appraised, issued a public statement and informed workers of what was brewing. This is the approach any responsible, duty-bound organization would take.

The letter writer, as he continues to mount an unconvincing defence, charges that if his Government was intent on closing sugar “…they would have used the recommendations in May 2015”. What recommendations is he speaking about?

This is the first time we heard of such recommendations. Maybe Mr Seetaram would care to enlighten the public? But forgetting that the letter writer seems to be in an obvious state of confusion, isn’t he aware that the Government, at this very time, is closing substantial sections of the sugar industry, something the Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, revealed had been hatched over two (2)

years ago. No amount of window dressing can obscure that sad reality.

Mr Seetaram then goes on to say:- “This Government wants to make the industry profitable again, and that is why they have decided to close a few estates…”. But President David Granger, addressing a UN activity in Kenya recently, is reported to have said that we must put people before profits. It seems that Mr Seetaram and the President are not at one on this matter.

However, words apart, it is disappointing that the State has chosen to impoverish Guyanese in the interest of profits.

We are also told by the erstwhile gentleman that his Government “…will seek ways for those workers that will lose their work to regain employment. Yes, I see alternatives will be put in place for those workers”. On this score, could Mr Seetaram point to those alternatives he is seeing? We are aware that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, had announced that no alternatives were yet in place.

Clearly, again, it seems the letter writer should have his eyes, if not other things, examined.

But while the heavy touting of alternatives for the workers continues, today hopelessness, misery, anxiety and worry have gripped the sugar belt. The thousands who will now swell the ranks of the unemployed - which has grown significantly since the APNU/AFC took office - remain clearly unaware of what next to do. Their “hard working and people’s Government”, as Mr Seetaram puts it, has deserted them at a time when they require a caring and comforting hand, and not the fake mouthings of the likes of someone as Mr Seetaram obviously is.

“Capitalist barbarism, crisis and Imperialist wars,

or socialism” COMBAT

December, 2017

GAWU’s concern for sugar workers’ plight is well-known

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has recognized, from a Newsroom report titled “Fmr. Gov’t Minister touts international relief fund for sugar workers”, that prominent business executive Mr Ramesh Dookhoo, who was interviewed, is quoted to have said that the sugar unions should “focus a little more on the plight of the workers who have so far been dismissed”. While heartened by former Minister Robert Persaud’s call and pleased by Mr Dookhoo’s interest, at this time, however, we cannot fail to point out that we have always been concerned about the workers’ plight, moreso now with the serious difficulties that would have flowed from the cutting down of the sugar industry.

Our Union, since the announcement that Wales would be closed in January, 2016, has been mounting a strong and consistent struggle against estate closure and sell-out, recognizing the obvious hardship that it would bring to those affected. We have used every available medium to share with Guyanese, and even those beyond Guyana’s shores; to bring awareness about the dilemma to not only the workers, but their families, and also to many communities and scores of small and medium businesses which depend significantly on workers’ earnings from the industry.

In addition to the regular media activi-

ties, no one can deny our active interaction with the working people, which was reflected by public meetings, marches, and picketing exercises in the sugar belt; which in totality attracted thousands of workers and non-workers alike. We also mounted banners in several villages to call attention to what would emerge should the plans for sugar be implemented. We have even sought the intervention of the Judiciary to champion the workers’ cause.

For our principled standing-up, we have faced several criticisms launched by the Administration and its supporters. Nevertheless, we have not been daunted, and will continue to speak up. Our Union has a proud history of struggle regarding matters related to the workers’ interests, regardless of the stones that our enemies may throw our way. As thousands of workers now face a difficult road ahead, we stand with them, and will work along with, and urge any genuine partners, organisations and individuals who are moved and want to help to ease their burdens and lessen their travails.

Our Union’s representation has not been confined to the bargaining table, but we have and will continue to use all possible measures to make our members’ lives better and more fulfilling. This is our duty and commitment as a Union.

GuySuCo has no money...

Continued from page one (1) The admission by GuySuCo only serves to make matters worse, as the beleaguered workers are now being told that they have no job and will not receive their legally entitled severance payments when the Corporation kicks them out on to the road on December 29, this year. This, for the GAWU, is most upsetting, and only serves to rub salt in the wound. Our

Union, in view of the Corporation’s depressing information, has requested that GuySuCo retains the workers in suitable employment until it is in a position to honour the workers’ severance payments.

Together with the workers and well-wishers, the GAWU will continue to diligently represent the thousands of aggrieved workers, and to fight on for the authorities to act according to the legal requirements on the severance pay question.

PAGE FOUR

PM’s chameleon-like qualities stand exposed

Prime Minister and First Vice President, Moses Nagamootoo, writing in the December 03, 2017 Guyana Chronicle, spent a great deal of his column, titled “Different strategy in changing times”, on the sugar industry. But rather than hiding in the Chronicle, the PM, who calls himself an ally of the workers, should visit the sugar belt and look the workers and their families in their eyes and tell them to their faces that he and his Cabinet colleagues decided to take - as his colleague and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan said recently - “hard decisions”. Such decisions, mind you, have, for many families, resulted in their main breadwinner being put out of a job; have their dreams of a good future shattered; and in short, they are being pushed into an impoverished state.

The PM who, despite his State ‘responsibilities’, such as unveiling a banner at the Chronicle or being taken up in celebrating his birthday in fine style, nevertheless finds time to write a weekly column. He must be congratulated, as none of his colleagues can seem to find such time. Well one can only guess about the work he has on his desk. This apart, given Mr Nagamootoo’s office, his words should, in all likelihood, have weight; thus, expectedly, he or his staff would fact check his assertions before his column is sent to press.

Such an exercise is important in order to avoid any embarrassment to him, as well as to provide accurate information to the public. Unfortunately and dismayingly it seems the PM’s last column did not benefit from such a review.

From the get-go, the PM starts off on the wrong foot, as he speaks about the sugar industry’s debt. Documents shared by the Government on Old Year’s Day last COMBAT

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year pointed out that the industry’s real indebtedness stood at about $17B at the end of October, 2016, far from the number quoted by the PM. The $85B debt flag waved at every possible chance by the PM and his cohorts is nothing more than a diversionary tactic to scare a section of the Guyanese public into supporting the very unsound plans Government has for the industry. Such course, we repeat, will see thousands of workers being victims.

Mr Nagamoootoo then goes talking about Skeldon. For the PM’s information, besides the construction of the new factory at Skeldon, there was the doubling of the cultivation, the co-generation plant, the link canal to facilitate the transport of farmers’ canes, among other things which made up the Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project (SSMP). Come, come, PM, didn’t you know this? That project, Mr PM, was not dreamt up, but benefitted from the in-depth analysis by credible bodies. But while the PM has chosen to label Skeldon a quackless duck, it is this very estate that buyers, including at least one Mr Nagamootoo should be aware of, are lining up to acquire. It seems the estate speaks for itself.

We then read in the PM’s column about the closure of the LBI factory in 2011.

That process saw almost no worker being sent home. This is quite unlike what happened in 2016, when this Government to which Mr Nagamootoo belongs decided to shutter the field operations under the mask of integrating the LBI and Enmore estates to consolidate their operations.

Moving in that direction saw 121 workers being sent onto the breadline. Then the workers of LBI, having had to swallow that bitter pill supposedly in the interest of safeguarding their jobs, in a matter of

weeks, were told that their estate had to be closed.

Over 1,500 workers from East Demerara Estate are being shown the gate, and cannot be told by the PM or his Government what workable plans they have for them.

As today the PM of Guyana, we expect Mr Nagamootoo to know that, during this Administ rat ion, the sugar industry went from the road to recovery at the end of 2015 to one which is now on “life support”. In that short period, production has fallen by 40 per cent, and workers morale is possibly at its lowest point ever. While the PM speaks about State support to the industry, he forgets that it is the largest employer in the nation, and its operations touch so many lives across our country. Furthermore, he forgets, maybe conveniently, the industry’s huge contributions, financial and otherwise, to the progress of our country and welfare of the people.

The PM then charges that our Union is only seeking to safeguard our union dues income. While laughable, the statement no doubt speaks of the desperation of the PM, understandable at this time. The reality cannot support Mr Nagamootoo’s sordid claim. How it is our Union is seeking to protect its income but seeking - and again, this may have slipped the PM’s notice, that workers’ right to severance pay be respected by the regime of which he is PM? Certainly, it seems, the PM hadn’t

fully considered what he was saying.

While touting the possibilities of self-employment for sugar workers, can the PM point to any concrete initiative implemented by his Government in this regard? Wales was shut down almost a year ago, and at this point in time, not one single success story is known, but we well know the misery and hopelessness that stalks the villages. In such circumstances, where hardships have multiplied, the PM’s utterances do not give the sugar workers much hope, if any at all. Assuming that the PM is reflecting the Administration’s views, and not just his Party’s, then that leaves the impression that it is not really serious about the plans for sugar workers who have been cut loose from their employment.

The PM then speaks about sugar workers’ children wanting to go to university or seeking technology-like jobs. This indeed may be true, but how relevant is it today, when those children’s parents are laid off and cannot earn and thus may not be able to upkeep them in school. In fact, one worker is quoted in the December 02, 2017 Kaieteur News as saying, “My view is that my children gon got to come out of school…”. The dream of attending university or getting a technology-like job, like the promise of a ‘Good Life’, may now be beyond the reach of many, many sugar workers’ children. A rug, Mr PM, has been pulled under from under their feet.

Clearly, the PM’s column has shown his chameleon-like qualities. Today, while he justifies, unashamedly, the cutting down of the sugar industry and the laying off of thousands, in the May 06, 2012 issue of Stabroek News, Mr Nagamootoo was saying himself and his party are “…a friend of the sugar workers’ union. We are a friend of the sugar workers, and we are there to strengthen your backbone”. What a friend indeed!

BEV employees obtain bonus Workers of the BEV Processors Inc secured an average bonus of $41,520 for their work performance during the year (2017).

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union and the Company, out of negotiations, agreed for the sharing of an aggregate bonus of 13.2M among the 320 employees. Also enjoyed by every worker was the sum of $5,000 for the purchase of food hampers and

another $5,000 in lieu of a Christmas Party.

The bonus has become a yearly award, and the workforce eagerly looks forward for the Union and the Company reaching an agreement before the Christmas holidays.

Regarding a pay rise, the employees were awarded a four (4) per cent increase this year retroactive to January 01, 2017 PAGE FIVE

GAWU calls on President to practise what he preaches

A worker of Skeldon displaying his redundancy letter after receiving it

President David Granger is reported in the December 06, 2017 Guyana Chronicle to have said, when he spoke at the United Nation’s activity on Combating Pollution in the Extractive Industries at the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, that “People must come before profits”. While the GAWU agrees with what the President said, at the same time, we find his remarks to be perplexing and unbelievable. His actions need to be synced with his utterances in Nairobi.

In projecting the view that the people’s well-being must be put ahead of financial gain, we cannot ignore, at this very time, that the Government which he heads is

pursuing a policy which is doing quite the opposite, as we see thousands of Guyanese facing an uncertain future in the very name of profits. For those workers who are being told they are no longer needed, the President’s statement is obviously bewildering and only serves to upset even more.

At this time, the GAWU urges the President and his Administration to walk the talk and to translate his words in actions and deeds. Obviously, the signs of the times call for such an approach if the Government is really caring and intent on delivering us all to the much-vaunted and promised ‘Good Life’.

The GAWU has observed the several news reports regarding the disagreement between Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, and Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, regarding the issuance of redundancy notices to workers of Skeldon, Rose Hall, and East Demerara Estates.

While our Union finds the contradiction interesting, it causes us to wonder about the quality of governance we have. It is even more alarming given the realization that the Government is at the centre of decisions condemning, in a heartless manner, thousands of Guyanese workers to the breadline, with several thousands facing the threat to be similarly affected.

workers, nothing has been done. This is a distressing situation, and workers are justifiably questioning whether there really was any plan to address their plight and difficulties that they and their families face in a jobless existence.

GAWU and SILWFC agree to pay rise and other improvements Arising out of negotiations between the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee (SILWFC), the Company’s twelve (12) person workforce benefitted from pay rises of between five (5) and eight (8) per cent, retroactive to January 01, 2017. The Company initially offered a mere three (3) per cent increase, which the Union and its members turned down. Those employees earning $99,000 and below obtained an eight (8) per cent pay hike, those earning between $100,000 and $299,999 benefitted from a six (6) per cent rise, and those earning between $300,000 and $499,999 got a five (5) per cent pay hike. These adjustments are similar to

the Government of Guyana’s pay increases awarded to public service employees for the year 2017.

Also, the parties agreed to a year-end bonus of $55,000 for employees below the Senior Clerk level, and $60,000 for those employees at the Senior Clerk level and above.

SILWFC assists in the provision to sugar workers of interest-free house and house-repair loans within stipulated ceilings. It is also mandated to assist in the maintenance of proper internal roads and sanitation and bridge crossing in communities where sugar workers reside.

Minister Holder lets the cat out of the bag - sincerity of Govt consultation questionable

While Ministers quibble, sugar workers grow despondent

This tug-of-war with the fate of our workers prompts our Union to once again put on record that, despite several commitments by spokespersons of the Administration to ensure that alternative arrangements are put in place for the

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What is disheartening for us, too, is the Government’s traversing the road whereby it is considering plans to miniaturize sugar, and is obviously indifferent to the harmful repercussions which we see playing out before our eyes. The absence of the highly-paid Government officials discussing with the workers their new-found plight speaks a lot about their concern and respect for the workers and their families. This is something that is now etched in the minds of the people of the sugar belt as they face up to the challenges brought about from what clearly were ill-considered and poorly thoughtout decisions.

The GAWU was very disturbed, having read an article titled “Two Government Ministers differ over move to lay off Rose Hall sugar workers before year end” which was published on December 05, 2017 by news website Newssource. That article reports Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, as saying in reference to the closure and sell-out of estates that “… the move was in the pipeline for some two years”.

From the Minister’s shocking, and maybe inadvertent admission, we have unceremoniously been told that the APNU/ AFC Administration, seemingly since the latter part of 2015, has had on the cards the cutting down of the sugar industry.

This speaks a mouthful. Clearly, as some have opined, and what has now been confirmed by a Senior Administration Official, the Government was not honest when it said it wanted to save the sugar

industry. Undoubtedly, it was engaged in mere theatrics when it invited the trade unions in the industry and the Opposition to receive views on protecting and safeguarding sugar.

For the GAWU, and moreso the thousands of sugar workers who are affected by the cruel sugar plans, the Minister’s admission adds further insult to the injuries received from the Administration.

At this time, a strong feeling of being deceived runs though the workers, the overwhelming majority of whom have come to the sad realization that the APNU/AFC has never had their interests and concerns at heart.

As the Government writes a painful chapter of our history, this recklessness shown in the sugar industry will also, no doubt, be a telling blow directed at the growth and vibrancy of our economy and our country.

PAGE SIX

GAWU President Komal Chand says at 2018 National Budget debate:

The pressures on the ordinary people are mounting their pockets, or make his or her life easier. Indeed, what is offered are pressures and burdens. Mr Speaker, while the Government triumphantly speaks about the removal of taxes on vacation allowances in the private sector, a welcomed move, at the same time, I must note that many ordinary workers will not benefit from such a measure. Similarly, the Minister’s tinkering with the income tax regime will certainly not benefit very many of our ordinary workers, as they cannot afford to stop working during the year.

The Administration refers boastfully to the removal of VAT on Education, also a welcome move; but, Mr Speaker, let us not forget the determined actions by the people GAWU President Komal Chand, delivering his contribution to the 2018 National Budget debate for its removal. Also, we should not Mr Speaker, I take the floor to make tive actions at the end of it all. forget that VAT is still charged on my contribution to this 2018 National electricity, water, private medical care, Budget debate. In so doing, I join with The situation of the working-people medication, school supplies, and many my colleagues on this side of the House essential and critical items, while many of to express my strong disagreement and Mr Speaker, I feel it necessary to today the massive increases in the cost of Govdisappointment with the 2018 Budget, call attention to the widening gap be- ernment services remain in place. Clearespecially with the several anti-people tween the haves and the have-nots in our ly, the pressures borne by our ordinary policies that the Budget is rife with. society. And I see little or no emphasis be- working people are continuing.

Mr Speaker, many Guyanese, having ing placed on uplifting and improving the For our nation’s elderly, whose contriseen the eye-catching and costly bill- lives and well-being of the working-peo- bution to society we are proud of, the boards advertising the Budget, must have ple and their families. Undoubtedly, this Government has chosen to rub salt in had high expectations from the Budget, glaring fact tells us where the allegiance the deep wounds they have inflicted on and are looking forward to a brighter of the Government lies. them. After taking away their water and tomorrow and a better life for their offToday, as the workers look hopefully to electricity subsidies, they are now being spring. Alas, Budget 2018 has dashed the Government, they are woefully let given a pittance of $500 more a month, their hopes. Instead, our people them- down. For the people, there is little inspi- which is just about $16 a day, a pittance selves are being pushed ever closer to ration that can be drawn from the Bud- which can hardly buy a sweetie. What life’s precipice, and not to the promised get, as they see the airy-fairy promise of a can that really do in these hard times? Mr ‘Good Life’. Mr Speaker, the low bar that ‘Good Life’ receding, rather than coming Speaker, the Government should hang its the Administration has reached has made closer. Mr Speaker, I ask: why is the Gov- head in shame. me wonder if what Mr Christopher Ram ernment taking such an unsympathetic A lot is being said about the tax amnesrecently said about lethargy in the Gov- approach to the plight of the working ty. Such leniency and largesse will go to ernment is indeed true. Really, it is not people, who, with their families, com- benefit some, but where is the benefit also difficult to reach such conclusions when prise a major segment of our population? for our working people, the vast majority one puts the 2017 and 2018 Budgets On the matter of wages, the Minister of whom are facing growing hardships? alongside each other. There we would see made a lot of hay about the public ser- This is plain and patent discrimination, several projects which appeared as if new vice increases. While I am happy that Mr Speaker. For the workers, many of in the 2018 Budget also appearing in the those workers benefitted, Mr Speaker, it whom are hard-pressed, their taxes are 2017 Budget. Is it that the Government is is surely insufficient to meet the rising remitted before they receive or even colrecycling projects, many of which were cost of living. But besides that sad reali- lect wages and salaries. There is no tax readvanced by the PPP/C Administration? ty, the Minister glossed over the fact that lief for them, although they are deserving It tells us that the APNU/AFC has really the increases were not a product of the of such. nothing new to offer us, and Budget 2018 Collective Bargaining process which the Mr Speaker, the Minister did indeed not comes across largely as a cut and paste Administration in its manifesto commit- introduce any new taxes at the national document, un-original and unconvinc- ted itself to, and which is sacredly guard- level, though there was little left to tax, ing. ed by the workers and the trade union maybe except the air we breathe. HowMr Speaker, it seems too that the Gov- movement. The fact that the Minister ever, his tax gun has turned to the local ernment, through the Budget, has gone simply whitewashed the situation speaks level. We are told that, in the near future, to great lengths to obscure our harsh volumes. Mr Speaker, clearly, Collective properties will be re-valued, indicating realities from the Guyanese people. Fan- Bargaining is a meaningless talking point that higher rates and taxes are on the way. ciful, eloquent language has been em- for this Government. ployed, and lofty declarations have been Mr Speaker, from the Budget measures Sugar Industry made; but, as the last thirty (30) months ,one gets a vivid picture of what lies ahead. have shown, there is every likelihood For the ordinary worker, living payday to Nowhere, Mr Speaker, has disregard, that many of the measures may hardly be payday, there is really nothing much that disdain and discrimination been practranslated into any concrete and defini- will put some more needed dollars in tised by the Administration as is seen COMBAT

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in the sugar industry. For thousands of workers employed in the industry, it is sad and painful to say that their pay rates have remained unchanged since 2014, while the Minister boastfully says that the Public Sector minimum wage rose by 50 per cent since July, 2015. Sugar workers are the exception. They see their hard won benefits undermined, and the protections they are entitled to being disregarded, while the Government remained docile in the face of the massive injustices perpetuated by GuySuCo. Naturally the workers are at a loss as to what is the driving force behind this attitude to them and their plight. They have reminded us, time and again, of the Government’s 2015 Elections Campaign, where they were promised betterment and improvement, and the security of their jobs and benefits. But, Mr Speaker, like many other promises made by this Administration, the sugar workers are being left literally almost empty-handed today, jobless by the slick talking would-be leaders.

Mr Speaker, the Minister also tells us that sugar production would be presumably 152,000 tonnes, but that would represent a drop of 35 per cent between 2015 and 2017. Clearly, something is definitely wrong. Evidently, there is a massive failure of the industry’s leadership, but the workers are being made the fall guys. We are told that 22,000 mandays were lost for the year, but simple mathematics reveals that for an industry with 16,000 employees, it means that each worker struck for a little more than a day. Obviously then, the strike argument is being plainly magnified to cover the tracks of mis-management and the bad treatment meted out to the workers generally.

Mr Speaker, I cannot refer to sugar without calling attention to the sad situation that the people of Wales face. The Budget avoided mention of Wales. It seems that the Administration wants us to forget about the depression and desperation that it created along the West Bank of Demerara. All the glorious plans for non-sugar diversification at the Estate location seem to have evaporated, and, as we meet here, a number of workers who were retained are being let go, compounding further the misery that has gripped the area.

Mr Speaker, at this time, I must place on record a strong protest that the State Paper on the Sugar Industry, presented since May this year, has not received due and rightful Parliamentary attention. This, for us of the PPP/C, is deeply disturbing, especially given that thousands stand to be affected by the decisions laid out in the Paper. Is it that the Government is unsure that it can defend convincingly the wrong decisions it is taking?

Continued on page ten (10) PAGE SEVEN

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Hear the other, hopeful side of the Venezuelan story ported in the U.S. media, which, like vultures circling over their next meal, appear eager to witness what is being promised as Venezuela’s imminent collapse.

Of course, the fact that I did not see hungry people does not mean that there are none. I’m sure that there are many hungry people in Venezuela — just as there are hungry people in the U.S., where 41 million people live in poverty and struggle to put food on the table.

If one wishes to read more on this, check out the recent article in The Guardian story A woman receives subsidized food through CLAP programme titled, “A Journey Through the Land

By Daniel Kovalik of Extreme Poverty: welcome to AmeriI just returned from my third trip to ca.” As this article notes, the UN expert Venezuela in the past six months. On this on Deprivation, Philip Alston, wants to most recent trip, I had the pleasure of vis- know why the U.S., the richest country on iting the parish of San Agustin del Sur in earth, has 41 million poor people (that is Caracas, Venezuela. San Agustin is well- more than the entire population of Venemarked by the red cable cars (the Met- zuela, which has around 31 million peoroCable) which President Chavez had ple). This is a very good question. That built in 2010 to connect this poor parish Venezuela — a developing country which with the center city. San Agustin is also has been devastated by a Saudi-imposed world-renowned for its music, especially drop in oil prices, as well as a few rounds its Salsa. And indeed, the community has of U.S. economic sanctions — has issues been working hard to use music and mu- combating hunger should be much less sic training as a means of fighting youth news-worthy, and yet news outlets cannot seem to get enough one-sided stories violence in the parish.

What I witnessed in San Agustin was a about deprivation in Venezuela.

Therefore, it was quite refreshing to hear vibrant community, which was certainly not well-off by First World standards, but the recent statement of Alfred-Maurice which seemed peaceful, content and res- de Zayas, UN Independent Expert on olute. I also did not see the starving peo- the promotion of a democratic and eqple which I was told I would see in Ven- uitable international order, on Venezuela ezuela. Instead, I saw fruit and vegetable following his recent, thorough look into stands lining the streets, a fully-stocked the realities of that country (and Ecuador bread shop, and I witnessed the distribu- as well).

Thus de Zayas blames the media for intion of the Government-subsidized food staples (e.g., rice, flour, milk, canned tentionally trying to exaggerate the probtuna) to those in need. This subsidized lems in Venezuela while ignoring the food program, organized through Local Government’s efforts to address them. As Provision and Production Committees he states: There is a worrying media campaign to (CLAPs), reaches around 6 million peoforce observers into a preconceived view, ple in Venezuela.

This is the side of Venezuela rarely re- e.g., that there is a ‘humanitarian crisis’ in COMBAT

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Venezuela. We should be wary of hyperbole and exaggeration, bearing in mind that ‘humanitarian crisis’ is a terminus technicus, and could be misused as a pretext for military intervention and regime change.

Of course there should be free flow of food and medicines into Venezuela, in order to alleviate the current scarcity of food and medicines. But such help should be truly humanitarian, and should not have ulterior political purposes.

The situation in Venezuela definitely does not reach the threshold of humanitarian crisis, even though there is suffering caused by internal and external reasons. Any observer will recognize that there is scarcity in sectors, malnutrition, insecurity, anguish. When in Venezuela, I inquired from many stakeholders about the reasons, and I also learned of the measures taken by the Government to address these problems.

Mr. de Zayas applauded, for example, the Venezuelan Government’s “programme of building low-cost housing [which] has proven a good thing and has saved millions of persons from poverty and homelessness.” This building continues, I might add, even now during this quite difficult economic period in Venezuela. In addition, the reduction of extreme poverty, which the Chavista revolution has been known for, has also continued during the crisis.

Meanwhile, de Zayas noted that there are forces both inside and outside Venezuela (while he does not name these forces, he is clearly referring to sectors of the Venezuelan opposition as well as

the U.S. and Colombian governments) which have intentionally worked to help create and exacerbate the difficulties in Venezuela through the “widespread sabotage of public property; arson against public buildings, hospitals and other institutions; destruction of electricity and telephone lines, etc.” as well as “hoarding, black market activities, induced inflation, and contraband in food and medicines.”

Two specific examples of such attempts to increase misery in Venezuela are Colombia’s refusal to sell malaria medicine to Venezuela, and the firm Euroclear’s blocking of “$450 million earmarked primarily for the purchase of drugs and food abroad.” Again, one rarely hears of this side of the story in the mainstream U.S. press.

The other reality about Venezuela, barely portrayed by the mainstream press, is the incredible resiliency of the Venezuelan people. What I have been most struck by in my travels to Venezuela is not the lack of things Venezuelans possess, but their abundance of joy and human solidarity. Indeed, as I told the airline agent at the ticket desk, who was grilling me about my travel to Venezuela, it is my sense that, “in the U.S., we have everything, but at the same time nothing; while in Venezuela, you have nothing, but at the same time everything.” The woman, who was Venezuelan herself, then stopped her questioning, paused, and said, “Yes, Venezuelans have a certain spirituality about them, don’t they?” I answered in the affirmative, and she then took my hand and said, “I hope we meet again.” This is the Venezuela I know.

'Red Alert' for 2018: UN Chief Calls for Global Unity to Tackle Rising Threats and Ongoing Conflicts

In a video message delivered to the pointed to ongoing conflicts, “global world to recognize the New Year, Sec- anxieties about nuclear weapons,” risretary-General of the United Nations, ing inequalities and xenophobia, “horAntónio Guterres, rific violations of issued a “red alert” human rights,” and for 2018. the climate crisis as “When I took ofleading reasons for fice one year ago, I worldwide alarm. appealed for 2017 Calling for global to be a year for unity to address peace,” he said. these issues, Gu“Unfortunately, in terres urged world fundamental ways, leaders “to make the world has gone this New Year’s in reverse.” resolution: Narrow This time around, the gaps. Bridge the Guterres said he is divides. Rebuild “not issuing an ap- UN Secretary-General, António Guterres trust by bringing peal.” Instead, he is people together “issuing an alert—a around common red alert for our world.” The U.N. chief goals.”

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UN Decries ‘Deepening Catastrophe’ in Yemen after Milestone 1,000 Days of Bloodshed of nine states, that has been regularly accused of indiscriminate bombings, blasted a recent UN report on civilian casualties attributed to its airstrikes, and accused the organization of bias toward the rebels.

The ongoing war in Yemen has killed more than 10,000 people, according to conservative estimates, most of them civilians. UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen, Jamie McGoldrick, said in his recent (Thursday) report that the coa-

lition killed 68 people, including 8 children, and injured dozens in just two airstrikes conducted on one day.

“These incidents prove the complete disregard for human life that all parties, including the Saudi-led Coalition, continue to show in this absurd war that has only resulted in the destruction of the country and the incommensurate suffering of its people, who are being punished as part of a futile military campaign by both sides,” McGoldrick wrote.

Thousands of Palestinians take to streets to denounce Trump's Jerusalem move A man sits on the rubble after a Saudi-led coalition airstrike.

By Russia Today Three-quarters of Yemenis, including over 11 million children, are in a desperate need of humanitarian aid, while over a half are suffering dire food and water shortages, UN agencies are reporting, fearing the worst is yet to come.

The bloody conflict marked 1,000 days earlier this month since the Saudi-led military intervention in March, 2015.

The gloomy anniversary spells further sufferings for civilian population, and offers little hope for the future, as the war-ravaged country “has passed the tipping into a rapid decline from crisis to deepening catastrophe,” the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO) and World Food Program (WFP) said in a joint statement.

Since the battle between Yemeni rebels and the forces of ousted President Abd Rabbu Mansour, backed by Saudi Arabia, first erupted, “the worst humanitarian crisis in the world” has spread across the entire country, the statement says. The UN estimated that by the end of 2017, some 75 percent of the Yemeni population would require humanitarian assistance, including some 11.3 children who rely exclusively on aid to survive.

Severe shortages of fresh water, food and lack of access to medical care, as well as an almost absent sanitation infrastructure, have led to some 167,000 children suffering severe malnutrition, and rapidly induced outbreaks of cholera and diphtheria. Some 60 percent of the Yemeni population struggle to find food to eat, and a further 16 million lack access to water and sanitation.

Acute fuel shortages have sent the prices of basic commodities into orbit. And against a backdrop of a scarcity of fresh water and blocked humanitarian access, COMBAT

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the price of water has skyrocketed an astronomical 600 percent, which essentially makes it a luxury for the majority of the poverty-stricken Yemenis. Diesel prices have doubled due to the restrictions on imports imposed by Saudi Arabia.

Despite the partial lifting of embargoes in some areas, the agencies warned that if full humanitarian access is not granted, and the level of violence remain at the same high level, “the cost in lives will be incalculable.”

The situation on the ground does not inspire any optimism as the violence rages on, with “children and families yet again being killed in attacks and bombardments,” the three UN organizations wrote. “This horrific tally of the conflict’s devastation reflects only what we know. In reality, the situation is likely to be worse.”

They added that it’s impossible to assess the scope of the catastrophe, particularly in the most heavily affected areas, as aid workers could not get there.

While the Yemeni population is enduring immense hardships as a result of over two and a half years of bombings and airstrikes coupled with a Saudi-imposed blockade, children are the most vulnerable victims of the crisis.

In a recent interview with RT, Dr. Meritxell Relano, the UNICEF representative in Yemen, estimated that more than 5,000 children were killed or maimed since the violence engulfed the country.

About 2,000 have been dragged into the conflict as child soldiers. Despite all UN efforts, the only way to alleviate the plight of the Yemeni people trapped in the conflict is to find a political solution, she argued, warning, that more children could die in the coming year if a settlement is not reached.

UN calls to stop the bloodshed have so far been ignored. The Saudi-led coalition

A section of the Palestinian protestors who marched on December 29, 2017 denouncing US President, Donald Trump’s move to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel

By Jake Johnson Thousands of Palestinians took to the streets of the occupied territories to protest U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

An estimated 4,000 Palestinians took part in marches across the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and according to AFP, more than 50 were wounded by Israeli gunfire on December 29, 2017.

The protests came just two weeks after Ibrahim Abu Thraya, a 29-year-old paraplegic, was shot in the head during a demonstration along the Israeli border.

“Palestinians say Abu Thraya was shot deliberately by an Israeli sniper—a claim the military denies,” the Associated Press reported on Thursday. “The medical records, which include a hospital report and a death certificate, say that Abu Thraya... was struck by a bullet above his left eye and died from bleeding in the brain. The same findings were detailed in a report by the Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance

service.”

The mass demonstration—termed a “day of rage”—was just one of many that have kicked off worldwide in the wake of Trump’s Jerusalem decision, which provoked sharp condemnation from Middle Eastern and European leaders.

The United Nations General Assembly put a number to this global condemnation, voting 128-9 to declare the U.S. president’s recognition of Jerusalem “null and void.” The only countries that voted with the U.S. and Israel were Guatemala, Togo, Honduras, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, and Palau.

“The United States, with its uncritical support of Israeli violations, has long been criticized at the U.N.,” noted Phyllis Bennis of the Institute for Policy Studies.

“But [the General Assembly’s] vote reflects the profound global antagonism that the Trump administration has caused and indeed embraced. And once again U.S. protection of Israel is the basis for Washington being so thoroughly isolated at the U.N.” PAGE NINE

The pressures on the ordinary people...

Continued from page seven (7) It appears so, given that those inefficient estates are attracting several interests, which should tell us, Mr Speaker, that Government’s decisions require a second, unbiased look. The mere fact that all the estates can be saved, and in that process protect thousands of jobs and assure the future of the next generations, demands that the Administration undertake such a review.

Mr Speaker, as we get ready to celebrate ,in a few days from now, Christmas, thousands of sugar workers are being made redundant, and must face a dismal future.

It is depressing to imagine the situation in the sugar belt at this time. This year there will be no smiles, no presents and no goodies for the children of the sugar workers. This is a heart-rending situation and will surely be assessed as a defining feature of this dispensation.

Region #3 As an MP representing Region Three (3), Mr Speaker, I wish to put on record my disappointment to note that several of the decisions of the Region are those of the REO rather than the Regional Democratic Council which was elected by thousands of the Region’s citizens. Such an obstructionist attitude is not just a sad reflection of the responsible Ministry, but crucially affects the Region’s development and puts a brake to continuing progress. The undermining, Mr Speaker, represents, too, a disregard of, and even disdain for, democratic norms and practices which the APNU/AFC has a responsibility to uphold, and which I call on them to abide by.

Conclusion Minister Jordan regaled us by telling us

that the ‘Journey to the Good Life Continues’. Indeed, it is a stretched out journey with only a favoured handful really enjoying the ride. Today, while the average Guyanese is made to wait for hours in order to receive medical care at the public health facilities or pay exorbitant costs at the private institutions, our administrators are jetting off to foreign lands to receive their medical care. While the ordinary people are paying VAT on electricity and water, our Administrators do not have to foot such bills.

Mr Speaker, Budget 2018 is just another reminder of the perilous and difficult path we are on. Today, in the space of thirty (30) months, the optimistic outlook and high confidence we had have vanished, and an atmosphere of despondency and gloom has stepped in. Our economy has found itself, clearly, in rough seas, and the ship’s captain is at a loss to put it right.

Mr Speaker, as I conclude, I am reminded by the Budget that President David Granger told all Guyanese that “A ‘good life’ is about making people happy. People will be happy when they know that they have a Government which cares for them; when they see a bright future for their children and grandchildren; when they can be assured of life’s basic needs - food, clothing, shelter, safe water, safe streets, a sound education, and high standards of health care.” Good words by the President. But then they do not match the reality of the thousands of sugar workers and others being sent into the army of the unemployed since this ‘caring’ Government took office. Are they not also deserving of such a life?

Mr Speaker, really, this Budget is not deserving of my support.

A travesty for democracy

Members of the Guyana Police Force as they sought to remove MP Juan Edghill forcibly from the Parliament Chambers

The events which played out in our National Assembly on December 11, 2017 have gone down as one of the saddest days in the history of our still young country and are a grave assault on our fledging democratic culture. For many Guyanese who lived through the period of authoritarianism in our country, it certainly sent chills down their spines, as it reminded them of the period when political opponents were seemingly deemed an enemy of the state and were persecuted in all ways.

Responsibility for the events which unfolded in our country’s highest decision making forum lies squarely and wholly at the feet of the Speaker. This is not the first time that such an incident has occurred.

In fact, recent history has shown worst has taken place, but it is the first time that an elected Member of Parliament (MP) has had the state security sent to eject him. Lest it be forgotten, the MP’s presence in the august House is not out of benevolence, but is due to the thousands of voters who supported him and his Party.

The ejection, therefore, cannot be seen as anything less than muzzling the voices of thousands of Guyanese. Even more disturbing was the physical manhandling of a number of Opposition MPs, including females, as they sought to stand up in defence and in solidarity with PPP/C MP, Juan Edghill.

Why the haste?

The haste to conclude the 2018 Budgetary Estimates has also given rise to a lot of suspicion. Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, in his message contained in the 2015 APNU/AFC elections manifesto, said, “We have to return to clean and lean government, strict accountability, and zero tolerance for corruption”. It

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is therefore disheartening that the PM has seemingly abandoned the commitment to the Guyanese people. But worse yet, despite the Government’s shouting about its vow to uphold transparency and accountability, some $23B, or nearly 9 per cent of the Budget, was approved without a single question asked. It is not a case where there were no questions to be asked, but it is the sad reality whereby the opportunity to pose those questions was simply denied. The million-dollar question is:- why is this so? Why does the Government seemingly want to escape this segment of the budget estimates which concerns sums allocated to the President’s Office, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Business, and the Ministry of Natural Resources. It raises the obvious question: was there something sinister contained in the numbers there that the Administration didn’t want the public to know about?

The assault of our MPs and the dishonour brought to the National Assembly cannot be disconnected from the other assaults to our democracy. We recall the not-too-long-ago unilateral appointment of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), which was not in keeping with our Constitution; or the authoritarian tendencies which have seen the withdrawal of land leases to farmers in several areas; the interference in the work of the constitutionally protected service commissions, which the High Court ruled recently was an illegal act, among other things. Clearly, the road we are on is not the one we want to be on.

Ominous signs are emerging, and our people need to express their condemnation and concern.

PAGE TEN

Sugar worker redundancy should touch our conscience

Over the last few days, several sections of the media have reported about redundancy letters being issued to thousands of sugar workers. The issuance of the letters drove home, in a cold manner, the heartlessness of the plans regarding the sugar industry. It is therefore heartening, on the other hand, to recognise that so many Guyanese have expressed their great concern about the workers and their families’ fate. We have seen and appreciate several letters in the press as well as a great lot of comments in social media denouncing the unkind actions by the GuySuCo and the Coalition Government of Guyana.

For the workers, the receipt of the letters caught them off-guard. They point out that Minister of State Joseph Harmon informed all Guyana that the plans for the industry’s miniaturization had been delayed until next year. That Minister, according to the press, had advised that the delay was occasioned after it was recognized that no alternatives were in place for the workers who would be affected.

For them, it was then a great shock when they opened the letters to learn that they are no longer required in a few days’ time.

And to add insult to injury, the sending home of the workers comes in the Christmas Season, a time of joy, happiness and new beginnings. This year, for the workers, their families and their communities, the season is filled with darkness and sadness.

While the workers now try to figure out their next steps, they undoubtedly require their severance entitlements for them to be able to cope at this unexpected, painful COMBAT

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time in their lives. While these sums will not be able to support the affected workers for long periods, neither they nor the Union are aware when those sums would be payable. GAWU, on several occasions, has sought to have a definitive time from the GuySuCo, only to receive uncommitted responses. Our Union understands that the Corporation, at this time, does not have the monies necessary to pay the workers. If what we heard is indeed true, this is adding to the callousness shown to the workers.

What is most saddening is that the Government has been warned by several creditable individuals and organisations about the repercussions of the decision to close sugar estates. Furthermore, the Administration is certainly aware about the realities the people of Wales face. Yet, in spite of the compelling body of evidence and its own admissions, the Government remained foolhardy and is closing down estates without any real and workable alternatives in sight. It really causes the workers and our Union to question the State’s sincerity in protecting the thousands that will be affected by its plans for sugar. Now it’s the sugar workers, the question is what workers’ heads will next be on the chopping block?

The displacement of so many poor, ordinary workers, in short, will be disastrous and will clearly push more people into an impoverished state. It is a matter which has quite rightly evoked a great deal of outpouring in our society, and one that should touch our conscience.

GAWU and NAACIE legally challenging closure decision - appeal Chief Justice’s ruling

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) have appealed Chief Justice (a.g.) Roxanne George-Wiltshire’s November 10, 2017 denial of our application to quash Guysuco and Cabinet’s decision to close the East Demerara and Rose Hall Estates.

Our Unions, contended before the learned Chief Justice that the closure decisions were improper, and there were insufficient consultations between the Government and GuySuCo, on one hand, and the GAWU and the NAACIE on the other. We pointed out to the Courts that consultations between the Unions, the Opposition and the Government regarding the future of the sugar industry cannot be deemed as acceptable when just about four (4) hours in total were spent on the three (3) occasions the parties met. GAWU and NAACIE contended that we have a legitimate expectation to be consulted in a comprehensive manner, and pointed to previous instances when GuySuCo involved our Unions extensively in considering decisions which would have affected the employment of workers.

GAWU and NAACIE illustrated that the Sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI) spent several hundred man hours over many days in reviewing information, considering submissions from several individuals and organizations, and visiting

the estates and interacting with workers and managerial personnel; and at the end of that process, recommended that closure should not be pursued. Our Unions contended, too, that the closure decision clearly was not informed by the full consideration of all the factors which we have pointed out, especially that a socio-economic study was not pursued though it was necessary. Furthermore, we argued that the closure decision did not follow the clearly set out procedure contained in the Trade Union Recognition Act and the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act. Our Unions are seeking that the Government and GuySuCo engage in a proper and full consultation, as we hold that such an exercise will result in a different decision being taken.

We believe our appeal has great merit and substance, and that the learned Chief Justice (a.g.) erred in her determination to deny our application. Recognizing that time for the closure decision is quickly approaching, the Court of Appeal has adjourned the matter until January 15, 2018. Our attorney-at-law had sought the intervention of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) with a view to have the Appeal Court hear the matter before December 29, 2017, however, the CCJ ruled that it could not become involved at this juncture as the matter was being heard at the Appeal Court.

The 250-person workforce at Noble House Seafoods Limited (NHSL) enjoyed an average of $50,400 year-end bonus for their service to the Company for year 2017. The Company and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) managed in one session to reach an agreement

on the quantum of bonus. It was also agreed that each worker would be awarded a hamper.

The Union and the Company had been able to successfully negotiate bonus payment for some years now, and the workers - this year, like in the past - are most delighted with the award.

Noble House employees awarded $12.64M in bonus

PAGE ELEVEN

FITUG says 2018 Budget bright-spots too few and too far apart Regarding the sugar industry, disconcertingly, the Administration, in our view, did not provide any roadmap to the thousands of workers who stand to be affected by the miniaturization plans. This is both unfortunate and disturbing. While FITUG contends that there is no need to cut down the industry, the Government nevertheless is duty bound to address

One of the fanciful, costly billboards that were erected to advertise the 2018 National Budget. The billboards gave many people high hopes that their burdens would have been lessened. Dismayingly, their expectations were dashed when the Budget was presented

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has considered the 2018 National Budget presented

by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan on November 27, 2017. The Federation was expressly disappointed to conclude that the Budget largely failed to live up to the high expectations of the working-people, who looked forward to measures that would have lessened the burdens they are made to fetch now-a-days.

Such expectations undoubtedly were heightened by the cheery, colourful billboards and the many advertisements that have appeared in the electronic media to promote the Budget.

At this time, too, the FITUG cannot also fail to express its deep regret that despite what we felt were fair and reasonable suggestions advanced to the Minister during the Budget consultations, just one was positively considered. We felt - and still feel - that our suggestions were realistic and reasonable. The shunning of our proposals, in our opinion, tells us, once more, a lot about the Government’s concern about the workers’ plight and the Administration’s seriousness in engaging the workers’ organisations. Though discouraging, we are not daunted, and we will continue to promote our suggestions, recognizing their importance in improving workers’ well-being and their standard-of-living. We must share, too, our vexation that a paltry $500 per month, or $16 per day increase was given to the Old Aged Pensioners, who clearly deserve a much more realistic increase, especially in these times. The FITUG believes it’s not too late for the Government to re-examine this matter with a view to finding a more acceptable sum to give our former workers.

The FITUG welcomes the decision to remove Value Added Tax (VAT) on Education and to grant tax-free status to leave passage allowances for employees in the private sector. While accepting both measures, we feel constrained to point out that those sums pale in comparison to COMBAT

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the heavy costs the workers have borne, arising from the widening of the VAT net and the significant increases in the costs in Government fees and services, among other things. We further noted the Minister’s announcement of the intention to re-value properties, which will obviously lend to increased rates and taxes payable to municipalities and NDCs. Really, the working people today need a lightening of their burdens, not more economic pressures.

The FITUG, like the workers, was vexed also to learn that the Administration did not approve any improvements in the income tax threshold. It was something that many workers had eagerly looked forward to, and something that they widely expected. While noting that workers who work during part of the year will benefit from the full year’s free pay, it is something that just a small number of workers would benefit from. Furthermore, it could be seen as discriminatory, as those workers who work part of the year will have a lower effective rate of taxation than those who work for the entire year.

The Budget, disappointingly, did not advance any serious policy regarding job preservation and job creation, both critical matters at this time. Besides a few passing references about certain initiatives which unfortunately did not benefit from much explanation, nothing more was said. Given the Government’s track record of implementation, it is difficult for us to place great faith and hope that the policies referred to will see the light of day in a quick manner. What is of concern, too, is the absence of any clear policy or direction to assist in hastening the implementation of the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP). The timely execution of the PSIP is in the interest of the working-people and the country as a whole, and we cannot fail to express our alarm that the Administration has not seen it fit to have a clear direction set out.

the fallout from its ill-considered plans which would have serious repercussions for the workers, the sugar communities, state agencies such as the NIS and GRA, foreign exchange earnings, and the effects on the business community, among other things.

Continued on page fourteen (14)

Guyanese Solidarity Movement-New York distributes food hampers to former Wales workers

Some of the ex-workers gathered to receive their hampers

Those Wales cane cutters who are denied their severance pay by the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) since December, 2016 have breathed a sigh of relief through the provision of a reasonable food hamper which comprised, among other things, rice, oil, split peas, flour, sugar, potatoes, and salt.

For the workers, it is noted that their right to severance pay is not being respected and honoured. The Government and the GuySuCo continue to push them to take up work at Uitvlugt Estate, contrary to the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA). Despite the unambiguity in the law, GuySuCo remains intransigent, and the GAWU has been forced to challenge the Corporation’s stance in court. Disappointingly, several months have gone by and a date for the hearings to commence has not been set. Given the significance and importance of the matter and the number of lives that are impacted, we continue to press for the matter be given some priority.

Separately, the cane cutters in, July, 2017, appealed to President David Granger to intervene to have their severance pay matter settled. The President responded to the workers in early August, 2017, informing that he had referred the matter to Agriculture Minister Noel Holder for his attention, and that the workers would hear from the ‘goodly’ Minister.

Upsettingly, despite the President’s assurance, the workers have yet to hear a word from Minister Holder. For us,

it seems that the Minister can least be bothered by the workers’ concern, and probably is unmoved by the plight they and their families face. Nevertheless, we believe that the President, as the Head of State, owes the workers concerned a proper response.

The Guyanese Solidarity Movement– New York (GSM-NY), through financial donations mainly from Guyanese in New York and members of the Movement, made the donation possible.

Assisting in the exercise was Cde Komal Chand, President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU); Members of Parliament Dr Frank Anthony, Dr Bheri Ramsarran and Cde. Dhramkumar Seeraj; and a representative of the GSM-NY, Cde Jeewan Persaud. The President of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA), Cde. Leikha Rambrich, supplied 305 22-pound bags of rice at a special reduced price. The other food items were secured at a discounted price, while Mikes Pharmacy donated multivitamins – all of which assisted in the goodwill activity.

For their part, the displaced workers were most pleased with the donation, especially at this year-end festive season. Many related that, following the closure of the Estate they have been finding it difficult to make ends meet for themselves and families, and they were very grateful for the assistance, and expressed their gratitude to the GSM and others.

PAGE TWELVE

GAWU and NAACIE pursuing court action for state to provide financial support to ex-Wales workers

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) are seeking the High Court to require the State to pay damages to the ex-Wales Estate workers. In our legal submissions, our Unions are arguing that the State, as the owner of GuySuCo is by virtue of several articles of the Constitution bound to provide suitable alternative employment or income support in lieu of work to the displaced workers for the rest of their working-lives. We have also sought that the affected workers receive a pension equivalent to what they would have received had they been employed by GuySuCo. Our Unions have argued that sugar workers have a fair expectation to employment until they attain pensionable age, with many following their parents, grandparents and other forefathers into the sugar industry. Furthermore, GAWU and NAACIE are arguing that sugar workers possess unique skills which are

not portable, presenting a grave difficulty for them to secure employment beyond the industry.

It is intended that similar actions would be pursued regarding the workers of Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara Estate when the decisions concerning those estates fructify. We are also hopeful that this matter would receive speedy attention, given the difficult times that have beset the people of Wales.

Our Unions are fortified in our determination to protect the workers who will be affected by the plans for sugar. We believe that we should use every available option in our efforts to safeguard the workers, their families and their communities. Seemingly, at this time, they can be said to be up the river without a paddle.

Clearly, it is our strongly held view that there are no real or workable alternatives for the displaced sugar workers; and they, their families and their communities will suffer tremendously from the cold-hearted approach to the industry.

A day of infamy Continued from page sixteen (16)

As the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) reflects on the situation and difficulties which now confront these workers, we are indeed dismayed that while the workers are the gravest victims, the intellectual authors, committing a serious atrocity on our working-people, have been left unscathed and untouched. And if our information is correct, much wealthCOMBAT

December, 2017

ier. Our Union reiterates that the cutting down of the sugar industry was a wrong move, and one that will leave an indelible scar on our country while aggravating a bad economic situation.

And certainly one that we will regret.

At this time, we reiterate our call for the Government to engage the dispossessed sugar workers and share with them what plans they have to make their lives whole once again.

FITUG Budget Symposium expresses serious concern about economy

A pre-2018 National Budget Symposium organized by the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), on November 23, 2017 at the Regency Suites, attracted a number of interested persons from all walks of life.

The Symposium featured presentations from Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram; Opposition Member of Parliament Bishop Juan Edghill; Chartered Accountant Nigel Hinds; and FITUG Executive Committee member Aslim Singh. The FITUG had also invited Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan to the activity but the Minister advised he was unavailable, and did not send a representative.

From the FITUG’s presentation, the attendees learnt that there has been a substantial slowing of the economy, as the rate of growth has declined by over 40 per cent in the last five (5) years. Alongside that troubling situation, the FITUG revealed that Government revenues have risen by some 35 per cent in the same period. The Federation opined that this has made life very difficult for the working people, contending that the greater tax pressures have forced families to curtail spending, and in effect reduce their standard-of-living. FITUG also recognized that there have been substantial increases in the cost of meat, fish, eggs, vegetables and health services and pointed out that this could lead to increasing sickness and ailments in the future, putting further strain on the public health system. The Federation charged that the Government has its work cut out for it, and called on the Government to ensure that it begins to deliver on the promised ‘Good Life’.

Our presentation indicated that the Budget should promote investment in our people; seek to reduce inequality; protect our elderly and vulnerable; safeguard our traditional sectors, while seeking to diversity and strengthen our economy.

Chartered Accountant Nigel Hinds, in

his presentation, sought to provide a context in which Budgets should be crafted and implemented, and argued that equity, fairness and social justice must be the hallmarks of the Budget. He charged that a Budget must take cognizance of undertakings to the electorate in keeping with the Administration’s manifesto, and adherence to the rule of law is also critical. He contended that Budgets must be formulated recognizing that all people deserve to benefit, whether they are supportive of the Government or not. He opined this has not been the case in Guyana, and contended that we are building a colony in a country. Mr Hinds argued convincingly that there is a strong need to re-examine spending priorities and approaches in order to promote equality and a better life for all. He opined, too, that there may be the need for us to relook at our legislation with respect to procurement.

Bishop Juan Edghill argued that the Budget should seek to protect jobs, and he pointed to the sad situation in the mining, sugar, and forestry sectors for instance. He said also that there is a strong need to diversify the economy, and drew reference to the opportunities in the Information, Communication and Technology sector, as well as tourism, where he contended they were good possibilities for reasonably-paying jobs. He noted that the economy is largely propped up by the operations of the two large foreign-owned gold mines, and in their absence the situation would have been even graver. The PPP Member of Parliament told the audience that should his Party be re-elected in 2020, it intends to ensure that every displaced sugar worker receives some support from the Government. He lamented, too, that investments have dried up and heavy taxes are stifling local entrepreneurs and is feeding uncertainty and reducing confidence.

Continued on page fourteen (14) PAGE THIRTEEN

FITUG Budget Symposium...

Continued from page thirteen (13)

Well-known Accountant, Attorney-at-Law and Analyst Christopher Ram, in his presentation, opined that the 2018 Budget will largely be a repeat of what has been seen and said before.

Ram noted that Guyana, despite not having a Ministry of Labour for the first time since independence, has its largest and most expensive Government in history. He said this large bureaucracy, staffed by dozens of advisors and assistants, has resulted in a massive increase in current expenditure, forcing the substantial increases in taxes that have been foisted on the people. He also expressed his deep concern that the Parliament, up to the time of the Symposium, met only for 16 times this year, and approved only 3 new pieces of legislation and 1 piece of regulation, the worst performance in our nation’s history. Of the three (3) laws that were approved, one was the infamous SARA Act, which Ram charged was the worst piece of legislation in our country’s history. He went on to say that a strong

signal needed to be sent to the population as a whole to inspire confidence, which is at rock bottom currently. Ram urged that the Budget should be pro-people, pro-development, pro-worker. However, he did caution that he did not see this to be the product that will be presented.

During the discussion, attendees expressed their appreciation to the presenters, noting that they indeed were more informed. Of concern was the reduction of investments and in effect on job creation. On this the presenters noted that there seems to be no coordinated efforts to secure investments, and thus the repercussions that have been seen. The matter of renewable energy with respect to the proposed wind farm, it was recognized from all appearances that little work has been done in this regard, but the issue of renewable energy has to be looked at holistically to determine the best method, though hydropower it was recognized, held great potential. All in all, the activity was a signal success, and brought out many points that were critical and important at this time.

Whither Collective Bargaining The matter of Collective Bargaining and the respect of the process is something that has been and is attracting the concern of the Guyanese working class. It has been long recognized that Collective Bargaining is a tested and universally accepted method whereby the concerns of the workers are effectively addressed. It allows them to demand their fair share of the pie, and gives them an opportunity to be treated with respect as they seek to live satisfying and dignified lives.

On this matter, a study by the IMF found in 2015 that countries which have higher levels of unionization also have greater income equality. The IMF concluded that the unions have been able to exert greater pressures to improve wages and benefits for low and middle-level earning workers through collective bargaining, thus serving to flatten income distribution. Given the complexities that arise from high levels of inequality in society, collective bargaining should obviously be promoted.

Turning our attention locally, and in view of the Government’s clarion objective of providing all Guyanese with a Good Life, Collective Bargaining seems quite clearly an indispensable tool to reaching such an objective. On this matter, Combat recalls that the APNU/AFC 2015 election manifesto, at page 25, said it would “Enforce the Principles and Laws Governing Collective Bargaining, in accordance with our commitments under the International Labour Organisation”. The undertaking was as clear as day. It is therefore disappointing that the Government, for whatever reason/s, has adopted an indifferent COMBAT

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approach to Collective Bargaining.

For the public service employees, the Government, while engaging the largest of the several recognized Unions in this area, has not been able to reach any agreement with that Union. It is widely felt that the engagements, numbering just a handful, are no more than a publicity stunt aimed at conveying that the Administration is serious about collective bargaining. This conclusion gains traction since the APNU/AFC, despite their utterances, has chosen year after year to impose pay hikes for the public servants. In the sugar sector, the state-owned GuySuCo, since 2014, has not engaged any of the recognized Unions in what could be seriously considered collective bargaining.

It is upsetting that the APNU/AFC Administration has adopted such a position.

This is especially disturbing, considering that the Trade Union Recognition Act and the Constitution of Guyana strongly uphold the institution of collective bargaining. Moreover, our country, by our ratification of ILO Conventions, is committed to promoting collective bargaining. Furthermore, collective bargaining has now risen above the field of industrial relations and has become a human rights issue, with the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights setting it out as a fundamental human right.

The APNU/AFC Government is in violation of all of these. It is a shame!

FITUG welcomes hosting of Municipal Elections in Venezuela The Municipal elections in Venezuela were held on Sunday, December 10th, 2017. The elections, conducted by Venezuela’s National Electoral Council, proceeded according to schedule. The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) sees the conclusion of the municipal elections, the third nation-wide election held in Venezuela this year, as a complimentary feat, considering the active, at times violent, campaign by a segment of the populace, instigated and materially supported by certain international forces against the Maduro Government.

We, in FITUG, have followed developments of neighbouring Venezuela regularly and with interest, especially in the outcome of the elections. We have noted the encouraging results declared by the National Electoral Council, which informed that over 9,000,000 Venezuelans voted in the elections, more than those who voted for President Maduro in the 2013 elections which he won. The results revealed that the ruling United Venezuelan Socialist Party (PSUV), along with its allies, has secured victory in 308 of Venezuela’s 335 municipalities.

This massive turnout by the Venezuelans is a strong manifestation by the people, including thousands of workers, and is adjudged a strong indication of the people’s desire for an end to the on-going unrest in their country, which is resulting in havoc with their lives and their future.

The recently concluded Municipal Elections constitute the best and certainly convincing evidence that the Maduro Government enjoys popular support in the country. It is also a clear affirmation of the Government’s commitment to democratic norms, an important factor to defeat the obscurantist forces troubling the country at this time.

We of FITUG join with the democratic and peace-loving forces across our region in welcoming the holding of these elections, and also wish to congratulate the victorious candidates. This is also a victory of and for democracy. It is also a step in the right direction, and hopefully will redound to the benefit of peace in the country and for the people and, indeed, the sustenance of peace in the region as a whole.

FITUG says 2018 Budget brightspots too few and too far apart Continued from page twelve (12)

Also, despite the heavy touting of the Oil and Gas industry, FITUG was disturbed to note that very little was mentioned, especially given the significant impact the Government says that industry will make. Of particular concern was the absence of any clear and definitive statements on the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). The monies that would be deposited into the SWF belong to all Guyanese today and tomorrow, and therefore, a prudential framework is necessary for its operation. Similarly, engagements and agreements between the Government and the various oil explorers should be known to Guyanese, as it is the people who ultimately benefit from the income, and will bear the costs.

On the energy front, the FITUG recognizes that, seemingly, the Amalia Falls project has been abandoned despite the compelling arguments for it to be pursued. Despite a commitment to Green Development, we recognize that future power generation is to be predicated largely on natural gas. Such endeavour cannot fall into the ‘Green’ framework,

unless possibly the intention is to paint the plant in the colour green. For our organization, though Guyana is blessed with an opportunity to deliver power from renewable resources, it is upsetting that we continue to engage largely in power generation from non-renewable resources, the input price of which we may not be able to influence.

The FITUG reiterates that the Budget, styled the “People’s Budget” by the Department of Public Information (DPI), has failed to live up to that expectation.

Though accepting there were some marginal improvements, the pressures, difficulties and challenges by the workers remain, regrettably, largely the same. While the Minister tells us “The Journey to the Good Life continues”, the workers see themselves not on the same boat, though they wish to be. We recall Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, in his column which appeared in the November 26, Guyana Chronicle, advancing the notion that the 2018 Budget will be a ‘grass roots’ budget.

Unfortunately, the proof is in the pudding, and the ordinary people remain downtrodden and sliding into a state of despondency.

PAGE FOURTEEN

GAWU and Sugar SPU engagement fruitful

GAWU and the Sugar SPU team at the meeting on December 14, 2017

A sixteen (16) person team from the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), which included union leaders and workers representatives from Skeldon, Rose Hall, East Demerara and Wales Estates, on December 14, 2017 met with officials from the Sugar Special Purpose Unit (SPU), a body under the auspices of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL). The GAWU requested to meet the SPU in order for the Union to become au fait with the Unit’s plans, as it hopes to assume managerial responsibility for Skeldon, Rose Hall, East Demerara and Wales at the beginning of next year (2018).

The SPU Head, Colvin Heath-London, informed the Union’s delegation in his discourse with us that, in his observation, the estates identified for closure and

sellout are indeed viable. He shared that when certain costs are excluded from the estates’ overall costs, their cost of production are generally in keeping with international norms. The SPU Head described Skeldon as a ‘gold mine’ which is far different from the phrases GuySuCo used to describe the estate.

The SPU emphasized that at this point in time it was operating at a disadvantage.

In an interview appearing in the December 07, 2017 Guyana Chronicle, the SPU head said GuySuCo:- “…moved the machinery, they have not given us the list of names made redundant in order to re-employ the workers, they want to damage the entity before handing it over”.

The SPU said it was seeking to begin re-employment of some of the displaced workers, possibly early in the new year, as it seeks to resume operations at the

estate under its management from second crop (July) next year.

In the early stages, the SPU would be concentrating on improving the functioning of the factories, as well as to rehabilitate the cultivations in preparation for the 2018 second crop.

On this score, the GAWU pointed out that at some estates it was possible to have a 2018 first crop, which the SPU said it will look into as the picture becomes clearer. The SPU shared that it has submitted a budget to the Government to sustain its

operations.

Also, at this time, the SPU is soon to enter into an agreement with Pricewaterhouse Coopers to be engaged in conducting a valuation of the assets of the estates that will be in the SPU’s charge, as well as to prepare a prospectus for investors who may be willing to invest in the estates.

The valuators, we understand, will also evaluate the proposals that would be received from potential investors, to determine their suitability. Here, the GAWU pointed out that with the rehabilitation works going on, the value of the estates could very well improve, which the SPU acknowledged as being correct. The SPU did advise us, too, that it will continue to operate the estates until such time that suitable buyers could be found.

At Wales, the SPU said, the estate’s fac-

tory was largely cannibalized, and therefore diversification into non-sugar crops would have to be pursued. The Unit would also seek investors in this regard.

In terms of the Wales cane farmers, the SPU said it was working along with them to find ways to continue in cane production, and to transport their canes to Uitvlugt.

Our Union used the opportunity to point out what we believe were some of the factors which inhibited the proper functioning of the estates. We did point out, too, that we felt divestment was not the best approach as we felt that the estates could be nurtured back to a viable state. We also shared with the SPU that we have challenged the legality of the decisions by GuySuCo and the Government, and in response, the SPU said it would abide by the ruling.

The SPU did share with GAWU that it may not be able to retain all the displaced workers. Our Union, naturally, queried what plans the SPU had for those workers. On this, the SPU said that initially it would have a job bank of the displaced workers to match their skills with extant vacancies. Our Union also asked about training in alternative skills for the displaced workers, on which the SPU said it hadn’t concretized any position at this point.

GAWU felt that the meeting was very productive, and undoubtedly, the workers who attended felt a little more at ease, as they recognized a more hopeful picture painted about the future. The Union committed itself to assist in whatever way it can in the coming weeks and months and the parties agreed to remain in contact and to have further engagements as the SPU’s plans unfold.

GAWU says on Christmas 2017:

The human spirit and the Christmas message must prevail

Christmas, as we know, is associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. His religion – Christianity – has survived many trials in his history, and is known for many values humanity embraced. Among these are peace and empathy for the poor and vulnerable of the workers. Today, in the Middle Eastern lands where Jesus Christ was born and where he lived, we see continuous conflict and turmoil. Thousands are losing their lives, losing their homes and meagre possessions, and are being forced to contend with dire circumstances.

In our Guyana, at the present time, we are witnessing political intolerance and persecution, whilst, on the ground, the stark fears of unemployment and COMBAT

December, 2017

high-handedness stalk many communities. In this season, we see the heartless measure whereby sugar workers have been handed dismissal notices without any accompanying intimation about how their new status will be mitigated. We are fully apprised of the critical condition among very many workers of Wales Estate, who are still jobless following the closure of that estate. Really, this will be the most challenging Christmas for the Guyanese working class.

The human spirit, however, knows how to overcome adversity. Ways and means – buttressed by the will to overcome – are found to deal with misfortunes brought about by some. However, this season of hope that Jesus inspires, there is greater

resolve to never give up. Christ’s teachings provide us and all the downtrodden with optimism in the future. It must be noted that Jesus is regarded as a type of religious rebel who confronted courageously the Roman rulers on behalf of the oppressed. Hope dwelt amongst them.

or community. Christmas signals the closure of 2017, a year of severe challenges for the masses of Guyanese. It also brings us to the threshold of a New Year, which, if it is to be a better year, requires our united struggles by the will to triumph over evildoers, as Christianity embraces.

With the foregoing sentiments uppermost in our thoughts, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joins the Christian community in celebrating yet again this season of Christmas. We wish the Christian community indeed, all Guyanese - a joyous season. This season now transcends its origins, as all Guyanese seem to be caught up in some aspect of the twelveday celebration: whether in church, home

The celebration of Christmas 2017, embraced by so many, presents the opportunity for togetherness to prevail over selfishness political high-handedness and discrimination, and sets out nation on the path to harmony and goodwill among men and women.

A joyful Christmas and a New Year of Hope - from GAWU to all Guyana!

PAGE FIFTEEN

Sugar production slumps to a 27-year low

Sugar production this year has slumped to a 27-year low, with production for the year reaching only 138,030 tonnes sugar. The previous lowest production was 129,920 tons in 1990. Production at the various estates was as follows:-

Estate Skeldon Albion Rose Hall Blairmont Enmore Uitvlugt Industry

Production 14,176 46,063 22,535 27,095 12,703 15,458 138,030

The Sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI) in 2015, taking into account testimony it received and the examination of documents and data, had estimated that sugar production this year would have reached

258,266 tonnes sugar. This turned out not to be the case, as the sugar production target this year slid greatly and has been revised on several occasions. At the beginning of the year, GuySuCo set itself to produce 198,000 tonnes. By July, 2017, the target had been reduced to 174,000 tonnes. By the beginning of November, 2017 it had been revised to 162,000 tonnes. And when the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, presented the 2018 National Budget on November 27, 2017, he was advised by the Corporation of a production target of 152,000 tonnes.

The Corporation, in seeking to justify the miserable production this year, has sought to blame the workers and the Union. In several public statements, the Corporation spoke about the number of strikes by workers in 2017. This contention was exposed glaringly ,as the Finance Minister, in the 2018 Budget, spoke to 22,000 man days being lost as a result of strike.

December 29, 2017:

A day of infamy December 29, 2017 will be remembered by sugar workers as one of the saddest days in the long and proud history of an industry whose manifold contribution redounded to the betterment of all Guyanese. History will record it as a day of infamy as thousands of ordinary workers were sent into the army of the unemployed through the largest retrenchment exercise in our country in recent times. For the some 4,000 workers, they never imagined that their employment with the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) would have come to an end in such an undignified manner. They have aggregately given centuries of service to the sugar industry, and by extension the nation. For a great lot, working in the cane fields and the sugar factories is the only job they have ever known, and it is through their hard work and ef-

forts they managed to realize life’s goals and scored several signal achievements.

As those workers left their workplace for the last time, looking back with fondness of their years with GuySuCo, they do so with a heavy heart and in deep anguish. As they move from gainfully employed to jobless, they are unsure what the days and weeks ahead will hold for them and their families.

They remain clueless as to when they would receive their severance packages, though their living expenses continue to mount. Entire communities are thrown into disarray as large segments of their working-people are without a job, added to the social issues and economic difficulties they face.

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For an industry with 16,000 workers, it means each worker would have struck a little more than a day, hardly enough to critically affect the Corporation’s production. In fact, the number of strikes in the sugar industry has been on the decline.

Minister in the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott, in his contribution to the 2018 Budget debate, said, “over the past three years, strikes have declined by 49.1 per cent. That has never happened in the history of our nation…this is the lowest number of strikes the industry has recorded…it is the first time in decades that the aggregate number of strikes in the indus-

try is in the realm of double digits only”.

Clearly, the often used strike excuse has lost its potency, and can no longer shield the inept GuySuCo management.

For us of the GAWU, the excitement which greeted the 231,000 tonnes sugar production in 2015 has now come crashing down, as production has plummeted by over 40 per cent between then and now. The dramatic decline of the industry has to be placed squarely at the feet of the industry’s leadership. Clearly, their stewardship is questionable, and obvious questions about their performance have arisen.

First Vice President and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo in his column titled “Litany of lies” which appeared in the December 17, 2017 Guyana Chronicle, among other things, referred to the debt of the sugar industry. We were tickled to note that the PM, in his column, in a span of mere days indicated that the sugar debt figure has fallen from G$85B to G$77.8B, indicating that progress is being made in this regard. Or maybe the PM was -as he is fond of doing - blowing some hot air.

Whatever the case may be, the PM has revised his figure downward.

On the issue of the debt, we wish to tell Mr Nagamootoo that our conclusions were reached after we simply analysed the data given to us. It’s by no means rocket science. Added to that, similar conclusions have also been reached by other individuals, clearly PM, you seem to be in the minority on this issue.

With respect to the figures the PM quoted in his column, we do not have the disaggregated data. Nevertheless, our most recent available picture on the debt, which the Administration shared with GAWU on December 31, 2016, reflected on the industry’s indebtedness at the end of October, 2016. Using that data, we wish to advise the PM as follows:1. At the end of October, 2016, shortterm debt totalled G$17.16B, which included payments to creditors, local and foreign banks, and state agencies.

This, Mr Nagamootoo, represents the Corporation’s immediately payable debt, which is on call.

2. Further to that, at the end of December, 2016, the Corporation’s indebtedness of approximately G$4B to the NCB (Jamaica) should have been settled, further reducing the industry’s short-term indebtedness to G$13.16B. 3. Of the short-term debt, G$7.6B (44

per cent) were owed to a Government agency – Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) – which notably has been granting write-offs of even greater significance to other enterprises.

4. The loans relating to the Skeldon project were being serviced by the Government, and are included in the figures contained in the Government’s Debt Report. This is not unusual, and similar facilities are extended to other state-enterprises 5. The Pension Liability (G$32.8B), labelled in the document we received as a potential debt and representing about 41 per cent of total debt, is very questionable in view of the high turnover and the mortality of pensioners. On this score, Mr Nagamootoo, you should ask GuySuCo, in light of the large retrenchment of its workers, what this figure is expected to be at the end of 2018. There you will find that though no monies have been paid out, the figure would have dropped considerably as it is simply an accounting provision.

But to shed a little more light on this matter, Mr PM, the report titled “Diversification Options for the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc” dated October 26, 2017, which we also received on December 31, 2016, at page 26 presents the Corporation’s cash flow for the period 2016 to 2030. We recognize that between 2017 and 2022, the Corporation will settle its indebtedness by paying an aggregate sum of only G$13.4B, far from the G$85B or G$77.8B the PM referred to. We must reiterate the large sums the PM writes about are simply another scare tactic being employed to give cover to the heartless plans for the sugar industry.

Mr PM, you may want to remove your jade-coloured glasses.

GAWU sets the record straight on GuySuCo debt

COMBAT IS A PUBLICATION OF THE GUYANA AGRICULTURAL & GENERAL WORKERS UNION (GAWU) 59 HIGH STREET & WIGHTS LANE, KINGSTON, GEORGETOWN, GUYANA, S.A. TEL: 592-227-2091/2; 225-5321 , 223-6523 FAX: 592-227-2093 EMAIL: INFO@GAWUGY.COM WEBSITE: WWW.GAWUGY.COM