GAWU Combat - January 01 to March 16, 2016

Issue#1 Volume#37

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

January 01 to March 16, 2016

Wales Estate First crop commences Editorial

Workers and residents say: Save Wales Estate on page 2

GAWU urges GuySuCo to abide by relevant laws and practices

A sugar worker fetching canes on his head. Workers are uneasy and restive over the treatment meted out to them

The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) commenced this month (February, 2016) to harvest of its first sugar crop for 2016 aiming to produce 80,270 tonnes sugar. For the year, the Corporation announced a target of 239,513 tonnes sugar, in contrast to the target of 242,287 tonnes disclosed to the National Assembly by the Minister of Finance in his 2016 Budget presentation on January 29, 2016.

Despite the knowledge that GuySuCo is confronted by a Super El Nino from August last year, and that the weather phenomenon is expected to continue for another few months, the Corporation fixed an ambitious target for both the first and second crops.

As at March 12, 2016, sugar production was 24.615

COMBAT: January 01 to March 16, 2016

Workers are justifiably peeved that they are the only section of the State’s employees that did not receive a wage increase in 2015, and with the fact that the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is not being engaged in the process of Collective Bargaining, sugar workers have decided to stage a day’s protest every week. Admittedly, it is not 100 per cent effective.

Continued on page six (6)

IUF calls on Government to halt Wales Estate closure

GAWU President says “workers are the key and decisive factor”

Berbice Area Conference successfully concluded

40 years of representing the nation’s sugar workers

on page 5 GAWU refutes GuySuCo’s spurious claims on page 4

tonnes with all seven (7) grinding estates operational.

Production should have been far higher. Last year’s (2015) notable production performance can very well be done again this year, but, the hurdles will have to be removed and encouraging incentives offered. GAWU has so advised GuySuCo in our occasional interactions.

on page 6

on page 9

on page 16

and much more

this edition

INSIDE

The Wales Sugar Estate has been in the spotlight in the last few weeks following the strange and shocking announcement that the Estate’s operations would be fully closed at the end of this year (2016). To say that decision was unexpected would be an understatement. It came without any warning, and has sent shockwaves throughout the nation and moreso among the workers, farmers and residents linked to Wales Estate. Immediately, the livelihoods and well-being of thousands of workers, farmers and citizens stand threatened.

In justifying the decision, the Government and GuySuCo said that to keep Wales going, the “old” factory would have to be rehabilitated and funds would have to be “diverted from other estates”, which are also in financial difficulties. So, they argue, in this context, Wales is to be sacrificed, paying little attention to the effects on thousands who depend on a functioning Wales Estate.

But this is contrary to what the specially-appointed Sugar Commission of Inquiry had to say in its five months’ old report, and it is a decision taken without any objective and serious study done.

The assertion that Wales is not performing to expectation due to “age” cannot stand up to examination. The claim that the drainage and bridges to the fields are in a terrible state of disrepair has been debunked. Wales drainage, for instance, is completely gravity-based and discharges into the Demerara River, while many, if not all, bridges have already undergone repairs. It is to be noted, too, that the factory is “old” from the time it was initially built, but its machines have been replaced as a regular part of the maintenance schedule, and are delivering an extractive efficiency comparable to Uitvlugt.

As pointed out by the GAWU and the NAACIE, the closure will have major implications for the workers, their families, pensioners, business owners, service providers, among others. It offers the risk of fuelling an escalation in the levels of poverty, unemployment, and crime within the area. We are likely to see the ruination of many, while the hopes and the future of the younger employment-seeking generation could well be shattered needlessly.

Continued on page six (6)

Page One

Workers, farmers and residents

The announcement by the Government on January 18, 2016 that the Wales Sugar Estate would be closed at year-end (2016) was a tremendous blow to the many thousands of workers, farmers and residents in the West Bank of Demerara who are directly and indirectly related to the almost century-old Estate.

Hastily-made decision It is obvious that this was a rushed decision. This widely held perception gained traction after a number of contradictory positions emerged regarding its origins. The Minister of Agriculture said the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) Board and Management made the decision sometime last year (2015) as part of its 2016 Budget and Action Plan.

This was not in keeping with the impression GuySuCo gave at a January 20, 2016 meeting with the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) when it informed the Unions that the decision was taken not-too-long ago by the GuySuCo Board.

If the Agriculture Minister was indeed correct, then it is baffling why the Estate was tilling and planting land just days prior to the announcement. And, why did GuySuCo, in the last few months, invest in works that are clearly aimed at the revitalization of the Estate? And, rather inexplicably, why didn’t the two (2) senior GuySuCo officials – its Board Chairman and its CEO, who participated fully in the Sugar Commission of Inquiry

COMBAT: January 01 to March 16, 2016

(CoI) - see the wisdom of communicating such a decision to the Commission, which spoke to the operation of seven (7) estates in its report?

Another interesting revelation on the matter came from GuySuCo Board Member Anthony Vieira. In a letter in the February 07, 2016 edition of Stabroek News he said “the CEO of GuySuCo reported to his board that he had already met with and sought permission from the MOA [Minister of Agriculture] about the closure, and he obtained agreement to do so before he brought it to the board to be ratified”. This disclosure is significant, as it contradicts the relevant previous statement and raises the question of political interference in the running of the Corporation. One would have thought that the desired approach would have been the Board discussing the matter before it being raised with the Minister; but it seems the cart was placed before the horse.

The last word, possibly a stop to this confusion, may have come from President Granger when he is reported to have, in the February 06, 2016 edition of Guyana Chronicle, said, “Yes, a decision was taken to close Wales, and it’s a decision which the Cabinet is responsible for”.

Repercussions The decision of closure was clearly not properly considered, in all its ramifications. Workers and their families; farmers, youth, and pensioners; among others, will undoubtedly be seriously affected. In circumstances of limited job opportunities in nearby areas and even further afield, one should expect economic depression in

the area, which in turn could see a rise in criminal activities, poverty, among other things. The loss of some $2B paid to workers as wages and salaries, and millions more paid to farmers, will severely affect the village economies and scores of business owners and service providers.

Closing Wales would have the effect of the loss of more than 20,000 tonnes of sugar, which would have serious implications for the economy, particularly in terms of foreign exchange earnings. At the community level, expectedly, drainage and irrigation works will suffer or be given to other agencies already starved of adequate funding.

Transfer to Uitvlugt Estate Up until now, neither the Unions not the workers of Wales know what is going to be their fate. The Government had indicated that the workers would be largely absorbed by Uitvlugt Estate, some 20 miles away. But then, Uitvlugt has a relatively adequate labour force, and, if this idea is pushed, then, with the additional Wales’ workers, a normal quota of work weekly may not be possible. Earnings will be adversely affected. Moreover, with steps being taken to increase mechanization at Uitvlugt and two (2) others Estates, the labour force will very likely be reduced, maybe significantly.

The relevant authorities have placed before neither the workers nor their Unions the question of severance pay which comes to the fore at this time when workers are faced with an impending and unwise closure. Severance Pay right is provided for by the Termination of Employ-

Page Two

say: Save Wales Estate

ment and Severance Pay Act, and allows for workers to receive their pay should they refuse to take up work at another location owned by the same owner, if it is more than ten (10) miles away from the former location.

Cane Farmers, too, face an untenable situation. They would be saddled with the extra costs to transport their canes to Uitvlugt Estate, which will cut deeply into their already low prices, can make cane farming in these areas unattractive, and may force many to cease cultivation.

Alternatives There has also been talk about workers’ involvement in a new venture at Wales. However, we are yet to be told what this is about. The Minister of Agriculture, during the 2016 Budget Debate, spoke of aquaculture, crop farming and dairy and livestock projects, while the GuySuCo Chairman is reported to have said that the production of alcohol and providing lands to workers for them to engage in farming were being considered. Well, so what are the plans? If the plans are available, why are they not being discussed with those affected and their organisations? It is shocking to realize that the Corporation and the Government are pursuing a decision that puts on the line the well-being of so many persons without a full and proper examination of alternatives and their possibilities.

Sugar’s Viability Some persons have proffered that sugar is no longer a viable business, and point to low prices on the world market. But the so-called world market price (WMP)

COMBAT: January 01 to March 16, 2016

does not necessarily reflect the cost of production. It is doubtful that any sugar-producing country produces sugar at the WMP. Professor Clive Thomas, in the Sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report, had this to say:“… the ‘free’ market constitutes what is essentially residual trade in sugars not covered in the highly protected carveup of the global regulated output, consumption, and trade in sugar.”

We need to be mindful, too, that sugar’s future prospects are not discouraging. Global consumption is on the rise.

According to Czarnikow, global sugar consumption was 179.1 million tonnes in 2013/14, and 183.1 million tonnes in 2014/15, and it is expected to rise to 186.1 million tonnes in 2015/16. Higher consumption and lower production this year will in all likelihood drive prices higher.

Then there is the important factor of the industry’s potential for diversification. Reference to some of these was made by the Sugar CoI, and include ventures into areas like co-generation, distilling, and refining. These are viable ventures and are lucratively promising.

Reverse the decision GAWU believes that Wales Estate could be sustainable once again. The Union recalls that the Estate production was about 30,000 tonnes during the 2002/2004 period, and there is a potential production of 35,000 tonnes.

With incentives to cane farmers about 500 hectares of land could be replanted. Value-added initiatives such as the production of high-quality brown sugar and molas-

ses could also tap into a health food market in the developed world.

Clearly, closure of Wales, given all the pertinent facts, is uncalled for. It is indeed puzzling to figure out what really led to such a bad decision.

The workers and the residents from the various communities have been engaged in a number of activities calling for the unpopular decision to be rescinded. They have organized a number of marches, which have attracted the support of hundreds as they carry on their struggle at this time. Many concerned Guyanese have also offered their support and solidarity with the people’s struggles.

In recent weeks, many proposals to take the Estate onto the path of sustainability have been made. These need to be studied, and who knows, there may be possible gems among them. The main demand at this time is to save Wales Estate, reverse the decision to close, and protect the livelihood of workers, farmers and residents.

Our Union maintains the view that to close Wales Estate is a step in the wrong direction. The decision was clearly taken hastily, something President Granger promised not to do, according to the November 01, 2015 Guyana Chronicle. The Government must now act wisely, sensibly, and with dispatch, reverse its decision, for the consequences are too dire.

SAVE WALES ESTATE!

Page Three

GAWU refutes GuySuCo’s spurious claims - painful to experience the low levels to which GuySuCo’s leadership has fallen moved if they failed to get workers to strike. Then it was implied that the strike call at Uitvlugt was not successfully responded to, but to date we have not heard whether the Union reps have been removed. GuySuCo also stated: ‘Similarly, the workers were told that if they don’t support the strike they would not be afforded representation by the Union in the future’. The Union’s rich and proud history should easily debunk such mischievous assertions.

But what is more painful is to experience the low levels to which GuySuCo’s leadership has fallen and low dodges to which it has resorted, as reflected in the Statement. This condition harks back to the colonial times, not a pleasant feeling in this year, when the nation is poised to mark its 50th Freedom Anniversary. The condition also begs the question: Is GuySuCo, as presently led, up to the task of turning the industry around? The February 24, 2016 Statement certainly detracts from any assurance in this respect.

Workers picketing outside of Uitvlugt Estate

The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) issued a statement, released by the Government Information Agency (GINA) on (Wednesday) February 24, 2016, which ONCE AGAIN SOUGHT to show the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) in a bad light. The GuySuCo statement related to a Union/worker activity that took place at Uitvlugt last (Tuesday) February 23, 2016, and which was in keeping with a decision by the Union’s General Council team taken on January 30, 2016.

That decision specifically called for a day of protest (strike) action by local Union leaders, activists, and rank and file (members) to press GuySuCo to engage the Union in Collective Bargaining.

It is to be recalled that, in 2015 (last year), workers in the industry were subjected to an imposition of a 2.72 days’ API payment, which is expected to be paid in March this year (2016), and which is unjust. It is also recalled that the Corporation, last year, in refusing to enter into Collective Bargaining, disrespected Clause 5 (2) (1) of the Recognition and the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes Agreement subsisting between the Union and the Corporation; Section 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act (TURA); and even ignored Article 147 of the Guyana Constitution, and thus the workers’ claim for a wage-rise was not deliberated upon between the CorporaCOMBAT: January 01 to March 16, 2016

tion and the Union.

that this statement has no basis in fact.

Clearly, this anti-worker and anti-Union thrust, emerging over recent months, has undermined trust in the Corporation to do the right and the lawful things - to safeguard and secure workers’ interests and to promote industrial democracy.

GuySuCo’s Statement of February 24, 2016 only serves to justify such a view. In these circumstances, workers are driven to take responsible and militant actions in defence of their interests and rights ,and in support of their demands.

The GAWU is also somewhat amused by the absurdity contained in GuySuCo’s February 24, 2016 Release. For instance, we read that GAWU reps would be re-

GAWU also wishes to remind the relevant GuySuCo authorities that it is a long-established practice for Union personnel to engage its membership in legitimate decisions taken by the Union. For GuySuCo to impute improper conduct of a Union Field Officer to do such work is, in our view, an attempt to rollback a zealously guarded practice of Trade Unionism. The GAWU, in principle, condemns such an attempt.

The GAWU also takes this opportunity to correct the misrepresentation in GuySuCo’s statement, which sought to convey the impression that a previous field officer of GAWU was disengaged by the Union on the grounds that he failed to get workers to take strike action. While we are not surprised by such inaccuracies by the new few at the top of GuySuCo, we simply wish to point out emphatically

The GAWU thinks that it is necessary to repeat that it is committed to protecting the rights and interests of its members. With our Collective leadership and through democratic deliberations, we intend to stand firm in taking decisions and adopting various measures “in sync with the best interest of the workers and the industry”.

GAWU salutes all women on International Women’s Day The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) salutes all women of the world on this International Women’s Day. Historically, women have played an important role in the advancement of civilization, and increasingly today, they are engaged in all spheres of human endeavour in many countries of the world. We recall that this day emerged out of the struggles of women workers in the United States, who organized themselves to strike for better working conditions, better pay, voting rights, against women’s oppression, and inequality, signalling that the struggle for economic rights and for political rights are inseparable. Their struggles also show that the concerns of working people the world over are shared by both women and men.

The day dedicated to women gained prominence when socialist women workers identified it as a day of action to rally against the First World War. On the same day in 1917, a strike of working women

of Russia in protest at the killing of 2 million soldiers in the war provided a further impetus for the Russian Revolution, which in that year was victorious; and the world saw the birth of a socialist country for the first time in history.

Inasmuch as women have made worthy contributions to mankind’s development, and generally made notable strides in their own lives, they must still contend with multi-faceted problems: inequality and various manifestations of violence. Today, the heavy burden of austerity affects women. Job opportunities are scarce; services they rely on are discontinued or are cut; working-women face exploitation; millions live with oppression literally on a daily basis, and yet mil;lions make up the most recent phenomenon of refugees driven from their homes and countries, mainly due to destructive wars conducted by imperialist countries or their proxies.

Continued on page twelve (12) Page Four

IUF calls on Government to halt Wales Estate closure

IUF General Secretary, Cde Ron Oswald

March 07, 2016 Minister Noel Holder, Minister of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Regent & Shiv Chanderpaul Drive Georgetown, Guyana Concerns: Closure of the Wales Sugar Estate, West Demerara Dear Honorable Minister Holder, The IUF is the global trade union federation representing workers throughout the food chain. The IUF is composed of 416 affiliated unions in 126 countries, including GAWU and NAACIE in Guyana.

The IUF has worked with our affiliates in Guyana for many years to try to improve the living and working conditions of workers in the sugar sector. It was therefore with shock and some disbelief that we received the news of the GuySuCo plans to close the Wales Sugar Estate at the end of 2016’s second sugar crop, especially in the absence of a socio-economic study.

Sugar has historically played an important role in Guyana. It has been a crucial source of rural employment. Workers on the estate and the families who depend on them will surely be pushed into poverty by this cruel closure. The closure will bring to an end the employment of 1,700 workers at Wales Estate.

We therefore urge your government to: • •

Immediately halt plans to close Wales Sugar Estate; As a matter of urgency, to enter into full and good faith negotiations with GAWU and NAACIE, to find a just solution which will maintain the estate and ensure employment.

The IUF will be monitoring the situation closely, and is fully prepared to take further action to assist workers in the Guyanese sugar industry to maintain decent employment in this crucial sector.

Yours sincerely,

Ron Oswald General Secretary COMBAT: January 01 to March 16, 2016

GAWU salutes the Rose Hall Martyrs

The Rose Hall Martyrs monument

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) salutes the fifteen (15) sugar workers who met their deaths one hundred and three (103) years ago, on March 13, 1913, at Rose Hall Estate and who have today become known as the Rose Hall Martyrs. The horrific incident is one of the ugliest reminders of British colonialism, and is another manifestation of the brutal conditions our forefathers had to contend with.

Removed from this landmark event by over 100 years, we nevertheless get a grasp of what was at the root of the riot and killing from the work of researcher and author Basdeo Mangru.

The turn of the 20th century saw a spike of work stoppages and strikes in the Estates, as workers grew more active in resisting their oppressive conditions or in attempts by Managers to deprive them of things they were already receiving, which in those times seriously impacted their lives. The problems and issues on the Estates were accumulating, and resistance as a consequence was increasing. Ten (10) years before the Rose Hall incident, Mangru wrote, another major incident took place at Friends Estate, where several workers were killed. The issue was a demand for a wage increase.

At Rose Hall in 1913, we learn, what triggered off the workers’ protests was the reneging by Manager James Smith of a promise of four days of additional holidays to workers, due to their positive and encouraging work performance. This retreat, it seems, came at a time when discontent was rife. It ignited an obviously combustible situation, which quickly deteriorated. One action led to a counteraction, eventually leading to the shooting of the workers by the State’s police. Fifteen (15) persons lost their lives, including a woman, Gobindei, and a Police Corporal.

Significantly, too, researcher Mangru

wrote, this riot was raised in the Legislature of India by the Indian nationalists, who used this horrifying act to strengthen the call to end the indentureship system.

The GAWU, through established much later after this barbaric event, recognises the struggles and sacrifices of generations of sugar workers, whose contribution have brought about many changes in workers’ living and working conditions.

At this time, we of GAWU specifically give recognition and pay tribute to those who fell at Plantation Rose Hall. They left a legacy which runs through the veins of the contemporary workforce of the sugar industry. This anniversary furthermore affords us the platform to remember with fondness and pride those who also courageously fought and heroically fell in the struggles in other plantations in other parts of the country.

These fallen workers remind us that sugar’s history is enriched by the struggles, sacrifices, and the sweat and blood of the working class. That spirit has been kept alive over decades, and survives to this day in the industry.

We accuse colonialism and the plantocracy system it sustained for these brutal deaths. In this event, we see that the owners’ class will stop at no crime to protect their property and profit. But the workers’ sacrifices were not in vain.

In the time that has elapsed since this historic event at Rose Hall Estate, the workers in the industry and the industry itself have advanced in several ways. It is therefore,regrettable that attempts are constantly being made to roll back hard -won gains in the industry. Increasingly, sugar workers find themselves engaged in actions to defend their rights and interests against our homegrown bureaucrats and their hirelings.

Continued on page thirteen (13) Page Five

Berbice Area Conference successfully held delegates commit to weld stronger unity and solidarity among the workers

Delegates attending the Berbice Conference on February 07, 2016

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) successfully staged a Conference under the theme “Workers Unity and Solidarity Paramount Now!” on (Sunday) February 07, 2015 at the Albion Sports Complex, Berbice. The Conference attracted 190 delegates from Skeldon, Albion, Rose Hall and Blairmont Estates. A similar Conference was held in December, 2015. These Conferences are in preparation for the Union’s 21st Congress, scheduled for August this year. Seven (7) leading Union members from Wales Estate also attended the Conference.

The Conference’s high-point was the presentation of the General Council Report, which was presented by the Union’s General Secretary. The events since the 20th Congress, over three (3) years ago, were highlighted in the two-hour address. The proposed closure of Wales Estate, the half-pay Annual Production Incentive (API) award, and the denial of Collective Bargaining process in settling workers’ pay rise claim for 2015 were naturally parts of the Report.

Following the presentation of the Report, a number of delegates took the floor. In their contributions, solidarity flowed for the workers and residents of Wales Estate.

They expressed the need to continue various actions to have the outstanding wage rise claim being addressed, and to persuade the Ministry of Social Protection to resolve the API dispute. Other matters of significance to the delegates related to the National Insurance Scheme; the denial of fair pay for field work during the out-ofcrop period; the condemnation of many of the GuySuCo Commission of Inquiry COMBAT: January 01 to March 16, 2016

(CoI) recommendations, especially from the Industrial Relations section of the Report. They expressed eagerness to ensure that hard-won rights spanning many decades would be guarded from being hijacked, as seen in several CoI recommendations.

Also addressing the Conference, were three (3) of the Wales workers who were guests of the Conference. They expressed their appreciation to their Berbice counterparts for their solidarity action. They also explained the serious consequences the decision, if pursued, will have on the workers and the residents of Wales Estate. The addresses were well received and they received, a standing ovation and great applause from the delegates.

Resolutions were unanimously approved with respect to Education and Training, on Unity of the Working Class, Wage/Salary increases and API for 2015, the National Insurance Scheme, and the denial by GuySuCo of lorries to transport delegates to the Conference. A resolution was also passed regarding the closure of any estate and the expected sellout/privatisation of the sugar industry, and another expressing solidarity with the Wales Estate workers and residents.

Delegates at the Conference have returned to their respective workplaces imbued with a reinvigorated spirit and determination to continue to weld stronger unity and solidarity among themselves, to forge ahead with their struggles for an urgent settlement of their API dispute, the opening of purposeful negotiations, though already late, on their 2015 wage/ salary claim, and to continue the struggle in support of the Wales workers and residents.

Editorial

Wales Estate Continued from page one (1)

Worrying, too, is that it seems the Government and the GuySuCo have no credible plans in the pipeline to deal with the obvious social and economic fallout from the closure. The Minister of Agriculture, during the 2016 National Budget debate, advised that ventures into aquaculture, crop farming and dairy and livestock were being examined. It seems that a study is to be undertaken after the decision has been made.

A relevant question that arises is:- What would be the position if the identified ventures are not viable? We recall that GuySuCo, in the not-too-distant past, had pursued ventures similar to the ones being mooted now. These ventures, while seemingly good on paper, proved unsuccessful then, and were largely discontinued.

Wales Sugar Estate, as we pointed out before, is capable of surmounting its present challenges. We recall that it produced about 30,000 tonnes during the 2002/04 period, and, in view of recent investments and with the required inputs, such production and even higher levels

are within reach. Avenues for value-added production through the marketing of brown sugar and molasses brighten the prospect for a turnaround.

In their presentation to the Sugar CoI ,the Unions based in the industry acknowledged that the Industry needs to be re-organized to firstly increase efficiency, and to pursue its modernization to transition it from the concept of a “Sugar” Industry to a “Sugar Cane” Industry, in which the entire sugar cane plant is utilised to produce many other products apart from sugar to bolster its revenue stream.

In the nationwide debate that has taken place and is ongoing around the closure of Wales Estate and the sugar industry generally, two views have come to the fore. One is that GuySuCo and the Government are heading in a wrong direction with the closure of Wales. The other is for the authorities to reverse the decision and instead focus on a workable plan to overcome existing difficulties and return the Estate to viability.

The GAWU, as is known, subscribes to both views.

First crop commences Continued from page one (1) At the beginning of the first crop, and given the disquiet in the industry at this time, GAWU once again advises, indeed, urges, GuySuCo to abide by the practices and relevant laws and hold discussions on the outstanding issues. The relevant laws to which we refer are the Collective Labour Agreement, the Trade Union Recognition Act, the Constitution of Guyana, and ILO conventions. GAWU feels certain that Collective Bargaining with the Union will be welcomed by the aggrieved workers, who will heed a call to end the intermittent protests which were previously and publicly indicated.

A hard-headed stance by GuySuCo will do no one any good. The Union is hoping that normalcy will shortly return to the industry, and it stands ready to engage GuySuCo to arrive at a resolution of the matters that ought to be addressed.

In the meantime, the workers are expected to receive the 2.72 days’ pay as API for 2015. The Corporation had assured the workers that the payment would be effected in March, 2016. The Ministry of Social Protection declared the dispute deadlocked on February 19, 2016, and the Corporation will pay the workers their API on April 01, 2016.

The sugar industry is still not on a recovery path. The heavy hand of politics is not as helpful as it is made out to be. Indeed, that hand is becoming oppressive. We are additionally dismayed by the fact that the Government has not pronounced on the recommendations of the high-cost Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the sugar industry, which they received since October, 2015. Quite a few of these recommendations we disagree with, and we are looking forward to their rejection by GuySuCo and the Government.

In sharp and constant focus, too, is the question of the closure of Wales Estate, which workers are agitated over, and moreso in the absence of any known plan detailing what the future holds for those who will be affected. It will be really short-sighted and disheartening if GuySuCo’s leading personnel do not grasp the present opportunity to ease the distress within the industry. The state of the crop and our collective hope that it attains the target set, we hope, prompt the new leaders in the right direction.

GAWU emphasizes earnest discussions to resolve the crucial issues are the way forward for the industry.

Page Six

GAWU on the 2016 GAWU nails Guyana Chronicle distortion National Budget

Students at the GAWU Labour College

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, presenting the 2016 National Budget

The 2016 National Budget was presented to the National Assembly on January 29, 2016 under the theme “Stimulating Growth, Restoring Confidence: The Good Life Beckons”. The Budget was one that the working people, the pensioners, the youth and others were looking forward to, and one for which they had high expectations that the manifestation of the slogan of a “Good Life for All Guyanese” would have begun to emerge. However, there is the justifiable observation that the promise of the “Good Life” has remained elusive and unfulfilled in Budget 2016.

The Budget expects the economy to grow 4.4 per cent this year. Though the country, over the last few years, has been recording positive economic growth, the projected increase seems overly ambitious. The Minister, in his address, said:- “prospects for 2016 are far from encouraging. Global economic developments remain hostile…”. Moreover, domestically, the Minister confessed “for the first time in recent history, all of the country’s key industries… found themselves in various states of distress. Even remittances, which have contributed significantly to income, consumption, investment and employment, and upon which so many of our people depend, was a victim of the slowdown in the world economy”. Against that background, the Minister’s expectation of a 4.4 per cent growth appears unachievable.

Absent from the Budget was greater relief to the poor and vulnerable levels of society. While it must be acknowledged that there were small improvements to the tax threshold and pensions, at the same time, there were increased business and other licenses, which will naturally be passed on to the consumers, and which, in turn, will make the tax threshold and pension improvements less meaningful. Also, changes to the tax regime regarding vehiCOMBAT: January 01 to March 16, 2016

cles and tyres and the introduction of an environmental tax, whatever their motivation can also have adverse effects to the working citizen whilst serving to increase the cost of living. Will the Budget stimulate the development of our economy? It is difficult to see how it will. Can it be the basis to bring about confidence and the promised “Good Life”? Not many seem to feel enthused that we are now set on that path.

A major plank of any Budget has to be the creation of an environment which will create stable jobs with decent wages.

A number of infrastructural projects are to be launched this year, and these will impact employment, but this must be weighed against the many hundreds who have been thrown on the breadline over the last year. Together with the stimulus and the infrastructure projects, there is need to encourage investor confidence, which has fallen significantly due to the early actions taken by the Government.

An approach that is unsympathetic to the productive workers cannot also be helpful in making an economy robust.

This approach to workers was seen in the pittance paid to state employees last year, contrary to promises made; and to the denial of wage increases to sugar workers and a steep reduction in their API award.

The Budget did not deal with the wages question as, the Minister said, it would be decided in the Collective Bargaining process.

Many aspects of the Budget have attracted attention through the Parliamentary debates. Much of what is relevant to our country’s development and crucial to nation building has been brought out. These ideas should be taken beyond the confines of Parliament to the wider society.

Such exposure will be good for the working man and woman, who cannot feel that they are better off with Budget 2016.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has noted a news story which appeared in the January 06, 2016 edition of the Guyana Chronicle, titled “GAWU pocketing millions to train sugar workers”. The Union, having reviewed the article, is of the view that it is misleading and is an attempt to hoodwink and misguide its readership and the public.

The assertion that the Union received some $18M from GuySuCo for training sugar workers at the GAWU Labour College between 2011 and August, 2015 is completely and utterly fallacious. The sum referred to, if correct, represent wages paid to employees who were granted paid release to attend Union sponsored courses. This practice has been in existence for many decades now, and is enshrined in the Collective Labour Agreement between the Union and the Corporation.

The article also asserts that the College’s curriculum has no bearing on the sugar industry. This, too, is furthest from the truth. In the short duration of a standard course, the Union, in support of the sugar industry, has allotted GuySuCo six (6) sessions during each course for the Corporation’s personnel to have the opportunity to interface with participants, to discuss the challenges and problems which face and confront the sugar industry.

It should be noted also that the paid release of workers to attend Union-sponsored courses or other courses, is not peculiar to the sugar industry, but indeed an activity embraced by all trade unions and entities, whether publicly or privately owned and has been an invaluable practice that sustains healthy industrial relations in our society. GAWU calls to attention that the attendance of workers at our Union courses, conferences and similar educative activities was won out of the struggles of the working class and not without resistance from the owner class circles and their collaborators. Today, such an activity has become, in a sense,

part of the workers’ expectation and their work-life. Workers cherish this right dearly. It is a right to be steadfastly defended by the Trade Union Movement if there are attempts to roll back this hardwon gain.

The Chronicle story is not only a clear distortion of what is conveyed in the Commission of Inquiry Report, but represents the latest attack on the right of sugar workers to benefit from Trade Union education and training. The story cannot be delinked from the other misinformation and assaults which have been perpetrated in recent times against the workers and their primary organizations.

Of course, the COI’s recommendation to discontinue payment for employees’ participation in courses run by the GAWU Labour College is not only difficult to fathom, but provides a glimpse of what might be further assaults on workers’ gains and benefits.

Over several generations, the main value on the working class by the owners of the means of production is for them to work and to produce profits for those owners.

In this context, Trade Unions have a role to play in easing the burden of their exploitation. We also contend that Trade Unions generally, and especially those with a strong progressive orientation, have a duty to lift the class consciousness and class awareness of their membership.

This, we believe, can only help in their being a more disciplined and responsible workforce; but also, importantly, will help them to recognize that their sustained well-being will come about in conditions of industrial democracy, economic justice, and social progress - in conditions where emphases are placed on people, not profits.

Indeed, the GAWU strongly subscribes to the view that workers’ education, not only in the sugar industry, but for all workers, can be diligently pursued better yet with the participation of those who handsomely benefit from the workers’ labour.

Page Seven

Skeldon workers picket estate

Workers picketing the Estate

On January 20, 2016, about one hundred (100) Skeldon Estate cane cutters who were engaged in out-of-crop work were required for almost three (3) weeks in January, 2016 to undertake weeding tasks in some fields. Their tasks were underpriced by the Management of the Estate compelling them to mount a vociferous picketing exercise outside the Estate’s Administrative Office.

The day’s task set by the Management of the Estate ought to be completed between five (5) and six (6) hours and their earning level should not have been less than

$2,666 per day in keeping with the rate set out in the Collective Labour Agreement. Although the workers had worked the requisite hours, they had been unable to complete their tasks and their earnings level reached an average of approximately $1,600 per worker.

On the day following the picketing exercise, the Management deployed the aggrieved workers to engage in weeding work in other fields. Both the tasks and the payment levels were in keeping with the CLA.

GAWU Branch Conferences condemns the privatisation of the sugar industry

The GAWU Branch Conferences held within the sugar industry unanimously approved the following resolution denouncing the recommendation by the Sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to privatise the sugar industry and resolving to resist any attempts to privatise the industry. The resolution read as follows:-

“We the delegates attending GAWU Branch Conference hereby reiterate our strong opposition to the privatisation of the sugar estates which is one of the recommendations contained in the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry We are aware that the industry in the past and even today has contributed in a big way to our country’s development and to offering some essential services to its workforce and to various communities We are also aware that the industry remains the largest employer in the nation and it plays an important role in the country’s economy We acknowledge that at this time financial support to the industry from the Government will be needed in the short term and high expectations that this will be forthcoming given the industry’s role in our society COMBAT: January 01 to March 16, 2016

In urging such assistance, we are not unware that the industry through the Sugar Levy contributed some $58B to the Treasury and we are also informed about the $20B from the EU Sugar Sector Support Programme to the Government With those and other considerations in mind, we, the delegates of this Conference consider that privatisation of the sugar industry will not benefit our country nor us, its workers Previous experiences show that sugar was able to climb out of downturns before and we are confident, with some changes, it can do so again. Privatisation, as our experiences remind us, is an unwelcome path which will have a devastating impact on our lives and on the industry We are of the view that if the privateownership can make the industry once again feasible, then there is no reason why the State Corporation – GuySuCo – cannot do even better We, at this Conference express our disagreement with the recommendation to privatise the sugar industry We further call on the Union to mount all possible activities to prevent the sellout of the industry which will be a retrograde step and sell out of the workers interests

New branch committees elected The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (CAWU), in keeping with its Constitution, held seven (7) Branch Conferences with the Union’s seven (7) branches in the sugar belt during the months of January and February, 2015.

The Conferences, attended by delegates from the various sections of the workforce, reviewed the work of each Branch during the preceding year, as well as elected new Branch Committees, which are charged with administering the affairs of the Branches for another year.

Also attending the Conferences was a member of the Union’s leadership, who addressed the Conference delegates on important matters. The newly-elected Branch Committees are as follows:Skeldon Estate Chairman: Mitchell McBean, Vice Chairman: Rishiram Mahasechand, Secretary: Herlene Lewis, Assistant Secretary/Treasuer: Vickram Ramotar, and Committee Members: Sham Jabar, Mahendra Singh, Krishna Veerasammy, Tiffany Baker, Michelle McBean, Ezetta Davis, Chetranie EdMohamed, Yudistir Drepaul, Sunita Mohanlall, Jaikissoon Balkisoon, Mohamed Shakeer, Gilbert Joseph, and Thomas Granum Albion Estate Chairman: Hernie Parks, Vice Chairman: Michael Inderdatt, Secretary: Rampersaud Singh, Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer: Stephen Inderdatt, and Committee Members: Joshua Appadu, Deodat Anderson, Orison Walcott, Arjune Veerasammy, Haseen Mohamed, Odonna Corlette, Saywack Ramjass, Dereck Hector, Vishwanauth Ramcharitar, Norma Davis, and Nazeem Hussain Rose Hall Estate Chairman: Sohannauth Rabindranauth, Vice Chairman: Brian Henry, Secretary: Francis Alabi, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Sheikh A. Mohamed, and Committee Members: Collett Sinclair, Glen McLeod, Lalchandra Dudnauth, Linden Bess, Lawrence Luke, Eusi Bruce, Inderjeet Persaud, Enroy Bakker, Malcolm Grant, Colline Lindo, and Deonarine

Rambharat Blairmont Estate Chairman: Rubraj Singh, Vice Chairman: Julius Nurse, Secretary: Bhikram Singh, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Yudhistir Persaud, and Committee Members: Nadine Pluck, Shellan Gordon, Jasodra Kishore, Wendy Richmond, Deonarine Mahadeo, Abdool, Simone Fordyce, Niranjan Jairam, and Joylyn Rodney East Demerara Estate Chairman: Sookram Persaud, Vice Chairman: Balkissoon Rambissoon, Secretary: Laloo Teckchand, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Francis Ramdial, Committee Members: C. Chand Seepersaud, Jagmohan Singh, Mohamed Haniff, Vishnu Lewis, Seebarran, Lakeram, Michelle Leitch, Mohan Persaud, Roy Dundas, and Pharrel Wales Estate Chairman: Leo Alleyne, Vice Chairman: Gobind Persaud, Secretary: Ramessar Bissessar, Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer: Joan McIntyre, and Committee Members: Rahim Seepersaud, Michael Chotoo, Albert Vieira, Ramsammy, Vishnu Jailall, Sanjay Rahaman, and Parmanand Latchman Uitvlugt Estate Chairman: Abid Hoosein, Vice Chairman: Lochan Khandai, Secretary: Awad Bhagwandin, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Helena Broomes, Committee Members: Abiola Morrison, Tricia James, Lorina Braithwaite, Aboila Hector, Odai Singh Ramodar, Rajendra Ramsaywack, Seecharran Ram and Raghubir Frank BEV Processors Inc Chairman: Jermaine Adams, Vice Chairman: Flexton Henriques, Secretary: Sharon Ally, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Jacqueline Sedoc, and Committee Members: Dwayne Chase, Zalina Parks, Coreen Newton, Norma Christopher, Simone Beaton, Michelle King, Pamela Benjamin, Kariesha Mitchell, Anthony Charles, and Bibi Haniff

“Capitalist barbarism, crisis and Imperialist wars,

or socialism” Page Eight

GAWU President Komal Chand says “...workers are the key and decisive force”

- Budget 2016 debates

GAWU President, Cde Komal Chand, delivering his presentation

Comrade Speaker, I rise to make my contribution to the 2016 National Budget. Between the previous Budget presentation and this one, there has been a short time-span. Nevertheless, during this time, several matters worthy of note took place domestically and internationally.

With regard to international developments, economic experts tell us that 2016 will be yet another year of weak economic performance globally, with only a few countries doing well. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has predicted that tens of millions will swell the unemployed numbers. A study

by Oxford Committee for Famine Relief (Oxfam) has revealed that inequality has grown over the last year, thus bringing into sharp focus the divide between the “haves” and the “have-nots”. Expectedly, the ranks of the poor will increase, and at the same time, we are seeing that the ruling elite of many developed countries are placing austerity burdens on the backs of workers, students, pensioners and farmers. Alongside such economic deterioration, there are unjust wars, violent conflicts, a new emphasis on militarism, various animosities among people are being promoted, and nuclear conflagration is today threatening humanity.

But, Comrade Speaker, there is also a silver lining that has appeared. From the developed countries to the developing ones, a new activism has emerged. In their millions, workers, students, women, farmers and the oppressed are fighting back; and hopefully, such militancy will result in a world order that will be based on such values as peace, progress and prosperity.

At the domestic level, Comrade Speaker, these recent months have been marked by a high level of despondency by a major section of our workforce. I refer to the workers - field, factory, clerical and othCOMBAT: January 01 to March 16, 2016

er segments of the working population within the sugar industry.

Comrade Speaker, in this second National Budget of the APNU/AFC Coalition Government, expectations that workers generally will be better off have been dashed. The silence about the plight of workers in the sugar industry tells its own story. It’s a sad story. On page seven (7) of the Budget presentation the Finance Minister stated:- “the sugar industry returned a creditable performance in 2015, with production growing by 6.9 percent to 231,145 metric tonnes. Though this level of production is still below the average achieved in the previous decade, the industry is showing encouraging signs of recovery. This, no doubt, can be attributed to new management and the measures taken to increase efficiency and productivity.”

Without belabouring the point, Comrade Speaker, I need to emphasise what is already known - that in productive enterprises, the workers are the key and decisive force to ensure encouraging levels of performance and production. Yet, Comrade Speaker, for this increased production referred to by the Minister in his address, the workers of the sugar industry, the only section of the State’s employees received nothing, or zero, in terms of wage adjustment in 2015. It is a downright discriminatory act against them.

2015 was the first year for over thirty (30) consecutive years when workers in the sugar industry have received no increases in pay. Comrade Speaker, in harder times, the workers’ worth was safeguarded, their importance acknowledged, and they received an increase which played a key part in maintaining their families, paying their bills and keeping up with the everrising cost of living.

Comrade Speaker, this year, the Honourable Minister indicated that $9 billion would be provided to the sugar industry. While it is commendable, I need to point out that it is also $3 billion less than the sum of $12 billion that the Prime Minister announced while in New York during a recent meeting held there, which was reported in the media.

Comrade Speaker, this shortfall to the industry at this time will surely hamper the present efforts to turnaround the industry’s misfortunes. Indeed, Sir, the allocation of only threequarters of the requested sum needed by GuySuCo will detract from the progress made so far ,and delay implementation of plans to return the industry to a viable state.

Comrade Speaker, in considering the Government’s $9 billion subsidy and the prospects of the sugar industry, which in spite of its trials still makes a sterling contribution to our economy and social life, one cannot ignore the vexed issue of the closure of Wales Estate, which has been mentioned in recent weeks by the Corporation as well as by Government officials.

The decision to close, Sir, will affect some 2,500 workers and farmers directly and thousands more indirectly. It is a decision, Sir, taken without any credible study done. It is a decision that even the Sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI) did not recommend. The haste with which the unpopular decision has been taken makes one wonder if there is more in the mortar than the pestle can pound.

The Ministry of Agriculture and the GuySuCo, in justifying the decision on Wales, Comrade Speaker, called attention primarily to the poor drainage and irrigation and bridges infrastructure, the condition of the fields, and the aged factory which would require, we are told, major investment.

Comrade Speaker, the reasons given for the closure of Wales Estate are clearly overstated. Moreover, those reasons certainly do not reflect the improvements done in recent times, both in the field and the factory, and which involved substantial expenditure. That the factory is old and underperforms betrays a lack of knowledge of what has been done to the Wales factory. Since this seems to be the main of the four (4) reasons advanced for closing the Estate, allow me, Sir, to point to a few relevant factors: In terms of years, Wales’ factory would be as old as may be all the other sugar

factories, with the exception of Skeldon.

However, whatever its age, let it be noted that the factory is designed to crush 102 tonnes of cane per hour. At this time, it is currently processing between 96 and 98 tonnes.

Additionally, Comrade Speaker, over recent years, many vital components have been replaced, as is necessary. To this end, I wish to point out that the cane knives at Wales factory are similar to those utilized at four (4) other factories; its mills are similar to those used at Blairmont and Uitvlugt factories; the boiler is like the ones used at Rose Hall and Uitvlugt; the evaporators as well as the pans are of the same model used in five “old” (5) factories, and the baskets used are even better than those used in other factories. I refer to these updates about the Wales factory to show that the so-called “age” argument cannot really be a serious or strong reason for the arbitrary shutting down of Wales Estate.

Comrade Speaker, I wish to remind this Assembly that the quite expensive CoI, in reflecting on closure of Estates said on page thirty-seven (37) of Volume One of its Report that “the COI does not recommend the closure of the any estate at this time”. The CoI, remarking on the closure of estates, at page thirty (30) of the same report, said “They took into account the current state of the economy, which lacks vibrancy, with awareness of the problems in the rice industry, the low market price of gold and the level of ‘unemployment’”.

And, at page thirty-one (31) the CoI said “the effect of closing any estate without planning and adequate notice to cane farmers has serious consequences, not only for the employees and private farmers but for the communities as well” . This, I think, was a reasonable advice. It was discarded ,obviously. Thus I am prompted to ask:- Is this the fate that awaits the report of this costly Commission?

Comrade Speaker, it is instructive that we be reminded that all political parties, during the elections campaign, spoke up in support of the sugar industry. They left no doubt that the industry would be maintained; closure was not mentioned at any time. Yet, in a matter of mere months after the National Elections, we are faced with this painful prospect of closure, which will put hundreds on the breadline and bring greater hardships, if not ruin, to hundreds of cane farmers and the self-employed.

There is no denying that the consequences of the closure for those who will be affected will be grave indeed.

Continued on page fifteen (15) Page Nine

INTERNATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL

Those who collaborate with the West An abridged version

all client states as well as in those countries that have been selected for destabilization and destruction.

It is done through “support for arts and culture”. It is done through the UN and countless international NGOs that are helping to manufacture and sustain the new elites. It is done through corrupting journalists. It is done through “education”, through scholarships given to the selected young people who fully abandon revolutionary struggle at home. It is done through direct A bomb blast in Syria. The civil war in that country has been raging since 2011. It has left more corruption. More corthan 300,000 people dead, and forced 10.6 million, nearly half the population, out of their rupt, more pampered homes are the elites, more reliable they become.

Continued from last edition The Western colonialist establishment knows perfectly

By Andre Vltchek Since the WWII panoptic of the pro-Western puppets well “how to deal with the locals”, how to tickle the vanis truly horrifying, let us recall just a few, those respon- ity of the elites. And, how to make them feel “exceptional”, “enlightened”, “sophisticated” oceans away from that sible for the most repulsive atrocities: Trujillo in Dominican Republic, ‘Papa Doc’ Duvalier “brutal and ignorant” majority. Deep rifts are created in and ‘Baby Doc Duvalier in Haiti, Batista in Cuba, Somoza in Nicaragua, military junta in Brazil, Pinochet in Chile, Videla in Argentina, Stroessner in Paraguay, South African apartheid “governments”, Moi in Kenya, Kagame in Rwanda, Museveni in Uganda, Mubarak in Egypt, Zine Ben Ali of Tunisia, Hadi of Yemen; present- By Telesur English Peace, unity and prosperity was the message on Satday rulers of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan and urday, on the third anniversary of the death of Hugo Oman; Mobutu Sese Seko of Congo, Shah Reza Pahlavi Chavez. of Iran, Lon Nol and Pol Pot of Cambodia, almost entire President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, was at the Thai leadership after the WWII, Marcos of Philippines, Cuartel de la Montaña alongside other Latin American Osama bin-Laden of Saudi Arabia, series of pro-US dicleaders to pay homage to the former leader. “Today the tators in South Vietnam, Suharto in Indonesia. new history begins,” he said.

As horrible as those individuals mentioned above were, Evo Morales, Daniel Ortega and Salvador Sanchez people who resisted and fought for freedom of Mankind Ceren, the presidents of Bolivia, Nicaragua and El Salwere some of the greatest human beings of the 20th vador respectively, among others, gathered at the monuCentury. Many of them were aided by the Soviet Union and China in their efforts to breaking shackles of their ment to pay tribute to Chavez, who died of cancer three years ago. people: Nasser of Egypt, Patrice Lumumba of Congo, Julius “With the union of all, it is possible to build new prosperNyerere of Tanzania, Ernesto “Che” Guevara of Argen- ity; that is what we are going to see,” said Maduro in an tina, Salvador Allende Gossens of Chile, Dilma Vana interview on television.

“There is no option: either we achieve it or we achieve Roussef of Brazil, Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Danit.

Peace, union and prosperity, that is the message today, iel Ortega of Nicaragua, Evo Morales of Bolivia, Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, Ho Chi Ming of Vietnam, Mao three years after the parting of Comandante Chavez.”

Zedong of China, Fidel Castro of Cuba, Mosaddegh of The Venezeulan President said that in spite of the death of Chavez, his message is still strong.

Iran, Thomas Isidore Noël Sankara of Burkina Faso.

“I feel Chavez more present and more alive than ever, To compare two lists would, if one were really willing and he generates more and more love in those who fight to see and to compare, destroy all remaining illusions for the truth of America.” he added. about the West “supporting and aiding democracy”.

Indigenous and Catholic communities joined together Direct support given by the West is actually something in a religious ceremony at the Cuartel de la Montaña, that is visible and easily detectable, at least if one wants in the revolutionary neighborhood of 23 de Enero, to to see and to notice. However, there are many concealed honour Chavez. ways in which the West operates, creating and sustainAt 4.25 p.m. Venezuela time, a canon was fired to reing enormous and complex groups of collaborators in

order to prevent nations from uniting against external enemies.

Colonialist empires are used to employ local people to control and to terrorize the masses. It was more effective this way, more practical. Locals knew locals better. They spoke the languages and they knew “where it hurts” when pain was administered.

Nothing changed. The Empire still gives orders to its servants, to the elites inside the client states. It intervenes directly only when the local cadres become ‘unreliable’ and fail to oppress their people, as happened in Iraq, Libya or Syria.

The organizations like IMF and the World Bank employ great members of the elites, as it is understood that they will be extremely effective and brutal towards their own people, stripping them of everything on behalf of the Empire. They do it in order to impress their masters, or simply out of deep spite for their own people.

This arrangement will not last forever. “The Belt” is gaining notorious reputation all over the world. Hardly anyone would want to follow its example voluntarily.

Now there are great number of countries fighting for better arrangement of the world. There is almost the entire Latin America, Russia, China, South Africa, Eritrea, and Iran refusing to succumb to the Empire. Others are joining.

No matter how brilliant the masters of horror scenarios are, no matter how well they are playing their flutes, no matter how many millions of servants are licking their boots; it is certain that their violent art would not be allowed to dominate the world stage for long.

Latin America remembers revolutionary legacy of Hugo Chavez

COMBAT: January 01 to March 16, 2016

member his revolutionary legacy, as his death fell at that time on March 5, 2013.

The day was also marked by international leaders, with current and former Latin American presidents paying tribute to Chavez.

Evo Morales, President of Bolivia, said: “As a human being, (Chavez) was a great support. As a Latin American brother, he was a great integrator. As a politician, he was an anti-imperialist who taught us to lose our fear in the face of the Empire, to raise our voice to the Empire with no fear.”

Rafael Correa, President of Ecuador, said: “You can’t even imagine all the propaganda that they made against Chavez; full of slander when in reality Chavez was an extraordinary human being. Despite being a soldier, at the end sometimes he was very naive because he trusted people so much. He was too good-natured, he gave opportunities again and again to the opposition for them to end up once again driving the dagger into his back.”

Cristina Kirchner, former President of Argentina, said: “We remember him, those who know that he left life for a free people and a legacy of American unity. Hugo Chavez, remembered by his people with enormous and eternal love.”

Daniel Ortega, President of Nicaragua, said: “Chavez is the reincarnation of Bolivar. Chavez knew that revolutions cannot go alone and depart from the principle of solidarity, and this solidarity goes from sharing bread, up to moral solidarity, they all have an infinite value.”

Page Ten

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In Yemen a humantarian pause is urgently needed

People search for survivors under the rubble of houses destroyed by Saudi airstrikes

By Cesar Chelala As war continues to rage uninterrupted in Yemen, a humanitarian pause is badly needed as the country spirals down to chaos, leaving the majority of the population in urgent need of medical care. Restrictions on access to medical supplies and care are key impediments in improving the situation of people in need. A five-day humanitarian pause would allow supplies and care to reach those people, and relieve their dire health situation.

At the same time, attacks on health facilities continue.

Last October, the World Health Organization (WHO) condemned the bombing of a Medécins Sans Frontières’ (MSF)-supported hospital in Saada province in northern Yemen. MSF believes that, as a consequence, 200,000-people were left without medical care. That attack, which violated International Humanitarian Law, was the second one on an MSF-run facility in a month.

Since the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s attacks on Yemen, conducted with U.S. support, more than 5,700 have died (almost half of them civilians), including hundreds of women and children; and 28,753 injuries have been reported. Several health workers have also been killed, and 47 health facilities in 11 governorates have been damaged or closed as a result of the continuous violence.

Health care services in all public hospitals have been reduced, especially operating theaters and intensive care units. At the same time, disrupted immunization activities have increased the risks for measles and poliomyelitis, even though Yemen is presently free of polio.

The breakdown of the water supply and sanitation systems has facilitated the spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, as well acuteois diarrhoeal diseases, particularly affecting children. Also, because of limited communication possibilities, the early warning alert system for diseases has been seriously affected.

The country has one of the highest rates of chronic malnutrition in the world. According to UNICEF, 1.3 million Yemeni children younger than five years now suffer from acute malnutrition, compared to 850,000 before the war started. 320,000 are severely malnourished, twice the amount before the crisis - the little cash people COMBAT: COMBAT: January January 01 01 to to March March 16, 16, 2016 2016

have is to pay for food and gas – at greatly increased prices - leaving no money to afford health care.

The Lancet reports that approximately a quarter of the country’s health care facilities are no longer functional.

To make matters worse, as Ronald Kremer from MSF says, “People do not dare to go to hospitals because they are afraid that they are targeted, and even if they want to go, they may not have the means; even where public

transport does exist, it is very expensive because of the fuel problems”.

Fuel problems have increased the problems in obtaining clean water. Lack of a proper water supply and the dire sanitation and hygiene situation have led to outbreaks of dengue and malaria. Because many Yemenis store water in open containers, that becomes an ideal breeding ground for disease-transmitting mosquitoes.

So far, there are more than 2.5 million people who have become internally displaced persons (IDPs). To compound an already difficult situation, disrupted immunization campaigns have led to an increasing number of children being affected with measles and rubella, particularly among IDPs living in overcrowded conditions As a result of the conflict, many hospitals, laboratories, health warehouses and administrative offices have closed. Primary care facilities have minimum access to medicines, supplies and equipment. Fuel shortage has affected the proper operation of ambulances.

In this situation, a humanitarian pause is urgently needed. A five-day pause, as proposed by the World Health Organization, would allow humanitarian organizations to respond to some of the most life-threatening needs of the people, particularly women and children caught in the middle of the conflict. An MSF doctor taking care of a badly hurt child in Syria realized that the child was desperately trying to tell him something. When he asked his translator what the child was saying, the translator responded, “Don’t they realize that we are children?” A similar question could be asked in Yemen today.

Climate Change-fuelled food crisis could kill half a million by 2050

By Deirdre Fulton

More than half a million people could die in the next few decades as a result of climate change. A study from the UK-based Oxford Martin Future of Food Programme is the first of its kind to assess the impact of climate change on diet composition and body weight.

It found that unless action is taken to reduce global emissions, climate change could cut food availability and in turn lead to roughly 530,000 deaths.

Previous research has shown how climate change will impact global crop production. The new study goes deeper, finding that climate change could cut the projected improvement in food availability by about a third by 2050. That could lead to changes in the energy content and composition of diets.

Climate change is likely to have a substantial negative impact on future mortality, even under optimistic scenarios. And, adaptation efforts need to be scaled up rapidly. Public-health programmes aimed at preventing and treating diet and weight-related risk factors, such as increasing fruit and vegetable intake, must be strengthened as a matter of priority to help mitigate climate-related health effects.

Meanwhile, “depending on their stringency,” emissions reducing policies could lower the number of climate-related deaths by betwween 29 and 71 percent,

the study says.

The paper is a sobering look at just a single facet of the climate change dilemma. Of course, the impacts of climate change are expected to cause human deaths in a variety of other ways as well. The increased risk of infectious diseases, natural disasters, forced migration and civil unrest are just a few examples.

But farms and farmers have long been in the crosshairs of climate change. Though farmers have for decades seen negative impacts related to climate change, these impacts have been exacerbated in recent years.

Even relatively small temperature increases are having significant impacts on farming.

To confront these challenges policymakers, must recognize that the global agriculture system is at the heart of both the problem and the solution. Industrial agriculture is a key driver in the generation of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, heavy machinery, monocultures, land change, deforestation, refrigeration, waste and transportation are all part of a food system that generates significant emissions and contributes greatly to global climate change.”

Addressing climate change on the farm can not only tackle the challenging task of agriculture-generated GHGs, but it can also produce more food with fewer fossil fuels.

Page Page Eleven E;leven

WFTU in solidarity with sugar workers and GAWU

Belize Workers Union urges Government to reconsider Wales Estate closure

Dear Honourable Minister Holder,

that are our affiliated brother unions.

The Government of Guyana should have considered close consultation with both Unions before deciding on the closure of Wales Sugar Estate, GuySuCo. These consultations would had brought fruitful alternatives on [the] way forward to keep the Estate viable and productive for the livelihood of more than 1,700 employees and families that fully depend on the Estate.

The Belize Workers’ Union (BWU) represents all one hundred and fifty (150) permanent hourly paid workers at the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) located at Tower Hill in the Northern part of Belize, Central America. The BWU is also an affiliate of International Union of Foods (IUF) and aware of a correspondence sent to you dated March 7th, 2016 with Ref: ro/sl/0050.

While the Government of Guyana has made a decision without consulting GAWU and NAACIE, the BWU respectfully requests that [the] Unions are fully involved in the process. We also request the Government of Guyana re-consideration to the closure of the Wales Sugar Estate. Together with the IUF, the BWU will keep in solidarity with our affiliated Unions.

The BWU is in solidarity support with the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE)

Best regards

Continued from page four (4)

workplaces, in a domestic environment, or in promoting and enhancing the rights of women and girls. The women question has come to the fore in recent times, and justifiably so. It is now up to us as individuals or through organisations, to remove the hurdles and impediments that put a brake on women’s further development and greater achievements.

March 09, 2016 Minister Noel Holder Minister of Agriculture Regent and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, Guyana Concerns: Closure of Wales Sugar Estate, West Demerara

The WFTU Presidential Council poses for a group photo after their meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam

The World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU), at its Presidential Council meeting held on March 05 - 06, 2016 in Hanoi, Vietnam, unamiously approved the undermentioned resolution in solidarity with the sugar workers as they face up to the new challenges which confront them.

The resolution reads as follows:“The WFTU Presidential Council meeting reiterates its full class solidarity with our comrades of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union and the great struggles they are involved in during this critical period for the working class.

We support their struggles, that emerged after the Government has decided that the Wales Sugar Estate, one of the seven (7) grinding estates employing about 10 per cent of the industry’s workforce, would be closed this year end. The closure will certainly negatively impact the workers in terms of employment and their and their family’s well-being. It will also affect the residents of many communities and close to 800 cane farmers, who would suffer heavy financial losses and possibly many may be ruined. At this time, the workers, the farmers and residents are mounting a struggle to have the unpopular decision reversed. They have our full solidarity and support.

We also stress our support to the ongoing struggle for wages increases which, for the first time in over three (3) decades COMBAT: January 01 to March 16, 2016

,were denied to sugar workers; and for a fair production incentive award rather than the paltry unjust award imposed by the Corporation and the political authority. At this time, too, the Union is facing a retreat by the Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) on the practice of Collective Bargaining, the violation of the Recognition and the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes Agreement subsisting between the Union and the Corporation, and the Trade Union Recognition Act. We express our full support and solidarity with the workers and the people of Guyana in their great and important struggles, and we join our voices with the Guyanese labour movement and for the satisfaction of their rightful demands.”

The WFTU was established in the wake of the Second World War, after the defeat of Hitlerite fascism, as well as at the foundation of the United Nations in June, 1945. It was formed to bring together trade unions across the world in a single international trade union organization.

Many delegations of trade unions from different countries, including Guyana, attended the first Congress of the World Federation of Trade Unions, held in Paris from 3rd to 8th October, 1945. However, there was a split in this body with the creation of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) in 1949 and the advent of the Cold War. The WFTU has a membership of 92 million persons in 126 countries.

Miguel Aguillar, General Secretary

GAWU salutes all women on International Women’s Day Apart from work-related problems – low or lower wages, difficulties to get deserving promotions – we have noted in recent years the growth of domestic violence, which has received wide attention worldwide. It has been pointed out, too, that women bear a disproportionate brunt of the HIV/Aids epidemic in both the numbers affected, and the burden of caring for family members.

This year, the United Nations theme is “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”. GAWU wishes to emphasise that gender equality is an objective to achieve, and joins in urging all social forces, and especially governments to keep this in focus in their work progammes and plans.

GAWU strongly believes that the collective efforts of both men and women are vital for driving forward changes, whether in terms of gender equality in

We are convinced that the women of the world, and working women especially, remain a formidable force in mankind’s struggles to address unequal relationships and to bring about a just, democratic and better world.

On the occasion of this year’s celebration of International Women’s Day, the GAWU sends greetings to the women of Guyana, to its women members, and special greetings to the women the world over, especially those who are in the frontlines to further the cause of women and for overall social progress and peace.

Page Twelve

GAWU wants GuySuCo’s assurances for negotiations on workers interests - Union is committed to bring the workers protest actions to an end no basic “road map” informs GuySuCo’s work.

Sugar workers picketing at Skeldon Estate

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has reflected on the statement which emanated in the name of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) and dated March 02, 2016. This statement, apart from some fluff, essentially referred to the current industrial relations situation within the sugar industry. We find the statement unnecessarily offensive and certainly not a reflection of the objectivity, fairmindedness and mutual respect which the GAWU experienced previously in interactions with GuySuCo’s management.

Whosoever may be behind such a statement is on a course that may not be helpful to the ailing industry at this time, and, calculated or not, will go on to discredit the more positive, sober personnel who are working in the industry.

As we have stated before, the sugar workers, in their current actions, are simply seeking to defend and maintain their right to a decent, normal livelihood for them and their families. It would be infra dig to expect workers not to militantly represent their rights and interests and defend their hard-won gains when these are whittled away. The Corporation, quite correctly, at its March 01, 2016 meeting with GAWU, recognized the workers’ militancy, and one would have thought that the wise approach to take in the given circumstances is for GuySuCo to remove those irritants feeding the uneasiness, rather than show high-handedness and arrogance and resort to a not-so-subtle threat. The GuySuCo statement, for instance, threatened that if the workers continued to protest, the crop would be stopped. It went on to indicate displeasure that the Union is enCOMBAT: January 01 to March 16, 2016

gaging its members on decisions taken by their Union’s leadership – a position we find rather puzzling and, of course, unacceptable. In the same way we recognize that the Corporation will have an obvious relationship with its employees, the Corporation needs to recognize that relationship extends to the employees’ primary work-related organisation – their Union.

This level of relationship entails, as has been the practice until recent months, the engagement within the framework of the Collective Labour Agreement, of the relevant Trade Union laws as well as other factors.

While GAWU has always remained respectful of the protocols and practices which guide the relationship between itself and the Corporation, we are today seeing the flagrant abandonment of these long-standing practices by GuySuCo. At our March 01, 2016 meeting, we drew the Corporation’s attention to its refusal to negotiate with the Union; its refusal to release workers to attend courses at the Union’s College during the cropping periods; the non-provision of transportation for shop stewards and others to attend their Branch Conferences and Branch meetings, the non-provision of meals to those workers who attend central meetings at the Corporation’s request; its tardiness in addressing workers’ disputes, and several other pertinent matters.

GuySuCo’s response to these issues raised at this meeting was to point to its employment costs for 2015. This, to us, is an unconvincing argument in view of the highly paid persons recently taken on; the contribution of the industry to our

economy and society; the over 16,000 workers who derive their employment and livelihood from this industry, apart from other germane factors.

The latest ploy thrown at us is that negotiations between our two (2) parties have to await the development of a road map without any time-frame mentioned.

This floating of the need for a road map comes on the heels of a new Management team and Board of Directors in place for months now, and an expensive assessment of the industry by a Commission of Inquiry whose report and recommendations received, we are told, the consideration of the Cabinet. Given these factors, the Union considers it inexcusable that

In the seemingly sad state in which GuySuCo finds itself, it is continuing to dodge important discussions with the Union with respect to Collective Bargaining or the issues surrounding the vexing decision related to the closure of Wales Estate. The workers’ protests, therefore, must be seen and taken in the context of a last-resort response to GuySuCo’s attitude of ignoring all other attempts by the Union to promote healthy industrial and mutually beneficially relations, which are customary and lawful. The Union would like to see this unwelcome chapter in the relations between the two (2) parties, now four (4) decades old, quickly come to a satisfactory close. The Union is committed to bring the workers’ protest actions to an end once GuySuCo gives the assurance that negotiations regarding the main issue – last year’s wage/salary claim – can commence within a reasonable timeframe.

We also denounce the Corporation’s assertion that the Union is misleading its members, which we feel is a futile attempt to sow discord in our ranks and strike another blow to Trade Unionism.

This strange GuySuCo statement is not a boost for the co-operative spirit, much needed today when attempts are being made to breathe new life into the sugar industry. GAWU says that negotiations should be conducted. The ball is now in GuySuCo’s court.

GAWU salutes Rose Hall Martyrs Continued from page five (5) Our times, in many ways, differ from the era in which the Rose Hall Martyrs lived.

Conditions are not the same, and the demands we make are different, yet continue to revolve around the fight for decent and rising wages and better working conditions. Indeed, such is the struggles before the workers in Guyana and the world over. And while demanding on one hand, these class struggles hold out the promise of further achievements and significant social changes in the future.

Many years have gone by since that fateful period when the workers from Rose Hall were killed. 103 years later, we pay respect to their memory; they dared to challenge the existing socio-economic

order for a better day, but improvement is a constant feature of our existence, and in our day, a new generation continues to raise its voice and make fresh demands for all-round improvements.

In our fight of today, we also remember past battles and those like the Rose Hall Martyrs, who have been the victims of colonial plunder and exploitation.

History’s lessons should not be forgotten, lest workers lower their vigilance and succumb to disunity, to their detriment.

Workers’ struggles have not come to a close. Indeed, their struggles continue, but in a different context and in different circumstances than what faced the Rose Hall Martyrs.

Page Thirteen

40 years of representing...

Remembering and paying homage to Kowsilla for her exmplary and selfless sacrifice

Workers picketing as they call on GuySuCo in 2015 to engage the Union in negotiations

Contined from page sixteen (16)

In 2010, another threat was made due to the Union’s heightened struggles to secure appropriate pay increases for its members in view of the rising cost of living. Union-supported industrial action attracted criticism from the Government, and in December 2010, the Corporation issued a written threat to derecognize the Union. The Union again resisted the Corporation and received solidarity from the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG). No doubt, the determined, actions influenced the then President of the country to issue a statement that GAWU would never be derecognized under his watch.

As a foremost politician and a trade unionist, he was a tireless advocate for GAWU’s recognition. His advocacy was heard in the Legislature, in the street corners, in papers presented at foreign and local fora, whenever he was engaged in workers’ struggles for betterment, and in promotion of their interests.

Soon after his return from studies in the USA in 1943, and especially after the martyrdom of five workers at Enmore in 1948, Dr Jagan stood out as a true ally of the workers in their many and arduous struggles. He promoted their rights.

From 1947, Cheddi Jagan stood unwaveringly in support of the sugar workers in the Legislature, defending their interests against the plantocracy and its allies in that august body. He agitated equally on behalf of other workers. Cheddi Jagan, as leader of the Political Affairs Committee and later the Peoples’ Progressive Party (PPP), as well as head of the PPP Governments in 1953, 1957, 1961 and 1992, remained steadfast in his commitment to the working class in Guyana and the furtherance of their cause.

Post recognition Following GAWU’s recognition in 1976, workers from many occupations came to GAWU for union representation. As a result, the Union today represents about twenty thousand (20,000) workers, drawn from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund (SILWFC), the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Caricom Rice Mills Limited, BEV Processors Inc., Noble House Seafoods, the Demerara Timbers Limited, the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, the Mahaica/Mahaicony/ Abary Agricultural Development Authority, the National Parks Commission, and the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. COMBAT: January 01 to March 16, 2016

In view of the Union’s growing membership outside of the sugar industry, at the Union’s 8th Congress, in 1978, the Union’s name was changed to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), but the acronym “GAWU” was retained.

A period of 40 years as a recognized Union is different from the 30-year recognition struggle. During these 40 years, the Union advanced representation for improving the pay levels of its members, supported actions to bring about the improvement of their conditions of work, and obtained greater benefits for them.

GAWU has always been motived by the need to defend workers’ rights and promote workers’ welfare seeing these as necessary steps along the way to bring an end to exploitation and for profound social changes.

Opportunistic maneuvres Because of the massive role of sugar in the country’s economy, its large number of employees, and the militancy of its workforce, many politicians have attempted to lure the sugar workers away from GAWU. In these attempts, they see real possibilities for enhancing their political aspirations. However, the workers are aware of GAWU’s commitment and its ardent work which has resulted in the improvement of their welfare. Thus these attempts have been rejected by the workers, who have not allowed themselves to be deceived by opportunists.

De-recognition Attempts In the many years since 1976, two distinct attempts have been made to derecognize GAWU in the sugar belt. There was an attempt by the Government in 1988, when GuySuCo suspended its relationship with the Union for about two (2) weeks. it was short-lived due to the resistance mounted and concerns of reprisals by the workers.

New challenges The Union and the sugar workers are today facing new challenges. Last year (2015), for the first time in thirty-one (31) years, sugar workers were not granted a pay increase, notwithstanding the rising cost of living and their exceptional performance in surpassing the sugar target. On top of this, another blow came via the Annual Production Incentive

(API) scheme, when GuySuCo took an adamant, even arrogant, position resulting in the imposition of an unjust API award. This was surely one of the worst API offers in living memory. Together with these and the closure of Wales Estate, other major challenges are facing the workers and the Union as well. We note, not without apprehension, those recommendations contained in the Sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report, which seek to roll back workers gains and advances, and if implemented, would surely impel workers into new struggles and steadfast resistance.

Today, after forty (40) years of recognition, the workers are again confronting an assault on their interests and threats to their achievements. They are pushed to defend their rights. The workers have demonstrated, in general, unity and militancy, and have not succumbed to efforts to divide and mislead them. The industrial action taken once per week is their reaction to the high-handedness by the Management and its refusal to discuss issues crucial to their lives and future.

In solidarity with Wales

On February 09, 2016, workers across the sugar industry took protest action in solidarity with the Wales workers. The above picture shows a picketing exercise at Rose Hall. Similar excercises were also conducted at the other Estates Page Fourteen

GAWU President Komal Chand says...

The Public Buildings which house the National Assembly

Continued from page nine (9) The confusion with respect as to who took the decision or where the decision was made would be hilarious if the matter wasn’t so serious. Whatever the source of that decision, be it the GuySuCo or the Cabinet or whoever else, one thing is certain: it will impact negatively on many lives linked to the operation of Wales Estate. However one looks at it, it is a callous and ill-thought-out decision.

To those who have made the decision, allow me, Comrade Speaker, to point out and emphasise that the decision will have major implications for the workers and their families, pensioners, business owners, service providers, and others. There will be real risk of an escalation in the levels of poverty, unemployment and crime, especially within the West Bank Demerara area. Those who made this decision, they should know that they will aggravate the unemployment situation both for the displaced workers and for job prospects for the upcoming generations. This comes at a time when employment in areas even outside of the estate’s precincts, such as the city of Georgetown, is most difficult to obtain.

Those who made this decision, should be aware that hundreds of cane farmers would face severe risks, as, with the present sugar prices there will now be the added burden of transporting their canes to Uitvlugt Estate, which will very likely compel many to cease cane cultivation.

Their crop investments, including machinery costs, will all fall by the wayside.

At this time, when renewed initiatives have been and are being taken to take this important industry to its better days when it used to provide a levy to the Treasury, wrong signals are being given to the workforce as those workers utilize their labour to produce every pound of sugar made.

If the authorities persist with the closure, we stand to lose not less than 20,000 COMBAT: January 01 to March 16, 2016

tonnes of sugar, which at this moment cannot be good for our economy now or in the near future.

Comrade Speaker, while steps are being taken to effect closure, I ask what and where are the plans that will indicate what are in store for the workers and various interest groups, and the communities in the immediate future? What we have are some hazy thoughts strewn around and the neither the recognized Unions in the industry nor the public has been of any well-considered plan regarding measures and projects in the pipeline, if there are indeed any at all.

I note, Comrade Speaker, GuySuCo’s Chairman, Professor Clive Thomas, in the February 07, 2016 edition of Stabroek News, saying that some lands would be given to displaced workers to cultivate cane and other crops. While this idea is not a new one, it is being promoted in a different context. This is a suggestion that I believe requires study and thought, as it is not as straightforward as one may think. Commonsense tells us it will involve heavy costs and, also certainly, an examination of the soils in identifying suitable crops has to be done; new farmers have to be trained; facilities for storage and processing of the outputs have to be set up, and suitable and compensatory markets, among other things, have to be identified as they are important components to such venture. In view of the GuySuCo Chairman disclosure, I would presume that this matter would have been discussed thoroughly and fully, and that the responses are available to the valid and reasonable issues I raised. I urge the Minister of Agriculture as well as the GuySuCo Board Chairman to share without delay with the workers, their Unions, this Assembly and the Guyanese public these plans, given their importance.

Comrade Speaker, at this time, too, one can see that there is widespread objection to closure, and the condemnation of the decision by the growing numbers

of knowledgeable and concerned Guyanese is justified. I and the Union I represent urge the concerned authorities from the Corporation and the Government not to persist on this path. This path is to condemn many thousands of our compatriots to hardships that could very well be avoided. I also say that seeking to sideline the Trade Unions and not respect their legitimate role should be

discontinued.

What is worrying, too, Comrade Speaker is that Wales could be the first of many such painful stories. GuySuCo, in letter to sugar workers dated January 29, 2016 said inter alia “…the Corporation took a decision to diversify the industry into nonsugar ventures and they have identified the Wales Estate cultivation for the first of such projects”. The statement is profound, and I believe it implies that the closure thrust perhaps is just beginning. The cessation of cane-growing in Guyana will surely be a disastrous blow to the well-being of the Guyanese people and the country’s economy.

Comrade Speaker, I believe that Wales Estate can overcome its current hurdles and difficulties. I recall that the Estate’s average sugar production reached about 30,000 tonnes during the 2002/2004 period and I am sure that a potential production of 35,000 tonnes is possible in the not-too-distant future, once continued necessary inputs are available and there is a motivated workforce and an able management. There is also the view that a commitment to secure Wales will also incentivise farmers to replant about 500 hectares of land which have been retired and, if done, will be a big boost to production, which the industry needs presently. Value-added initiatives such as the production of brown sugar as a form of health food is a market which is gaining traction in some developed countries and one which should be explored. Taken together, these are possibilities that will certainly bring about a positive turnaround.

Comrade Speaker, while support has been given to the ailing industry, that support did not translate to wage increases for workers in 2015. In fact, sugar workers were doubly hit by no wage increases and a high-handed approach in fixing their API award. These are unfortunate developments in the industry. The workers are obviously being penalized,

but for what? In the final analysis, while the workers and their families are made to suffer, the Minister of Finance, I am sure, will underline the importance of that industry to our economy and those whom we depend on to keep it going need to be encouraged, and not discriminated against.

Comrade Speaker, sugar, whether at the macro or micro level, at the same time is much more important than finance and economics. We must taken into consideration its social impact, the benefits enjoyed by various communities, its training programmes that impart technical training for youth, together with other factors – all of which carry significant weight and cannot be excluded from any assessment of the industry.

The sugar industry has a major contribution to make to our economy now, and moreso can be turned around within a few years. Closure and/or privatisation is not the option to follow. Let us be reminded that through the sugar levy, GuySuCo, for two (2) decades, between 1976 and 1996, paid G$58.7 billion in today’s terms, to the Government as a levy.

Hence this APNU/AFC Government should not hesitate to support the sugar industry.

We need to go forward with the many feasible measures identified to revive the sugar industry. We need to avoid doing those things that will roll back the consistent efforts needed. Immediately, one of those things is to rescind the decision to close Wales. This was underlined at a panel discussion held on February 05, 2016 at the Moray House Trust, where participants from all walks of life were strong in their rejection to closure. There is a widespread mood in the nation that disagrees with close. I call on the Government not to ignore that sentiment.

Comrade Speaker, the treatment of sugar workers during the last year and the impending closure of Wales Estate are ominous indicators to the working class and farmers of Guyana. Let me agree with my colleagues: the ‘Good Life’ envisaged in the Budget may not apply to very many of them. In sugar, the Wage and API issues, rolling over from last year, remain outstanding. These issues, among other things, need to be addressed if the ‘Good Life’ is to have any meaning, and not remain a mere slogan.

As we get ready to mark the 50th Anniversary since our Independence, we should rejoice in the freedom that was won out of our people’s struggles ,and not feel or harbour a sense that an oppressive state is in the making which is undermining that freedom and that colonial tactics of divisiveness may be creeping up on us yet again. Let us ensure that this is not so.

We still need to forge National Unity and build our Nation.

Page Fifteen

40 years of representing the nation’s sugar workers

Representatives of GAWU and the Sugar Planters Assocation signing the Recognition Agreement on February 27, 1976

Four (4) decades ago, on February 27, 1976, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) was officially recognised as the bargaining agent of the field and factory workers of the sugar industry by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), formerly the Sugar Producers Association (SPA). That recognition came 30 years after the formation of the Guiana Industrial Workers Union (GIWU) in 1946, which began the struggle to replace the incumbent Man Power Citizens’ Association (MPCA).

The GIWU itself became defunct, and was later replaced by GAWU which was formed in 1961 under the name Guyana Sugar Workers Union (GSWU).

Many battles between the Union and the Sugar Planters took place in the efforts to attain GAWU’s recognition. At that time, there was no legislation that compelled the employer to recognize a Union of the workers’ choice. Such law only appeared in our Statute Books in 1997.

The struggle begins By 1946, sugar workers had become very disillusioned with their existing unions, the MPCA and the smaller British Guiana Workers’ League (BGWL), which were offering no fight to the SPA. Thus the frustrated workers appealed to the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) which was headed by Dr Cheddi Jagan to assist them. Dr Jagan, together with Dr. Joseph P. Lachmansingh, formed the GIWU. The aim of the Union was to replace the MPCA. One of the early highpoints in the strug-

gle took place in 1948 when workers at Non Pareil, Lusignan and Better Hope struck, opposing the imposition of the cut-and-load system. The strikers also demanded the recognition of GIWU, and protested against the miserable working and living conditions they endured. That struggle saw the brutal death of five (5) sugar workers and injury to fourteen (14) others, on June 16, 1948, when the colonial police opened fire on the unarmed workers.

GAWU is formed By 1955, the GIWU ceased to function. Soon thereafter, another Union, the Guyana Sugar Workers Union (GSWU), was formed and registered in 1961. It was renamed the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) in 1962. The GAWU reignited the struggle for union recognition, but the sugar planters remained steadfast in refusing to recognize the Union despite the fierce struggles it mounted.

Strikes called by the Union shut down or seriously affected the functioning of the industry for days and weeks. The SPA, in response, had striking workers and their agitators dismissed and disciplined. At times, those who refused to withdraw their support from GAWU were sanctioned in different ways by the planters.

The workers were also harassed by the state apparatus, and on some occasions they were brought before the court on trumped-up charges.

In the struggle for recognition, an important place is occupied by the death of

Negotiating with GuySuCo

Kowsilla, on March 06, 1964 outside the Leonor,a Factory gate. Kowsilla and striking sugar workers were protesting against their denial of work, and at the same time were demanding the recognition of GAWU. The General Manager of the Estate reportedly instructed a scab who was driving a tractor to drive onto the factory bridge, an act which led to Kowsilla’s death and the serious injury of fourteen (14) others. GAWU is forever indebted to Kowsilla, and has organized a yearly commemoration activity in her memory, which is usually held at her gravesite at Anna Catherina Cemetery. The Union regards her as a heroine who symbolised courage and exemplified selfless sacrifice when faced with a barbaric act directed by an agent of the foreign owners.

It required many forceful battles led by GAWU to get the SPA, at last, to decide to have a poll to determine recognition.

The poll was conducted by the Ministry of Labour on Old Year’s Day 1975. The change of the SPA’s stance was linked to the changing political climate and the obtaining situation in the country. The poll vindicated GAWU’s claim that it had the overwhelming support of the sugar workers. Of the 21,655 votes cast by workers, the MPCA ignominiously received 376, or 1.71 per cent; 92 votes, or 0.42 per cent, were deemed spoilt; and GAWU deservedly obtained 21,487 votes, or 97.87 per cent of the votes. The poll was history making.

Trade Union Recognition Act With the restoration of democracy and

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 Email: gawu@bbgy.com Website: www.gawu.net

the PPP/C in Government, workers in Guyana no longer had to go through the travails like GAWU and the sugar workers did in order to secure employer’s recognition of the Union of their choice. The PPP/C Government legislated the Trade Union Recognition Act in December, 1997, and that allowed workers the right to belong to a union of their choice, and to have their union recognized and respected by the employer.

Trade Union Recognition legislation had a long ordeal in Guyana. The PPP Governments in 1953 and 1963 succeeded in getting such legislation debated.

However, in 1953, after the Government approved the legislation, the British Government, our colonial master, removed the Government on charges that it was influenced by communist ideology. In 1963, the combined parliamentary opposition, the workers’ umbrella body – the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the overseas security agencies, the American Institute for Free Labour Development (AIFLD) and others were not supportive of the legislation, and the combined pressures exerted resulted in the PPP Government withdrawing the Recognition Bill.

Dr Jagan’s role The long and hard struggle for GAWU’s recognition is inextricably linked to the guidance and leadership given by the Union’s then Honorary President, Dr Cheddi Jagan, who later became the Executive President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

Continued on page fourteen (14)

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