Combat - January/March, 2021

Issue #1 Volume #42

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

Editorial:

One year onwards!

In the January-March, 2020, editorial in commenting on the prevailing situation, we said, “An attack on our democracy is a matter that should cause everyone to sit up and take notice. Our right to a franchise and to freely choose our leaders is a most scared right, and ought to be accorded the greatest of respect. The fact that there are those in our midst who seemingly have no regard for such rights is one of great and grave concern. It obviously brings into question what other rights they would seek to disregard or ignore as they further what seems to be a power grab. The situation calls on all democracy-loving and right-thinking Guyanese to speak up and stand up. We cannot allow a right which was won through the struggles of the Guyanese people past and present, to be simply taken away. As we have done before, let us join the all-round struggles to protect our democracy and our democratic way-of-life.”

One year has now gone by since that dark, infamous period in our country. The crisis that ensued following the March 02, 2020 National and Regional Elections extended for some five (5) months as our country and its future hung on the precipice. Genuine fears were harboured that our development recorded since the restoration of democracy in 1992 was threatened and our people’s well-being would be rolled back to a time of grave suffering and serious hardships. Guyana and Guyanese received worldwide attention as the naked power grab ensued, and those who then pulled the levers of power reached ridiculous depths to justify their actions.

Former men and women who held themselves out as honourable took off their masks and revealed their true character.

The five-(5)-month struggle for democracy, though frightening at times demonstrated who really stood with the ordinary people. Indeed, the struggle separated the sheep from the wolves in sheep’s clothing and reassured Guyanese that there are those among us who were and are willing to stand up and defend our rights. It undoubtedly helped to solidify the belief that our country is in the hands of those who had our interests at heart and mind. This augurs well for our future, especially given the rapid advancement expected in the coming years.

The democratic struggles of 2020 have given us a new crop of Guyanese leaders whom we must be proud of as they, like our past leaders, did not meekly surrender, but stood up staunchly.

The anti-democracy crusaders have been banished from office. Though they remain in our midst and come with new masks, we are not lulled by their seeming concern for our welfare. Certainly, were they as concerned as they hold themselves out to be the scary days and alarming nights that unfolded between March and August 2020 would not have occured in the first place.

Continued on page two (2) COMBAT Jan-Mar, 2021

January-March, 2021

Sugar workers call on GuySuCo to end procrastination and engage in earnest discussions!

Workers of Albion Estate picketing outside of the estate’s office on March 15, 2021 calling on GuySuCo to engage in earnest negotiations with the GAWU. Blairmont and Uitvlugt workers also took part in picketing exercises on March 15 and 16 respectively as they expressed their dismay with the seeming neverending foot-dragging by the GuySuCo with discussions going back all the way to 2019.

Workers of Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt Estates, prior to the commencement of work, organised spirited picketing exercises outside of the administrative offices of their Estates, calling on the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) to bring an end to its protracted procrastination regarding wage/salary negotiations.

The workers pointed out that it has been several months now since the GAWU and the GuySuCo have resumed discussions on wage/salary improvements, and yet it appears there has not been any movement on the part of the Corporation.

At those meetings, the GAWU reiterated that the discussions surrounding pay rise for 2019 remained unresolved, and therefore discussions ought to have begun from that point. During the engagements, GuySuCo acknowledged the GAWU’s contention. The Corporation sought the Union and the workers to exercise patience to allow it to engage in consultations with a view to finding a solution. The Union and workers agreed to give the new Management an opportunity to find a solution. The GAWU and the workers also signalled to GuySuCo their willingness, through compromise, to find a settlement, as all sides desired an amicable solution.

Unfortunately, days turned into weeks and then into months, as the workers and the Union waited to hear from the Corporation. In a correspondence on January 28, 2021, the GAWU reminded the Corporation of its undertaking to respond to the Union and the workers. The Corporation, at that time, communicated that it was still engaged in consultations. At a meeting on

March 09, 2021, the GAWU and the GuySuCo resumed discussions. At that time, given the protracted period, the Union and the workers had high expectations that it would have received a firm position from the GuySuCo. That expectation was dashed, as the Corporation sought the Union to table proposals on wages/salaries for years 2019, 2020, and 2021. The GAWU’s delegation, which comprised representatives from the various estates along with Union officials, was most upset as it pointed out that the GuySuCo was already in receipt of proposals for years 2019 and 2020. Therefore, it found the request bizarre and bluntly refused to accede to GuySuCo’s demand.

During the engagement, the Corporation, in the Union’s view, sought to scapegoat the Government of Guyana. The GAWU and the workers outrightly reject such contentions; we are aware of the Government’s commitment to the industry. This commitment was reiterated by no less than His Excellency President Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali during the union-organised activity to commemorate the death of Kowsilla on March 06, 2021. Moreover, we have recognised the tangible demonstration of the Government’s support to the industry, and can see no worthwhile rationale to impugn the Administration.

The workers’ vexations were heightened after the Corporation, maybe inadvertently, disclosed that quantum of pay rise proposed for 2021 but yet refused to put it on the table.

Continued on page two (2) PAGE ONE

General Council elects new officers

The General Council of the GAWU, which comprises representatives from among the Union’s bargaining units and its leadership, on March 26, 2021 met for the first time for the year. The meeting recognized that since the passing of the Union’s long-standing President, Cde Komal Chand, the GAWU’s presidency had remained vacant. Having considered the vacancy, and in keeping with the Union’s Constitution, the Council elected Cdes Seepaul Narine as President, Aslim Singh as General Secretary, and Porandatt Narine as Assistant General Secretary/

Treasurer.

The Council felt that the new officers have been diligent in their duties and have led the Union properly over the last months.

They therefore were unanimous in their support of the new officers. Members of the Council, in expressing congratulations, pledged to work alongside the new officers to further strengthen the GAWU and seeing it grow from strength to strength.

The meeting also discussed several matters of concern, and offered guidance on the way forward. The new General Secretary presented the report of the General Council, which reviewed the work of the Union since the last meeting held in December 2020.

Sugar workers call...

Continued from page one (1) This the GAWU’s delegation found absurd, and the workers wondered whether they were being deceived or taken for fools. The workers’ apprehensions have grown stronger after they learnt of seeming aggrandizement at certain levels of the Corporation’s hierarchy while they are being told to hold on and be patient. They drew attention that their hard work and effort have been pivotal to the production levels the Corporation boasts about, yet their plight is apparently ignored.

The Union and the thousands of sugar

workers remain committed to the success of the sugar industry. However, we recognise that the workers also play a critical role in the attainment of that success, and therefore the procrastination seen cannot be helpful in this regard. We urge that better sense prevail, as the Management and the workers and the Union work collectively to restore the sugar industry, which had been badly battered during the term of the Coalition. We believe that on the wages issue, a settlement is within reach.

One year onwards!

Continued from page one (1) But, rather, it seems the trappings of perks, privilege and power were too insatiable for them to divorce themselves from such actions. We have come to learn about the expensive gifts they received and the cushy conditions they enjoyed.

Yet they come and ask us to believe they were wronged.

The 2020 struggles for democracy have reminded us that our way of life is quite fragile, and there are those in our midst who would go to any end to destroy it to satisfy their nefarious needs. Indeed it is time that we must consolidate our democracy and strengthen the institutions which uphold this sacred right. We can COMBAT Jan-Mar, 2021

no longer tolerate, or condone for that matter, the deviant individuals who, from all impressions, sold our franchise at the political altar. We need to learn from what took place, and we need to record what transpired for posterity. Indeed, those who have wronged us should be made answerable and punished where and when necessary. Now, one year later, we should not delay any further to establish a full scale, international, impartial Commission of Inquiry to tell the Guyanese people what really transpired between March and August, 2020. Our people need to know and our children and grandchildren must not be victims of such deviousness.

PAGE TWO

Christopher Jones owes sugar workers an apology! the sugar industry, for its travails, continues to make several tangible contributions to the nation. He seems to forget, conveniently, that the sugar workers themselves are taxpayers, and do not get any ‘free rides’ as he apparently seeks to promote in his message, which took on, from our point of a view, a clearly divisive and partisan character. The utterances of Mr Jones, we hold, are a continuation of the mercilessness the sugar industry was shown during the Coalition’s term in office.

The GAWU’s attention was drawn to the contribution of Opposition Chief Whip Mr Christopher Jones to the 2021 Budget Debate. Mr Jones, during his address to the National Assembly, launched, in our view, a jaundiced and, we daresay, vitriolic attack on the sugar industry and, by extension, the thousands of Guyanese whose lives and livelihoods are supported by the industry.

In his remarks, the Opposition Chief Whip labelled the sugar industry as the

bloodsuckers that live on the backs of the Guyanese taxpayers. From all appearances, Mr Jones’s sordid view extends to Guyanese in the sugar belt. Our Union finds the remarks by such a senior member of the political opposition disturbing and equally disconcerting. It, in our view, is a vivid demonstration of the level of contempt that Mr Jones holds for sugar workers, whose contribution he clearly undervalues and seemingly despises. It seems the Opposition Chief Whip is either unaware or chooses to ignore that

But Mr Jones’s tirade, as it were, did not stop there. He went on later in his contribution to proclaim that the sugar industry should be buried. Whether this was a deliberate or inadvertent slip of the tongue is unknown, but his remarks sent a clear message that should clear the minds of any of those who held any doubt. That is: had the Coalition succeeded in a second term, the sugar industry, in the words of Mr Jones, would have been buried. The Opposition Chief Whip’s outburst is not surprising, but yet again confirms the contemptuous view that the wider Opposition holds for the sugar industry despite utterances to the contrary. This has been pointed out in the past, and we are sure

we will see such derisive talk in the future as well.

We recognise the denunciation of the sugar industry was seemingly intended to stir up feelings of disenchantment among a certain section of the Opposition support base though completely ignoring Opposition supporters in the sugar industry. So while Mr Jones was playing for the obvious gallery by his remarks, in our view, he has undermined his credentials as a national leader. In fact, if you ask us, he has demonstrated that he is not a leader for all, but just some. It goes on to question his place in the nation’s highest forum, which imbues all to inspire national and not prejudiced interests.

In as much as we understand that the Opposition may express disagreement, we believe, Mr Jones’s attack, as we see it, crossed the proverbial line. He has insulted and embarrassed a significant contingent of Guyanese who have committed no wrong to deserve such a verbal lynching. Indeed, we believe Mr Jones should do what is honourable and offer an apology. At the same time, we will not hold our breath to expect any modicum of responsibility and decency from the Opposition Chief Whip.

Mr Ramjattan’s statements makes him unfit as a national leader

The GAWU saw a Capitol News report in which AFC leader Mr Khemraj Ramjattan described the support by the Government of Guyana to GuySuCo as “… pouring good money in a wholly unprofitable project…”. Mr Ramjattan specifically spoke to the plans to reopen three (3) of the four (4) estates that were closed when the AFC leader occupied a senior post in the then Government. We found the statement hardly surprising, and reaffirming the anti-people tendencies that were exhibited when Mr Ramjattan COMBAT Jan-Mar, 2021

sat in Government. From all appears, it seems to us that the ethos has continued to exert a strong stranglehold, regardless of the disastrous consequences spawned from such decision making.

The GAWU recollects that Mr Ramjattan was one of the most ardent supporters of estate closure. It was a major about-turn for him. We recollect, too, that at the Coalition’s Whim Rally in March 2015, he assured his audience, certainly which comprised sugar workers, that the APNU+AFC would not, in

any way close the sugar industry. Of course, less than a year later, then Vice President Ramjattan was betraying that very commitment as he led the Government’s delegation to engage the then Opposition and trade unions in the sugar industry regarding the closure of Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara Estates. During the so-called consultations, an exercise we deemed a sham, Mr Ramjattan was unmoved notwithstanding several credible suggestions offered. He refused bluntly even the consideration of a socio-economic study. He told the Unions and the Opposition that if they desired such a study, they should do it themselves as his Government, from all impressions, had no intention of such an exercise. So, it is against that background that we were hardly surprised by his recent utterances.

But delving deeper, it seems to us that the AFC is advocating a situation where thousands of Guyanese remain pauperised. Certainly, that appeared to be the plan of the AFC while in office, and it

seems it intends to continue such advocacy having been ejected from the seat of power. For us, to openly advocate for people’s lives to regress rather than progress makes Mr Ramjattan and his party unfit and improper to be national leaders.

Clearly, it seems to us, that the AFC has no compassion for ordinary Guyanese, as the Party remains ensconced in its ivory tower. We contend that no leader worth their salt would advocate such policies, given the obvious economic hardships and social disruption. But maybe it is that the AFC leadership has broken the proverbial mould.

Today, for the thousands in the sugar belt, whose lives were deeply affected by the decisions of Mr Ramjattan and ilk, the dark clouds are slowly dissipating.

They look forward anxiously as they see their lives slowly coming back to what they once were, though we must lament for some it cannot return to what existed before. What it demonstrates it the contrast between real, genuine leadership and the ‘blow-blow’ leadership the Coalition sought to pass off. For the GAWU, we remain unhesitant in our support for the revitalization of the sugar industry.

We believe there are many opportunities that offer good and sustainable potential, and should be grasped at.

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Amnesty International's annual global human rights report details harm - and heroism - amid pandemic

by Brett Wilkins Offering an incisive overview of “a world in disarray” and focusing largely on how governments have responded - or failed to respond - to the coronavirus pandemic, Amnesty International released its annual global human rights report.

Amnesty International Report 2020/21: The State of the World’s Human Rights examines human rights in 149 countries, highlighting how people who were already among the world’s most marginalized—including refugees, women, racial and religious minorities, and the poor - ”suffered the brunt of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“COVID-19 and its mass casualties flourished in part thanks to our global milieu of deeper, broader inequalities within and between countries,” the report asserts. “It has been made far worse by austerity policies that weakened public infrastructure and public health systems; by international architecture enfeebled in form, function, and leadership. And it has been made far worse under pressure from leaders of states who demonize and exclude, asserting archaic constructs of state sovereignty and peddling rejectionist approaches to science, evidence, and universal norms.”

The report takes aim at wealthy countries accused of stockpiling coronavirus vaccine doses while depriving less-developed nations of the life-saving medications—a practice that many observers have called “vaccine apartheid.”

“While the World Health Organization’s (WHO) COVAX facility represented a positive global initiative aimed at ensuring more countries could access vaccines, it was undermined by the non-participation of Russia and the USA, the hoarding COMBAT Jan-Mar, 2021

of vaccines by rich countries, and the failure of companies to share their intellectual property,” it states. “More than 90 countries introduced export restrictions affecting items including medical equipment, PPE [personal protective equipment], pharmaceutical products, and food.”

“Wealthy states also blocked adoption of a proposal at the World Trade Organization for a temporary waiver of intellectual property rights for COVID-19 products that was designed to facilitate universal access,” the report continues. “Disagreement in the United Nations Security Council between the USA and China over reference to the WHO delayed the passing of a resolution on a global ceasefire to support the COVID-19 response for three months.”

The report details how the pandemic has exacerbated the already precarious existence of people including refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers, as well as women and LGBTQ people and workers in the informal economy. It also notes that authoritarian regimes around the world have used the pandemic as a pretext to repress human rights.

Amnesty International secretary-general Agnès Callamard said in a statement that “COVID-19 has brutally exposed and deepened inequality both within and between countries, and highlighted the staggering disregard our leaders have for our shared humanity. Decades of divisive policies, misguided austerity measures, and choices by leaders not to invest in crumbling public infrastructure have left too many easy prey to this virus.”

“We are reaping the results of years of calculated neglect at the hands of our leaders,” Callamard added. “In 2020, under the unique strain of a pandemic, health systems have been put to the ultimate test

and people have been left in financial freefall,” while “those who gave the most were protected the least.”

The report isn’t all gloom and doom.

It hails the “exceptional leadership” that came “not from power, privilege, or profits,” but rather from “nurses, doctors, and health workers on the frontlines of life-saving services.”

“It came from the countless people marching to demand change,” said Callamard.

“We saw an outpouring of support for #End SARS, Black Lives Matter, as well as public protests against repression and inequality in places across the world including in Poland, Hong Kong, Iraq, and

Chile. Often risking their own safety, it was the leadership of ordinary people and human rights defenders the world over that urged us on. These are the people at the frontier of the struggle for a better, safer, and more equal world.” he report adds that leadership also “came from those who cared for older people” and “from technicians and scientists running millions of tests and trials, frantically searching for vaccines. It came from those who, bunched together more often at the very bottom of the income scale, worked to feed the rest of us; who cleaned our streets; cared for the bodies of the hundreds of thousands of deceased; repaired our essential services; patrolled our streets; drove what remained of our public transport.”

“In 2020, as so much of the world shut down, it was those people who stood up, who stood out,” it states. “So too, those who stayed home in solidarity—if they had a home to live in—who maintained emotionally costly physical distance, and who cared for those around them.”

Callamard concludes that “the only way out of this mess is through international cooperation. States must ensure vaccines are quickly available to everyone, everywhere, and free at the point of use. Pharmaceutical companies must share their knowledge and technology so no one is left behind. G20 members and international financial institutions must provide debt relief for the poorest 77 countries to respond and recover from the pandemic.”

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The Capitol raid and pandemic can help US empathize with Venezuelans

by Leonardo Flores The January 6th raid on the Capitol and the pandemic that has upended the lives of every American seemingly have nothing to do with Venezuela. But the effects they had on U.S. political and economic stability offer a glimpse into what Venezuelans have been going through for the past several years of failed coups and sanctions.

For Venezuelans, there is no one “January 6.” There are at least half a dozen.

An equivalent date could be January 23, 2019, when little-known opposition figure Juan Guaidó, who only weeks earlier had been appointed president of the National Assembly seemingly out of nowhere, declared himself “interim president” of the country with U.S. backing.

Or it could be February 23, 2019, when extremist Venezuelans, operating out of Colombia, attempted to push “humanitarian aid” through the border. Or perhaps March 7, 2019, when there was a week-long nationwide blackout, allegedly the result of a covert operation that included a cyberattack on the nation’s most important hydroelectric dam. Or April 30, 2019, when Guaidó attempted a military uprising. Or April 1, 2020, when the Trump administration deployed warships just off Venezuelan water. Or May 3, 2020, when mercenaries attempted to sneak into the country to kidnap President Nicolás Maduro.

Attempts at regime change in Venezuela didn’t start with the Trump administration, but they certainly intensified during his term. Employing a “maximum pressure campaign”, the former president sought to empower an extremist faction of the country’s opposition, while destroying the economy with sanctions.

The strategy was simple: pressure the Maduro government in every way possible, drive ordinary citizens to despair so they or the military would rise up, and set up a parallel government ready to step in after the coup. This approach failed so spectacularly that Senator Chris Murphy called it “a case study in international reCOMBAT

Jan-Mar, 2021

lations malpractice.”

Angel Prado, a grassroots leader and spokesperson for El Maizal, one of over 3,200 communes or self-governing communities in Venezuela, laments the human and economic toll of U.S. policy. “It’s like a war… the first bomb hasn’t fallen here—although President [Maduro] had a drone almost explode in his face—it’s a different sort of war, but it’s still a war that affects us,” Prado said. Calling it a war might sound like an exaggeration to Americans, but even a cursory examination of recent events in Venezuela bears out his claim.

Over the past four years, the United States imposed over 150 sanctions on Venezuela. These include broad economic sanctions, such as on Venezuela’s ability to issue bonds, on its oil and gold industries, and even on its newly launched cryptocurrency, the Petro. Most of the sanctions are on individuals, businesses, even ships and airplanes. Then there are the billions of dollars of Venezuelan funds that are frozen abroad, unable to be accessed even for humanitarian supplies.

The Trump administration committed piracy on the high seas. In August 2020, U.S. Navy ships seized a tanker carrying fuel purchased by Venezuela from Iran.

The fuel was then sold on the open market for $40 million, the money went to a U.S. fund for victims of state-sponsored terrorism, none of whom are Venezuelan. This wasn’t the first time the U.S. spent Venezuelan funds on completely unrelated expenses. In June 2020, it was reported that the Trump administration used $601 million in assets seized from allegedly corrupt Venezuelan businesses in the U.S. to help pay for his border wall in Mexico.

Citgo, once considered the crown jewel of PDVSA’s assets abroad, is now about to be stripped down and sold off to Venezuela’s creditors. Prior to the sanctions, Venezuela paid its debts on time, or at least came to terms with creditors. Now though, the sanctions forbid repaying those creditors, and a U.S. court ruling

allowed Crystallex, a Canadian gold mining company, to collect by selling parts of Citgo. Anticipating that Venezuela might seek to sell Citgo to avoid exactly this scenario, Senators Rubio and Menendez pressured the Trump administration to prevent such a sale, which he quickly did.

The economic aggression from the United States contributed significantly to government revenues falling from $56.6 billion per year in 2013 to $477 million in 2020—a drop of 99%.

Venezuelan economist Pasqualina Curcio estimates that the economic war has cost Venezuela $194 billion.

While the true economic cost may be up for debate, the fact that the sanctions have caused severe harm to the economy should be considered settled.

Even U.S. government institutions agree on this point. A February 2021 investigation by the Government Accountability Office found that the Venezuelan economy “has fallen steeply since the imposition of U.S. sanctions.”

It would be hard for people in the United States to understand the emotional toll caused by having the economy upended if we weren’t living through a pandemic that has upended everything. The Venezuela sanctions are like a pandemic that’s been going on for seven years.

The precipitous drop in government revenue, the difficulties in importing food, medicine and other essential supplies, and the increased cost of living have a profound effect on ordinary Venezuelans.

The sanctions should be thought of as a massive violation of human rights. United Nations Special Rapporteur Alena Douhan said as much following a fact-finding mission to Venezuela in February: “The Special Rapporteur notes with concern that sectoral sanctions on the oil, gold and mining industries, the economic blockade of Venezuela and the freezing of Central Bank assets have exacerbated pre-existing economic and humanitarian situation by preventing the earning of revenues and the use of resources to develop and maintain infrastructure and for social support programs, which has a devastating effect on the whole population of Venezuela, especially those in extreme poverty, women, children, medical workers, people with disabilities or life-threatening or chronic diseases, and the indigenous population.”

Douhan also laid out the case that sanctions, the Obama administration’s declaration of a national emergency and the Trump administration’s maximum pressure campaign violate international law, including the UN charter and other treaties the U.S. has signed onto.

A 2019 report by the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) ar-

gued that “sanctions would fit the definition of collective punishment of the civilian population as described in both the Geneva and Hague international conventions, to which the U.S. is a signatory.” Collective punishment is the right way to put it, as every single person in Venezuela is affected by the U.S. sanctions.

The most troubling thing to come of the CEPR analysis was the conclusion that sanctions caused more than 40,000 deaths in 2017-2018. By March 2020, a former UN Special Rapporteur, Alfred de Zayas, estimated that the sanctions killed 100,000 people. It’s mass murder through economic strangulation.

“Despite the economic situation and the blockade we have in the country, we are a people that builds, very optimistic and very hopeful in what we’re doing,” emphasized Prado. This resilience comes through in conversations with Venezuelans like Prado and Giménez. In the face of the cruelty of U.S. policy, these aren’t people who are despairing.

They, like every other Venezuelan, viscerally experience the impacts of sanctions on a daily basis, yet they’re committed to finding solutions. Prado speaks of preserving the country’s sovereignty and independence, of ensuring “supreme happiness for our people.” He notes how El Maizal commune was forced to switch to organic farming, as it became impossible to import pesticides and chemical fertilizers. The commune has also begun technical cooperation with peasant movements in Latin America.

“We’re not prepared to resolve everything, the blockade affects us. Although it has awoken in us a level of creativity, of inventing things, it will always affect us,” Prado said. Yet he cautioned that creativity can only go so far. His biggest worry these days is the shortage of diesel fuel, just as planting season is set to begin. Three million liters of milk and 20 tons of food are being lost every week, spoiling in farms and warehouses, unable to be delivered to consumers.

The Trump administration gave a parting blow to Venezuelans when it banned diesel swaps in October 2020. Through these swaps, PDVSA, the state oil company, was able to provide crude oil to foreign companies in exchange for diesel fuel. The country’s diesel reserves began to be stretched in January. Diesel is needed for agriculture, hospital generators and the distribution of food, medicine and other necessary goods. The Biden administration has given no indication it will lift this—or any other—sanction.

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GAWU observes 45 years as bargaining agent in the sugar industry

Workers of Albion Estate staging a protest calling for GAWU’s recognition in July, 1963

On February 27, 1976, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the then Sugar Producers Association (SPA), the forerunner of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo), appended the Recognition and the Avoidance and Settlement Agreement between the parties. The inking of the agreement cemented GAWU’s status as the bargaining agent on behalf of the field and factory workers in the sugar industry. It also culminated some three (3) decades of struggle for the GAWU to speak on the workers’ behalf.

The struggle by workers to have GAWU as their union began in 1946 with the establishment of the Guiana Industrial Workers Union (GIWU). The establishment of the GIWU arose after workers became disillusioned with the Man Power Citizens Association (MPCA) which had quickly lost credibility among the workforce. An early highpoint in the struggle

took place at Enmore, where a protest over the imposition of the cut-and-load system grew and saw workers, among other things, demanding the recognition of the GIWU. That struggle was supported by the GIWU and the Political Affairs Committee (PAC). Dr Cheddi Jagan and his wife played an active role in providing leadership and other tangible support to the workers. A fever pitch was reached on June 16, 1948 when five (5) workers were shot by the colonial police at the behest of the plantocracy. The death of those five (5) workers, known as the Enmore Martyrs, inspired a new wave of struggles that ultimately led to our country’s independence.

The GIWU was a victim of the political split at the national level in the 1950s, and later became defunct and the GAWU was established in the early 1960s. Another inflection point was reached when Kowsillawas crushed to death. Kowsilla and

others had lent their solidarity to striking workers. The strength of the workers’ actions must have angered the plantocracy.

This may have motivated a foreign manager to instruct a scab to drive a tractor across the factory bridge where Kowsilla and others were standing. In the melee, Kowsilla was crushed while several others were injured, some for life. Today Kowsilla is regarded as a heroine of the sugar workers.

The struggle continued, and workers supportive of GAWU were at times harassed, intimidated, and even faced incarceration. This only steeled the workers’ resolve and they continued to press for the GAWU’s recognition. In 1975, two strikes by workers in the first and second crops saw the then Government and plantation owners agreeing to conduct a poll. The December 31, 1975 poll saw GAWU obtaining some 97% of the votes cast, confirming that the Union enjoyed the overwhelming support of the workers in the sugar industry.

Since the inking of the Recognition Agreement, the GAWU has continued to advance the lot of the sugar workers. Several advances were recorded, and a number of benefits are now enjoyed by the workers. The active work of the Union has seen workers from other sectors joining the GAWU fold, and the Union speaks on behalf of workers in several important sectors at this time. The Union remains firm in its defence of workers, and has sought to advance their well-being not only at the bargaining table but through advocacy of enhanced protections and adjustments to alleviate the hardships of

the cost-of-living. The Union also places a high premium on education, and, from its own funds, constructed the GAWU Labour College to advance its educational work. The Union contends that an educated worker is less likely to be exploited as he/she will be knowledgeable of his/ her rights.

In more recent years, the GAWU was at the forefront of struggle against the minimization of the sugar industry. Our principled actions earned us the ire of the then Coalition Government which sought to downsize the sugar industry without regard to the social implications.

Our strong advocacy brought us several allies who also spoke up on behalf of the sugar workers while earning the then Government a permanent place in the hall of infamy. The GAWU’s continued advocacy saw the new Government, immediately upon its assumption to office, beginning a process to re-open three (3) of the four (4) estates closed by its predecessor. This is currently an ongoing process and has rekindled hope among those who were mercilessly thrown on the breadline.

As we observe 45 years of recognition, the GAWU remains proud of its work and achievements. Indeed, there is much to celebrate but, at the same time, we are aware that there are those who seek to roll back workers’ gains and undermine their unity. At the same time, the Union is actively seeking to expand its reach, and is currently seeking to recruit more workers to its fold.

The heroism of the Rose Hall Martyrs remains present in their modern day descendants The sugar industry has been the centre of several infamous battles which has been documents for posterity. Those incidents remind us of the wretched conditions and harsh measures imposed by the plantocracy on those who toiled the plantations. The flashpoints tell us of the heroism, selflessness and sacrifice made by our ancestors to better our lives and for which we should remain eternally grateful.

One of these most infamous incidents occurred on March 13, 1913 at Rose Hall Estate. The plantation was in ferment as workers struggled for betterment and resistance to inhuman living conditions which were an integral part of plantation life. On that occasion their struggle ended in carnage when fifteen (15) workers were killed, including a woman who was shot in her stomach, and of them forty-one (41) received serious injury. At the time it was perhaps the deadliest indenture-era suppression of unrest in the Caribbean and elsewhere.

As we specifically give recognition and COMBAT Jan-Mar, 2021

pay tribute to those who fell at Plantation Rose Hall we are reminded that they left a legacy which runs through the veins of the contemporary workforce of the sugar industry. The 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 continues throughout the years, and survives to this day in the industry.

As we recall the Rose Hall martyrdom, we are reminded of the struggles of the estate in recent times. Like their ancestors, the modern day Rose Hall workers stood up valiantly to defend their way of life, to protect their livelihoods, and to stand up to those who sought, without any rational reason, to push them on to the breadline. Their struggles attracted allies from all walks of life, and their story of tragedy and pain touched the conscience of many Guyanese. Today, those who shuttered Rose Hall Estate have been banished from power, and a new day has dawned.

Unlike the past few years, there is new

found hope at Rose Hall as the Irfaan Ali Government has hit the ground running and stayed true to its promise to revitalize the sugar industry and reopen the estates closed by the Coalition Government.

Today, the depression that had engulfed the communities following Rose Hall’s closure has been lifted and optimism has now filled the air. We know of the deep appreciation of the people who are now being able to put their lives back together as the nightmare of joblessness has come to an end.

As we recall the Martyrs, we are aware that Rose Hall Estate is slated to be the first factory to resume operations. The estate is now a hive of activities. We have learnt that several hundred of those who were shoved coldly on the breadline have been able to regain their jobs and regain a source of pride that was taken from them.

Several hundred more will be taken on in the weeks and months to come.

Indeed, this is a most fitting tribute to the Martyrs whose selflessness we hail on this occasion. Many years have gone

by since that fateful period when the workers from Rose Hall were killed. The GAWU pays its 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 had been the victims of colonial plunder and exploitation and fatal violence. GAWU feels that history’s lessons should not be forgotten, lest workers lower their vigilance and succumb to disunity, which would be 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.

In the face of these challenges before us, let us draw inspiration from the example of the Rose Hall Martyrs.

PAGE SIX

President Ali joins GAWU to remember Kowsilla

The GAWU organized a simple programme to pay tribute to heroine Kowsilla on her 57th Death Anniversary. At the activity, wreaths were laid on Kowsilla’s tomb by President Dr Irfaan Ali, then GAWU General Secretary, Seepaul Narine, Guyana Rice Producers Association General Secretary, Dhramkumar Seeraj, Region #3 Chairman, Ayube Inshan, officials of the WPO, FITUG, among others.

In his remarks, the President pointed out that Kowsilla’s life and legacy is an education and should be a reminder of the struggles that built what we enjoy today. “Comrade Kowsilla left her name eternally marked in the history books, and in the history of Guyana. She is still alive, she’s still honoured, her name will

continue for generations, and why would her name continue? Because she made the ultimate sacrifice for what she believed in…” He told the gathering that though a half-a-century has passed, Kowsilla’s actions are still felt today. He pointed out that she represents hope, inspiration and patriotism. The President said that Kowsilla’s sacrifice was not for herself, but for her community and the workers. He said that at the age of 16, he first spoke about her life and fell in love with her determination and resolve.

The Head of State noted that his Government would always look to protect its workers and ensure that they enjoy the fruits of their labour. He said that the stance took by Kowsilla and her fe-

male companions are reflected in the sugar industry up to today. “The building of the sugar industry is part of the legacy of Kowsilla; the protection of the workers, is part of her legacy. When we fail to protect the workers, when we stop protecting sugar, we’re failing her legacy and we’re going to stop protecting what she fought for. It is a very simple equation and we in this government have no interest in failing workers, wherever they are. We not only made a commitment to restore jobs to the sugar sector… we made a commitment to support those families who are still on the breadline that were removed from employment and that commitment is as strong today, as the day it was made and we are going to fulfil that too.” He said that the family of Kowsilla gave the country a gift—a hope and related that Kowsilla did not see colour, she saw the need to represent Guyanese families and Guyanese workers.

GAWU’s General Secretary, in his remarks, reminded of the heroism of Kowsilla, who stood stoutly and solidly in defence of the sugar workers. He reminded of her deep conviction to uphold fairness, equity and social justice. He said that in her legacy the sugar industry must be revitalized. He expressed the Union’s support of the Government’s policy to turn around the sugar industry and was optimistic such objectives were within reach.

Kowsilla, also known as Alice, a humble housewife, was an executive of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) wom-

en’s arm – the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) – branch at Leonora.

The workers of Leonora Sugar Estate took strike action on February 17, 1964 regarding the refusal of the estate management to provide work to workers who participated in a nationwide strike to protest the imposition of the Proportional Representation electoral system. The workers, on their return, were told they should go make placards for Dr Jagan.

As the strike continued, the workers also called for the recognition of GAWU. The strike attracted wide support and saw the support of non-sugar workers too. On the faithful day –March 06, 1964 – Kowsilla joined sugar workers and others to squat on the bridge leading to the estate’s factory. They were seeking to prevent scabs from entering the estate from performing the jobs of the striking workers. Despite the shouts of protest from the estate authority to remove from the bridge, about a dozen women, among others, resisted and sat on that high bridge. This led to the estate manager ordering a tractor to drive onto the bridge. The fast pace of the tractor saw Kowsilla being crushed to death and two other women, Jagdai and Daisee Sookram, suffering broken backs, crippled for life. Another of the squatting women, Kisson Dai, lost one kidney and had broken hips and more had to be treated for other serious injuries.

role in our ongoing development, and the massive sums earmarked could see much transformation in these two important areas. Significant efforts, we recognise have been placed on enhancing national infrastructure, and may certainly ease the many woes our people have in getting from place to place. Modern and efficient infrastructure is desperately needed, and the Budget we see makes a significant first step to correcting many of the maladies that prevail.

We identified, too, policies to increase the nation’s housing stock. Indeed, it is a cherished dream of many Guyanese to have their own homes. These aspirations were dashed over the last five (5) years, and we see clear efforts to bring this back onto the front burner. Several supportive policies to bring down the cost of ownership were unveiled, allowing many Guyanese to become closer to transforming their dreams into reality.

The Budget also spoke to the exciting economic times that have gripped our country. Indeed, there is a great deal to anticipate. In-as-much as the times are bright, we recognise the Government laying a foundation for the period ahead.

We find this commendable, as such policies augur well for this and future generations of Guyanese. Indeed, our country, we have long known, has great untapped potential. It is heartening to see some of this potential being unlocked through the transformative agenda laid out by the Government.

It is against this background that the FITUG welcomes Budget 2021.

2021 Budget will enhance well-being of all Guyanese The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) having considered the 2021 National Budget is most pleased with several measures proposed.

We believe that the policies and programmes outlined by the Government through the Budget will redound to the benefit of Guyanese from all walks of life.

FITUG has taken note of the several initiatives to put more monies in the hands of our people and ease the burdens placed on their backs by the former Coalition Administration. The increase in the school grant, reduction in water tariffs, hikes in old age pensions and public assistance, removal of VAT on internet and data services, and the expanding the list of zero-rated products can well translate into thousands of dollars remaining in the pockets of the working-people.

Indeed, these are most welcome more so in view of the several challenges that still confront our people, especially our vulnerable population. On this score, we must express our dismay regarding the absence of any improvement in the income tax threshold, though we recognise COMBAT Jan-Mar, 2021

several other measures will have similar effect. To this end, we urge our business community to pass the savings to the consumers, to ensure that the full benefits of the Government’s initiatives are felt and seen.

The Federation notes as well the s i g n i f i c a nt a l lo c at ions to the health and education sectors.

It speaks, in a tangible way, of the Gove r n m e n t ’s commitment to safeguarding our people and building a knowledge-based economy. Indeed these two fundamental policies play a seminal

PAGE SEVEN

Sugar production thwarted by unseasonal rainfall Sugar production for the first crop this year commenced in the latter half of February 2021. This year, the GuySuCo has set itself to produce 97,420 tonnes sugar – 42,425 tonnes in the first crop and 54,995 tonnes in the second crop. As at week-ending March 27, 2021, sugar production for the crop stood at 16,678 tonnes sugar as follows:Estate Albion Blairmont Uitvlugt Total

Target Actual Difference 21,390 8,309 13,081 12,404 4,796 7,608 8,631 3,575 5,056 42,425 16,678 25,747

The crop began with a burst of momentum with each estate attaining its weekly production target on two (2) occasions. The realization of the target allowed workers to secure an additional day’s pay as weekly production incentive (WPI). This motivation to the workers encouraged greater attendance and higher productivity.

However, unseasonal rainfall over the last few days has thwarted their efforts and forced a production slowdown. It is hoped that the weather in the coming weeks would improve and the industry can regain the momentum.

This year, the industry is expected to benefit from significant capital investment. The Government has approved nine billion dollars ($9B) to be channeled into capital works. Several areas have been identified, and worn out

and defective components in the factories will be replaced, while aged agricultural equipment and implements will also be replaced.

Apart from that, dilapidated infrastructure will be rehabilitated. It is expected that these investments will lead towards im- A cane cutter fetching bundles of harvested canes to be loaded into punts (barges) for transport to the factory proved proWe believe that there is need for some investment in the duction and productivity. workforce to keep them motivated and committed to While these are welcome and long overdue, the GAWU the tasks at hand. Indeed, the success of the industry is continues to emphasize the importance of the work- very much linked to the workforce, and therefore imforce, which play a pivotal role in the industry’s turn- provements in pay and working conditions are a must. around. At this time, the Union and the GuySuCo continue to engage in discussions on outstanding pay rises.

New branch committees elected Secretary: Michael Indardat; Assistant Secretary: Chandradat Singh, and Committee Members: Parmeshri Baldeo, Vishwanauth Ramcharitar, Nazir Hussein, Sandra Permaul, Victor McKenzie, Imran Ali. Alimohamed, Orison Walcott, Jagdat Ramsingh, Muntaz Goolmohamed, Roopnarine Mahadeo, and Arjuna Veerasammy.

Delegates attending the Uitvlugt GAWU Branch Conference

The Union in keeping with its Constitution concluded several branch conferences. The annual conferences review the work of the Union’s branch and receive addresses from union officials outlining the work of the GAWU and expectations for the coming period. This year’s conferences were held in keeping with the COVID-19 protocols and delegates were socially distanced and required to wear masks apart from santisization.

The conferences at their conclusion elected the following branch committees who are charged with spearheading the work of the branch over the next year.

Albion GAWU Branch Chairman: Hernie Park; Vice Chairman: Stephen Indardat;

Blairmont GAWU Branch Chairman: Julius Nurse; Vice Chairman: Anil Sammy; Secretary: Bhikram Singh; Assistant Secretary: Yudistirsnauth Persaud, and Committee Members: Malcom Jack, Karamchand David, Abdool Subhan, Dindial Hemraj, Romel Kandai, Balwant Singh, Davenand Inderpol, Abdool, Anastacia Paul, and Ramesh Mahadeo.

Uitvlugt GAWU Branch Chairman: Abid Hoosein; Vice Chairman: Deonandan; Secretary: Lochan Khandai; Assistant Secretary: Sookdeo Khan, and Committee Members: Seecharran Ram, Suresh, Alita Johnson, Ravindra Ramsaywach, Bissondyal Toolsiram, Glorina Braithwaite, and Abiola Morrison.

National Parks Commission GAWU Branch Chairman: Michael Blackman; Vice Chairman: Dick Squires; Secretary: Nykesie Rodney; Assistant Secretary: Christina Comacho, and Committee Members: Mark Fingal, Leslie James, and Marisa Deane.

Demerara Distillers Limited GAWU Branch Chairman: Lacretia Cubpidore; Vice Chairman: Floyd Cummings; Secretary: Vishnu Persaud; Assistant Secretary: Calvin Bernard, and Committee Members: Neeta Manohar, Sudaharie Persaud Singh, Patrick Alexander, Gomattie Naipaul, David Mangal, Maxine Sookram, Shaunette Kingston, and Romel Floyd Aguilar.

Noble House Seafoods GAWU Branch Chairperson: Abiola Powell; Vice Chairman: Andre Williams; Secretary: Mellissa Thompson; Assistant Secretary: Subryna Walton Alfred, and Committee Members: Indranie Persaud, Orlando, Maharanie Devi Rattan, and Shonell Hamilton.

Guyana Forestry Commission GAWU Branch Chairperson: Monica Jacobs; Secretary: Tonika Brooks; Assistant Secretary: Russhel Whyte, and Committee Members: Rawle Innis, Clive Harris, and Hewley Clarke