Combat August/September, 2015 by GAWU

Issue#3 Volume#36

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

Editorial:

The 2015 National Budget The first budget of the new A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government was presented in the National Assembly on August 10, 2015 under the theme “A Fresh Approach to a Good Life in a Green Economy”. The budget seeks to expend G$221B, representing the largest of the country. Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who presented the Budget, informed the populace that the economy grew by 3.8 per cent in 2014. He also reported that inflation was contained to 1.2 per cent. In reflecting on this year’s Budget, Combat wishes to touch on a few aspects of the various measures contained therein, and to offer brief comments and views. Combat has noted the budgetary measures with respect to salary and wage increase for public servants, pensioners, other lower-level workers. We are concerned, however, that the increases are far less than was promised on the campaign trail, and we also feel strongly about the retroactive date of July 01, 2015 on which these increases will be paid. In effect, the pay increases will be only half of the announced rise. Over recent years, the practice was that increases were retroactively paid from the commencement of the year. Clearly, the practice has not been followed. The affected workers stand to be disadvantaged on two counts – a small increase, and payment for half a year rather than a full year. Combat urges the Government to re-examine this issue, to cause the increases to be retroactive from January 01, 2015. Another surprise contained in the Budget is the matter of contracted public service employees, which the APNU/AFC has constantly denounced. Yet, now in Government, the Budget for such category of employees has been substantially expanded by over one billion dollars ($1B). Obviously, not a compression, but an expansion of this approach is being pursued. The Government has made yet another about turn. Looking ahead, the Budget forecasts the economy will grow by 3.4 per cent in 2015, whereas inflation will reach 0.5 per cent. The lower expected growth this year clearly signifies that all is not well, and that troubling times may be ahead for our working-people and Guyanese on the whole. The country’s major industries, sugar, rice, the extractive industries sector are all confronting varied and many challenges, and this explains to some extent the economic and national challenges which face Guyana and its people. All in all, the 2015 Budget has not kindled the hope and, at this time, seems not to have stimulated our economy. Many of our working people and pensioners are disappointed or frustrated at the income reduction thousands are experiencing. Continued on page two COMBAT: August/September 2015

August/September, 2015

GuySuCo procrastinating wages negotiations - sugar corporation awaiting recommendations of Sugar C.O.I.

GAWU and GuySuCo meeting on September 16, 2015

The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) has, so far, been avoiding any discussions with our Union, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), with regards to improvements to a number of fringe benefits and wage and salaries levels for year 2015. A meeting was slated for October 07, 2015 for the parties to commence negotiations, but was unfortunately cancelled by the Corporation on the eve of the meeting. The Corporation is seeking to wait until the conclusion of the work of the Commission of Inquiry into the Sugar Industry and the submission of its recommendations to the Minister of Agriculture before its engagement with

the Union. Since March 08, 2015, the Union has submitted its claims to the Corporation and unlike what obtained in the past years since Collective Bargaining was restored in the sugar industry in 1989, negotiations have been pushed back so late in the year. In the meantime, the industry is progressing satisfactorily towards reaching its year’s sugar production target of 227,491 tonnes sugar. Favourable harvesting weather, appreciable work attendance by cane cutters have contributed significantly to the Corporation’s high weekly production attainment over the past weeks. Page One

A fresh approach to a good life in a green economy - highlights of the 2015 National Budget • C o n s o l i d a tion of the 1,000 homes project at Perseverance on the East Bank Demerara • C o n t i n u e d infrastructure worksin housing areas such as Providence, Farm, Little and Great Diamond, Eccles, Sophia, Adelphi, Bloomfield and Cumberland

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, presenting the 2015 National Budget

2014 Economic Performance • • • • • •

Economic Growth of 3.8 per cent Sugar production 216,186 tonnes Rice Production 635,238 tonnes Other crops expanded by 5 per cent Manufacturing sector grew by 10.7 per cent Inflation Rate was 1.2 per cent

Major Highlights • Public Sector minimum wage increased from $39,540 to $50,000 per month • Public Servants’ salary increase as high as 26.1 per cent • Old Age Pension increased from $13,125 to $17,000 per month • Ten (10) per cent increase in Public Assistance for the disabled, moving from $5,900 to $6,500 monthly • Reinstatement of subventions for all trade unions • $300M for Georgetown Restoration Programme Agriculture • $12B to sugar industry to support the sector’s operations • Increase exports of non-sugar and non-rice agricultural products by at least 25 per cent over the next five years; increase production of agroprocessed goods by at least 50 per cent by 2020 Health • $23.2B allocated to health sector • $133 million to upgrade Georgetown Hospital Maternity Ward • Establishment of a national electronic patient care record system Housing • $1.9B allocated for housing development COMBAT: August/September 2015

•

Water • $2.9B for improved water delivery countrywide • $422 million for the completion of wells at Goed Fortuin, Hope and

Cotton Tree Extension of distribution transmission mains will be done in areas such as Hope Housing Scheme, Stanleytown, Williamsburg, Kildonan and No. 59, 66 and 69 Villages

Education • $33.9B for works in the education sector • Increase the uniform allowance voucher from $1,500 to $2,000 per student • $1.7B for the procurement of laptops to be distributed to educators, students, institutions of learning and community-based organizations Roads and Bridges • $1.6B to upgrade Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue Road • $1.2B for completion of East Bank Demerara highway • $544M to upgrade community roads and bridges countrywide • $1.2B to upgrade farm-to-market roads at Laluni, Parika, Onverwagt, and Ruby Sea and River Defences • $1.4B to strengthen sea and river defence structures Drainage and Irrigation • $5.7B to rehablitate and extend drainage and irrigation structures nationwide 2015 economic goals • 3.4 per cent economic growth • Sugar production targeted at 219,913 tonnes • Rice production to reach 702,462 tonnes • Gold production at 390,000 ounces • Inflation at 0.5 per cent

KNOW YOUR LABOUR LAWS:

The Prevention of Discrimination Act

In 1958, the ILO adopted the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention No. 111. The Equal Rights Act, No.19 of 1990 deals specifically with discrimination on the basis of sex, and did not fully satisfy the requirements of the Convention. The Prevention of Discrimination Act, enacted in 1997 as Act No.26 of 1997, sets out to make a number of discriminatory practices that are deemed illegal. It covers discrimination based on race, gender, religion among others. The essential provisions of the Act are:- grounds of discrimination; discrimination in employment; bona fide occupational qualifications; sexual harassment; equal remuneration; bodies/organisations not to discriminate; and discrimination in other areas. Grounds of Discrimination: A person discriminates against another person if he makes, on any of the grounds listed below, any distinction, exclusion or preference the intent or effect of which is to nullify or impair equality of opportunity or treatment in any occupation or employment. The grounds are:- race, sex, religion, colour, ethnic origin, indigenous population, national extraction, social origin, economic status or age, except for purpose of retirement and restrictions on work and employment of minors Any act or omission or any practice or policy that directly or indirectly results in discrimination against a person on any of the above grounds is an act of discrimination, regardless of whether the person responsible for the act or omission or the practice or policy intended to discriminate. Discrimination in Employment: It is lawful for an employer, in relation to recruitment, selection or employment to discriminate on the grounds above relative to:- the advertisement of the job; determining who should be employed; the terms and conditions under which employment is offered; the creation, classification or abolition of jobs; conditions of work, or occupational safety and health measures; denying access, or limiting access to opportunities for advancement, promotion, transfer or training, or to any other benefits, facilities or services associated with employment; retrenching or dismissing the employee; and subjecting the employee to any other disadvantage. TO BE CONTINUED

The 2015 National Budget Continued from page one

The $10,000 ‘Because we Care’ education grant to children and the electricity and water subsidies to pensioners, which have been discontinued, should be reviewed and, we feel, re-implemented. The country, two (2) months after the Budget, is deemed to be at an economic standstill. The challenge to the present administration is to restore the economic momentum of last year (2014) and earlier this year. Budget 2015 did not do so. Page Two

GAWU pays tribute to Cde Nun Persaud It is always difficult when we have to cope with the death of someone, especially when the deceased has been a close comrade-in-arms, a colleague and activist of many events that left a mark in our Trade Union struggles and our political development. Comrade Nun Persaud was one such person.

Cde Nun Persaud

Nunskey, as he was popularly called, had a long relationship with GAWU. He became an activist of GAWU during those difficult years when GAWU was struggling to become the recognized union of sugar workers.

Comrade Nun Persaud started his work life as an ordinary field worker at Versailles and Schoonord Estate, where he was tasked with different jobs, among which was cane cutting and loading. At work, he is known to have enjoyed a good working relationship with his peers. When the GAWU, through consistent struggles, became the recognized Union of the field and factory workers in the sugar industry in 1976, Cde Nun Persaud was soon after elected by his fellow work mates to be a shop steward or gang representative, a position he held for a few months. Subsequently, at one of the GAWU General Council meetings, he was appointed to the highly responsible position, of the Union’s Field Secretary at the Estate. In that position he was able to serve and represent the interests of his fellow workers at a higher level. Following the sudden closure of the Versailles Estate factory in 1978, which was followed soon after by the cane cultivation at that location, Cde Nun was transferred to the Union’s Head Office in Georgetown.

politics of our country. He was always present where the action was. He was particularly active in the activities which were demanding a return to democracy in Guyana. By his involvement in trade unionism and also for political goals, Cde Nun showed a developed consciousness and a commitment to progress of our society. He was an active member of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), and as an activist he promoted the sale of Mirror newspaper and local political literature, as well as Socialist literature coming from overseas. His political and union convictions, like so many of us, were inspired by Dr Cheddi Jagan, who was his inspiration and the leader he dearly admired. In the face of opposition, Cde Nun stood his ground. One telling incident comes to mind. I am aware of the time when an adversary once confronted him but he was not intimidated. Instead, he told his aggressor, “I will find you if you hit me”. And, of course his aggressor, before such courage, did the wise thing and did not pursue his mission and turned away like a lamb. Even, well into his ill-health, Cde Nun retained a lively and above-average interest in Trade Unionism and politics. As a worker, as a Trade Unionist and a member of the PPP, I can say with confidence that Cde Nun Persaud showed the interest and the will to actively discharge re-

sponsibly his duties to his comrades, his community, and for the future of the country. Comrade Nunskey made valuable and remarkable social and political contributions in his working and adult life. He developed and utilized his strength and energy in assisting working people to strive for and achieve a better life. Comrades, we of GAWU are proud to have had him as a colleague among us. He is one of those who performed exceptionally well in his work and in going about his tasks. If today we can identify the progress of GAWU and the all-round advances of Guyana over the past twenty (20) years, it is because, alongside our leaders, there have been and still are stalwart comrades like Cde Nun Persaud. We salute him as we pay respect to his life and memory. Allow me, on behalf of GAWU and its large membership, and on my own behalf, to extend heartfelt condolences to his children: Rosalind, Ranee, MAP, Roosha, Ellen and Nanda; his grandchildren, great grandchildren, his many in-laws, and relatives and friends on his passing. We say farewell to you, Cde Nun Persaud, friend and comrade.

GAWU awards bursaries

At the Head Office, Cde Nun Persaud proved to be a diligent worker and a staunch comrade, always willing to do work beyond his regular assignments. For those who remember those days, they would recall that Cde Nun was an example of stability and was unwavering in his Trade Union and working class stances. Apart from his specific work, Cde Nun Persaud was also a prominent fixture of the many protests that the Union was engaged in. He was there in solidarity with the four(4)-Union Movement – GAWU, CCWU, GBWU and GPSU – and later in solidarity with the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) or with GAWU itself in demonstrations and protests calling for better pay and improved working conditions in the sugar industry. Cde Nun was an outstanding activist, dependable in struggle and, of course, very noticeable by his tall structure. No less, and perhaps with greater commitment and support, he was there in every political event on the streets, whether outside the Parliament Building or elsewhere, to return our country to a democratized way of life. But Cde Nun’s interest was not limited to the Trade Union field. He also demonstrated a keen interest in the COMBAT: August/September 2015

Bursary awardees with officials of the Union following the activity at the Union’s Georgetown office

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), as a yearly exercise, awarded August 25, 2015 monetary bursaries to workers’ children who sat the National Grade Six Examinations earlier this year. Two separate activities, for convenience, were conducted at the Union’s Offices in Georgetown and Berbice. Fourteen (14) successful pupils received bursaries in Georgetown and ten (10) in New Amsterdam in the presence of their mothers or fathers. They were encouraged by the Union’s General Secretary, Cde Seepaul Narine, in Georgetown and the Union’s General Council

member, Cde Harridial Ramdihal, in New Amsterdam to display greater dedication to learning and studying as they advance their education. The Union’s officials also advised the youngsters that information and communication technology is a necessity in today’s world and a must to be eligible for most jobs available. Of the bursaries awarded, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union Co-operative Credit Union Society Limited provided an award. Page Three

Those who callaborate with the West An abridged version

Damaged homes line a street in Benghazi, Libya. Destruction has permeated the North African country since the civil war ousted Moammar Gadhafi four years ago. For Benghazi, the past year was the worst

By Andre Vltchek It is much easier to rule over those people who lost all their dignity. The West made art form out of controlling the world. Its once rough and simple ‘divide and rule’ tactics have reached, with time, great virtuosity. The Empire has successfully mobilized the most regressive elements in each society that it controls. It upheld religions, archaic family compositions and feudalist power structures in order to make rebellion almost impossible. Rebellion is the engine that propels societies and individuals. To take it away, to shut it off, means to condemn people and entire nations to stagnation, even

to regression. Which is, of course, the main goal of the Empire. Which is why it employs and grooms entire armies of local collaborators. The West has many allies, many collaborators! Bizarre bearded dudes with machine guns and portable missile launchers decapitate infidels and blow up the world heritage sites. That is what the Empire has been trying, painstakingly, to turn Islam into, with full-hearted support of its deranged and blood-drenched allies in the Gulf. First they murdered, sidelined or overthrew progressive socialist Islamic leaders, and later they manufactured the most fundamentalist brands, from

al-Qaida to ISIS. As long as the oil flows; as long as the Western weapons are sold and ‘defense budgets’ remain above one trillion; as long as there is always someone people can be told to be scared of, someone who can be used as a justification for new weaponry and new postcolonialist and imperialist arrangement of the world, they have achieved their objective. Or look at those weird preachers and priests in Surabaya, Manila, or in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. “Poor are poor because God hates them, rich are rich because God loves them”, extreme forms of religion and feudalism are essential for effective control of the population. Brits were well aware of it. That is also why the Brits were the most effective of all colonizers: they knew how to get the worst from the locals! Ancient forms of oppression from caste system to family oppression, even terror keep people from learning, from becoming individuals, from daring, from mobilizing and fighting for the better world. And to make sure that oppression imposed and upheld by the West in foreign countries, is not challenged even at home, Western propagandists invented so-called “political correctness”. The collaborators, mainly consisting of the top brass military, of business elites, of religious gurus, ‘academics’ who were indoctrinated and bought while on the scholarship abroad, journalists and pop artists, are fully protected by political correctness. If a spaceship filled with advanced, refined and objectively thinking beings coming from outer space would visit our planet, the visitors would be surely horrified by observing those individuals who are ruling such countries as Indonesia or Uganda, or those in the Gulf. TO BE CONTINUED

The Refugee crisis in Europe: popular support for migrants confronts official inhumanity

It emerged that Czech authorities were stamping registration numbers on refugees’ forearms, recalling the methods employed by Nazi concentration camp officials. Solidarity committees have sprung up to collect clothing, food, medicine, toiletries, toys and other items. Doctors and nurses have offered free medical examinations and care. These extraordinary events have revealed The shocking image of a drowned Syrian 3-year-old boy named Aylan Kurdi on a Turkish the immense chasm shore resonated around the world. that separates the sentiby Ulrich Rippert ments of broad masses We have seen a powerful wave of solidarity and sup- of people from the reactionary obsessions driving state port for refugees arriving in Europe. Many people have policy and official public opinion. For weeks, the politibeen profoundly shaken by the horrific images of refu- cians and media sought to stir up hostility against the gees drowning, and reports of migrants suffocating by refugees. the dozens in traffickers’ trucks. Millions are shocked The outpouring of public support for the refugees and appalled by scenes of exhausted families with small shows how little support this vile campaign has generchildren confronting barbed-wire fences, and people ated among the working masses. The sympathy and supbeing herded into detention camps where they are held port for the refugees is to be welcomed. But it is necesfor days without adequate food or sanitation. sary to transform such elemental feelings of solidarity COMBAT: August/September 2015

into a politically conscious struggle. This requires working through the issues underlying the refugee crisis. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the major capitalist powers felt liberated. One of the central conclusions they drew was the belief that they could expand the use of military violence to achieve their geostrategic aims. Decades of war in Afghanistan and Iraq have ruined these countries and led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands. Then the war for regime-change in Libya transformed that country into a “failed state,” torn apart by constant fighting between rival militias. Then came the Syrian civil war set in motion, armed and financed by imperialism and its regional allies. The constant threat of death and destruction that is driving hundreds of thousands of people to undertake the desperate flight to Europe is the result of these crimes of imperialism. The rise of the terrorist militia ISIS and the wars in Iraq and Syria are direct consequences of the destruction of Iraq and the support given to ISIS and similar Islamist militias in Syria by imperialism and its allies. The refugee crisis has exploded any notion that the imperialist powers can unleash savage violence without consequences. The world is coming face to face with the global interconnectedness of modern society. The defense of the refugees requires a political struggle against imperialism and war. The working class in Europe and internationally must unite and take the fate of society into its own hands. Page Four

Yemen: a war crime made in america

Saudi Arabian airstrikes in Yemen destroyed homes and killed a number of people after a raid near Sana’a Airport

by Niles Williamson A recent Saudi-led coalition air strike ripped through a market in Sanaa, Yemen, killing 69 civilians and injuring dozens of others. People were shopping for Eid al-Adha, the annual Muslim Feast of Sacrifice, when the bombs fell. Photos show corpses strewn amidst the rubble in the aftermath of the assault. Air raids also destroyed portions of Sanaa’s historic Old City, which is on the United Nation’s list of World Heritage sites. The area is the site of thousands of unique multi-storeyed homes that were constructed before the 11th century. Historic cultural sites throughout Yemen have come under repeated attack in the course of the six-month Saudifronted assault. While these bloody attacks were carried out by jets belonging to Middle East monarchies fronted by Saudi Arabia, the responsibility ultimately lies with the Obama administration. The atrocities carried out by the Saudi monarchy and its allies would not be possible without the backing of the American Government and military. President Obama welcomed Saudi King Salman to the White House with open arms, even as Saudi war planes were slaughtering and terrorizing men, women and children throughout Yemen. A billion-dollar deal was announced to replenish the kingdom’s stockpile of bombs. The US Government has provided billions of dollars’ worth of weapons and military equipment, assisting Saudi Arabia in developing one of the largest and most advanced militaries in the Middle East. The entire assault is being overseen from a joint operations center in Saudi Arabia staffed by dozens of American military advisors. American drone operators are providing live video streams of potential air strike targets, while American advisors give their stamp of approval. Deploying American-made jet fighters and American bombs, supported by American refuelling flights and with the aid of American logistics and intelligence, the Saudi-led coalition has carried out more than 25,000 air strikes over the last six months. This compares to approximately 7,000 air strikes carried out in the air war against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), now in its second year. COMBAT: August/September 2015

The barrage of air strikes, combined with fighting on the ground, has killed more than 4,500 people, including a significant number of women and children, who have borne the brunt of the onslaught. At least 1.5 million people have been forced to flee their homes, with thousands risking the perilous trip by sea across the Gulf of Aden to take up residence in inhospitable refugee camps in Somalia and Djibouti. The UN estimates that more than 21 million Yemenis, 80 percent of the country’s population, are in need of some form of humanitarian aid. There has not been a single week, since the assault began, in which there has not been an attack that resulted in mass civilian casualties. This is the outcome of the coalition’s practice of deliberately targeting non-military civilian targets for destruction, including water bottling factories, ports, power plants, residential neighbourhoods, workers’ housing units, market places, schools and hospitals. The attacks are part of the ongoing assault being waged by Saudi Arabia and its allies to reinstate the government of President Abdrabuh Monsour Hadi, which was forced to flee Yemen earlier this year in the face of an assault by Houthi militias on the port city of Aden. The Houthis, with the support of military forces loyal to former dictator Ali Abdullah Saleh, were able to seize control of most of Yemen’s western provinces in the spring of this year. In the last few months, a ground offensive spearheaded

by troops from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain has successfully pushed the Houthis out of the area surrounding Aden in the south, while thousands of coalition troops have flooded the central Marib province east of Sanaa. Given the brazen and murderous character of the crimes being committed in Yemen, the response—or, more precisely, the non-response—from official political and media circles in the West is striking. Mass civilian casualties and unspeakable suffering are treated at most as an embarrassing public relations problem in the US imperialist drive to dominate the Middle East and its vast energy resources. There is no limit to the hypocrisy and cynicism of the media. The American press raises a hue and cry over Russia’s reported dispatch of military equipment and some 200 troops to Syria because it disrupts Washington’s drive to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who is allied with Russia and Iran, and install a more pliant US puppet regime. The Russian intervention pales in comparison to the billions spent by the CIA and US allies in the region on arms and other forms of support. But the US media have virtually nothing to say about mass murder being committed by US allies, directly aided by Washington, in Yemen. Over the last decade and a half, under the pretext of fighting terrorism and defending human rights, American imperialism has devastated one country after another in the Middle East and North Africa. Across the region, more than a million people have been killed, while tens of millions more have been made refugees, desperately seeking safety outside their home countries, most recently flooding into Europe. The Obama administration has overseen a general expansion of neo-colonial interventions, including the wars for regime-change in Libya and Syria and the renewed war in Iraq. The new Iraq war and the escalation in Syria are ostensibly being carried out to contain and defeat ISIS, which has overrun much of Iraq and large parts of Syria. However, as is well known, ISIS is itself a product of US imperialist interventions in the region. These crimes are carried out in the interests of the same corporate ruling elite that is imposing brutal austerity measures against the working class within the US by means of a political system it totally controls. The source of these catastrophes is the capitalist system, whose mortal crisis threatens to plunge mankind into another world war. There is only one answer: the struggle of the working class for political power and the disarming of the war criminals by means of socialist revolution.

“Capitalist barbarism, crisis and Imperialist wars, or Socialism” Page Five

Sugar industry remains...

Public Building, where the Parliament meets and budget debates take place

Continued from page eight Refined sugar also has a big market within the CARICOM region, where as much as 200,000 tonnes of refined sugar is imported extra-regionally per annum for use mainly in the beverage and food industries. Other opportunities related to diversification also exist in the areas of alcohol, ethanol, and liquid sugar, and those could be examined. In maximizing the opportunities from diversification, Comrade Speaker, GuySuCo should not fail to embrace the public/private partnership concept. Comrade Speaker, I believe that these practical proposals can be the basis to effectively serve to bolster the Industry’s revenue. Cde Speaker, for those who are obsessed with taking the de-nationalisation route, let us be reminded of the industry’s importance to our country:1. It employs the largest number of workers in the country, some 16,000 persons; 2. Its factories facilitate the canes grown by about 2,000 farmers; 3. All told, about 120,000 Guyanese, whether as employees, cane farmers, suppliers of materials, service providers and their dependents, benefit tangibly from the industry; 4. As the largest nett foreign exchange earner, the industry accounts for a significant proportion of our country’s annual foreign exchange earnings; 5. A significant proportion of the industry’s revenue is circulated locally, thus enhancing all businesses; 6. The industry’s expansive drainage network throughout the sugar belt facilitates the drainage of many surrounding villages; 7. The yearly training of skilled graduates from the Port Mourant School benefits many enterprises in the country; 8. And, Comrade Speaker, what future would our famous Demerara Rum have without our sugar industry. The foregoing demonstrates the industry’s enormous reach, and some of its interests spread throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. Maybe this is what prompted Prime Minister Nagamootoo to say, at the National Cane Farmers Conference on August 14, 2015 that, “The focus is to make sugar work. We have too many workers who stand to lose with the collapse of the indusCOMBAT: August/September 2015

try; so it is no question that we have to make it work” I wish to emphasize that the sugar industry ought not to be seen only from a bottom line dollar position, but from a comprehensive, macro and holistic position of what it contributes to our social life and the nation. This fact justifies our financial intervention, which is not unusual, as several developed and developing countries subsidize, as necessary, their vital agricultural industries. Comrade Speaker, fellow Members of Parliament, an internet search on state support to sugar industries will bring up some really interesting information, like “Today, Brazil spends at least US2.5 billion on sugar subsidies. Brazil has repeatedly bailed out a domestic sugar industry that struggles despite all subsidies. Thailand, another major exporter of sugar, pursues similar policies.”… And another statement says:- “that more than 100 countries produce sugar and subsidize its production and export”… Comrades, those who refer disparagingly to our sugar industry need to remember the sugar levy, whereby GuySuCo, for two (2) decades, between 1976 and 1996, forked out US$286.49 million, or G$58.73B in today’s terms to the State as levy. Before the industry’s nationalization in 1976, a significant sum as a sugar levy was extracted too. Moreover, some G$25B would have reached the Government’s coffers arising from the EU sugar sector budget support programme, some of which is yet to reach the right place – the sugar industry. Cde Speaker, Comrades, we should not be shortsighted and go for unsound solutions and support miniaturizing or downsizing our sugar industry. Instead, as Guyanese, let us all seek to save it and let us build on the economic foundation that was created, especially over the past twenty-three (23) years. Region #3 Comrade Speaker, as a Regional Member of Parliament representing Region #3 – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara – it will be remiss of me should I not reflect on this important Region. I must express my disappointment that the region, which is the third most populous in our country, boasting some 107,416 residents, has had its capital programme unnecessarily curtailed this year. And according to the estimates presented, approximately G$202M were allocated for this purpose. This is a significant de-

cline from the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) revised Budget in June, 2015 of G$306M. Indeed, the dramatic cut would tremendously hamper the region’s capital work programme and prevent it from adequately fulfilling the demands of the many residents. Due to this reduction, we can expect to see deterioration of important roads and bridges; and in the health sector, purchases of important medical equipment will be affected. The slash will also affect progress in Region Three. I must also mention, Comrade Speaker, the state of the main access bridge to Patentia Housing Scheme, which collapsed in May this year. I understand that a resident’s petition seeking the construction of a new bridge was sent to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. I wish to take the opportunity to urge the responsible minister to heed this request and to ensure the necessary funding to have a new bridge constructed as soon as possible. I also wish to request that immediate attention through remedial work be brought to bear on the roads along the West Bank of Demerara including the two (2) Canals Polders. I urge the Government to work towards the complete rehabilitation of the entire West Bank Demerara road through follow-up work that has already been done by the PPP/C. Comrade Speaker, over recent years, like other Regions, Region Three (3) has seen economic expansion and growth, resulting in a robust and thriving economy. This was due to the work of the regional council and the encouragement and inputs of the PPP/C administration. This is a trend that should continue. I, like the other citizens of that region, would remain alert to ensure that the gains made thus far in the raising of people’s living standards do not unravel due to neglect, or for whatever reason. Conclusion Before I end my contribution, Comrade Speaker, allow me a comment on the Old Age Pension issue which was also referred to by my other colleagues. The majority of beneficiaries of Pension were our working people. As one involved in Trade Unionism, I am very despondent and displeased that the Gov’t has indulged in a ‘give and take’ approach. This is not any new approach; this is reminiscent of age-old capitalist trickery. What appears to be an increase in my layman’s calculation represents instead a shortfall of $1,333 every month for every pensioner, if we take into account the promised $15,000 and the withdrawals of electricity and water subsidies. Comrade Speaker, as I said at the beginning of my contribution, the Budget address, though long, is very short on fulfillment of promises made to the Guyanese people. If broken promises are indications of what lies ahead for our country and our pensioners, our workers, our farmers and our business people, then we are looking at what may not be so promising a future. Comrade Speaker, I hope that it will not be so. Already, certain tasks confront our nation, one important task being to ensure the return of democratic elections – a task, if not achieved, will almost certainly affect our national unity, our prestige abroad, our development performance, and our dignity as a people. Comrade Speaker, I look forward to seeting this new Parliament take the necessary steps to correct our democratic deficit and set about on a new, INDEPENDENT course of Progress and Prosperity. Thank you Page Six

Guyana’s Sugar Industry – its challenges and future - snippets of GAWU’s presentation to the Sugar C.O.I. the Union proposes that consideration be given to fields closest to factories to increase yields. Later, focus can be expanded outwards to farms farther away from the factory. The spin-off benefits with implementation of such concepts are many. C.O.I Chairman Vibert Parvatan and GAWU’s President Komal Chand greeting each other; sitting, from Factory left, are NAACIE General Secretary Kenneth Joseph; GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine, and GLU Recovery reGeneral Secretary Carvil Duncan prior to the Union’s presentation on August 03, 2015 quires reguThe Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union lar atten(GAWU), arising from an invitation of the Sugar Com- tion: To improve factory recovery from current levels, mission of Inquiry (C.O.I.), appeared before the body a mechanically-reliable factory, efficient equipment and on August 03 and 08, 2015. GAWU was accompanied by a continuous supply of cane are essential. To guarantee the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial mechanical reliability, timely replacement with quality and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) and the Guyana components is advised. Clearly, an injection of funds Labour Union (GLU), two (2) sister unions in the sugar will also be needed. industry. NAACIE and the GLU made separate presenReduce Cost – an on-going objective: It is recognized tations to the COI. A summary of the Union’s eighteen- that operating cost in the Industry is high. Agriculture (18)-page presentation is as follows:operations are wide-ranging, and thus account for the Sugar has a long and rich history in Guyana. Indeed, it highest cost in the industry. Without affecting the operais indispensable from our country’s history. Currently, tions of this sector, inputs such as fuel, fertilizers, chemithe Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is experienc- cals and equipment need an examination to determine ing severe challenges. The Union recognizes and empha- effectiveness to increase output and quality. Timeliness sizes the fact that GuySuCo provides direct employment of operations can also result in reduced costs. for at least 16,000 Guyanese and indirect employment The cost of factory operations varies with operating for several thousands more. The impact of the Industry time. During non-productive time (no-cane), costs inon village economies and life along Guyana’s coastland crease as the operation becomes reliant on power from and the national economy as a whole must not be over- fossil fuel. A close examination of each department is looked. The GAWU welcomes this approach to collec- required to staunch wastage. tively seek to come up with dispassionate and workable Revenue from existing capacity: GuySuCo should not solutions to turn the industry around. continue to produce low grade bulk sugar for refining as Cane Production and Quality: GuySuCo, in the re- its core business. The Company should maximize outcent past, has not adhered to best agricultural practices put from existing capacity to improve revenues. Other and procedures required for cultivation of sugar cane in revenue streams from existing installed capacity must be Guyana. In the Union’s view, several factors contributed, maximized. such as: poor tillage; increasing percentage of old raTo maximize gains from value added production with toons; significant reduction of land under flood fallow; existing capacity, the Union proposes that GuySuCo poor quality seed material; non-achievement of planting takes a decision to convert all sugar produced at Blairprogramme; arbitrary adjustment to fertilizer regime; mont and Enmore into direct consumption packaging untimely weed control; harvesting immature cane; har- for retail sale. This will guarantee a minimum of 45,000 vesting of over mature cane; poor in-field drainage; tonnes of value added sugar per year. and poor in-field supervision. A detailed programme Engagement of Stakeholders: The Government of designed to address the mentioned areas will certainly Guyana (GoG), the Management of GuySuCo and the reverse current cane yield trends. Trade Unions and the workers are all key stakeholders Low cane yields also impacted directly on supply to with a common objective for the Industry - economic factories, and obviously affects production. Factors to be viability. The Unions in the industry also insist on the examined, we believe, are: poor yields; inadequate cane importance of a satisfied workforce. All stakeholders transport equipment; maintenance of dams and roads; must endeavour to maintain the path of co-operation at and harvesting capacity. this time. Workers’ satisfaction will surely help to attain To increase cane production, quality and supply, an our objectives. Several issues affect, or can affect, perinjection of resources will be required. In addition, formance. Working conditions, safeguard of gains, reaCOMBAT: August/September 2015

sonable remuneration are the obvious. The Union looks forward to better relations at this time. Our joint efforts can bring back viability of the industry. Sustained Modernisation: In transitioning the Industry from a “Sugar” Industry to a “Sugar Cane” Industry, a sustained modernization programme with required funding is needed for agriculture and factory. Any modernization programme ought to be driven through robust research and development, especially in key areas of operation, such as Agriculture and Factory. Given the uniqueness of Guyana’s conditions, modernization must be done in that context. Agriculture Operations: The conversion of fields to accommodate mechanization should continue with guidance from an active research department. It may require more focus and, along the way, management may see the need to consult with the Union. GAWU supports phased mechanization; however, it must be carefully planned and executed Factory Operations: A detailed upgrading programme for all factories must be formulated, to allow for accommodation of mechanized harvest, increased energy efficiency, production of higher quality product, and production of diverse products. That programme should equip factories to produce: very high pol (VHP) sugar; new lines of Value-Added sugar; liquid sugar; electrical power; alcohol (extra neutral alcohol, bulk rum and anhydrous alcohol); and fertilizer. Mitigation of Climate Change: It is a fact that Guyana is experiencing erratic weather, and this has obvious consequences on agricultural activities. Erratic weather has contributed to reduced opportunity days. It is imperative, in GAWU’s view, that the industry develops a vibrant plan to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Such plan should include, but not be limited to:- increased drainage capacity; high drainage field layouts; expansion of capacity to counter reduced opportunity time; cane varietal development; and flexible plan to capitalize on opportunity time. Skeldon Sugar Modernization Project (SSMP): There have been many commentaries on Skeldon and proposals for a way forward. The GAWU is convinced that GuySuCo Inc. has taken steps, or is in the process of taking steps, to address the real problems affecting sugar recovery. The Union, at this stage, has never been more optimistic that investments made thus far will yield results of improved sugar recovery. The concept of SSMP prior to realization was high efficiency and low cost estate to mitigate the challenges posed by a changing sugar regime. That concept holds true today. It is therefore imperative that SSMP remains within GuySuCo’s structure. Conclusion The decline in prices for raw bulk sugar, coupled with high levels of inefficiency in production, failure to modernize fast enough and underperformance of Skeldon, is cause for the present state of unsustainability of GuySuCo Inc. However, experience teaches us that the industry can rebound from unsustainability. If pursued, our proposals will certainly help in bringing about the desired improvement. As to privatization, we passed through that era. For the workers, that era was painful, bloody, brutal and ruthless; and the industry gave us several martyrs out of the many struggles that took place. We do not need to go back to that time. Page Seven

Sugar industry remains one of the main pillars of our economy - says GAWU President, Komal Chand during 2015 budget debate try, in the past, has confronted very difficult challenges, and it has demonstrated its resilience in rising again; and again and I am confident, it will do so yet again. Despite the challenges in past times, whether under private ownership or in the post-nationalization period, whether under the respective PNC or PPP/C Governments, the industry was supported and overcame its difficulties, and it thrived. And, when it thrived, the records will show it made a substantial contribution to our economy and our national life generally.

Cde Komal Chand

Comrade Speaker, I rise to make my contribution to the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU-AFC) Government’s maiden Budget, which continues the trend of growth in projected expenditure when compared to the previous year’s Budget. In the almost three hours and forty-five minutes of Minister Winston Jordan’s presentation, I, too, am of the view that the Government is not going to live up to, and deliver on, many of the promises that were made to the electorate during the recent General and Regional Elections campaign. I must say, Comrade Speaker, that the length of the presentation is no substitute for the expectations which certainly will be unfulfilled. Comrade Speaker, my contribution to these debates will reflect mainly on the sugar industry. The Minister of Finance, in his Budget address, said inter alia: “The economic well-being of the sugar industry is critical to the protection of jobs and growth of the economy, as well as the contribution it makes to GDP, exports and foreign exchange”. Later, he went on to say: “Whatever path the industry takes, it is vital for the sake of the national economy that it remains viable and able to compete in an increasingly competitive and volatile global market.” Indeed, Comrade Speaker, our sugar industry is deeply rooted in our society, and it continues to be one of the main pillars of our country’s economy. The Minister correctly recognized this. I recall, some years ago, when the then sugar factory and cultivation of Versailles and Schoon Ord Estate were abruptly closed, there were severe consequences for the field and factory workers, despite the absorption of a small number of them in the employ of Wales Estate and Versailles Dairy Farm. I draw attention to this experience to remind us of the disruption and harsh results that await workers and their families if this industry is not safeguarded. I have expressed before, and do so again, that the sugar indus-

Comrade Speaker, I do not think I have to belabour the point of the importance and of the contribution of this industry to our country during colonial times, and also since our Independence forty-nine (49) years ago. All our previous Heads of State have acknowledged this fact. The APNU/ AFC Presidential Candidate on the campaign trail, now President David Granger, is reported to have said in reference to the sugar industry “There is no quick-fix, but we are not going to dissolve the industry… it is too big to fail”. This is a positive approach to the industry in our given circumstances, and a clear commitment of support at this time. It is within this context that, I believe, the Budget has allocated the sum of G$12B to the sugar industry this year. This boost, on approval by this National Assembly, I urge should be promptly released to the ailing Corporation to assist it to cover and defray its several expenditures. As is well known, the PPP/C has a consistent record of support of the industry, resulting, over recent years, in an improvement of the life and working conditions of its workers. Now, too, the PPP/C would readily support assistance to the sugar Corporation. Importantly, too, Comrade Speaker, I recognize that the industry needs adequate resources to return it to a self-financing state, and later to profitability. With this in mind, I reiterate the call that the sum of G$4.76B arising from the EU sugar sector Budget support programme be transferred to the industry soon after its receipt, to be used to improve the industry’s capacity. Comrade Speaker, concern for the Industry’s future has re-emerged at this time. Will it be truncated, or will the current Commission of Inquiry, which is tasked to “investigate and inquire into the current state of cane cultivation, production and marketing of sugar, molasses and other by-products ,including power” come up with realistic proposals to make the industry once again buoyant. Our concern relates to a letter on the Commission of Inquiry’s work in one of the newspapers, wherein the writer stated, among other things, “recently-appointed Chairman of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is of the opinion that the $200 million estate [referring to Skeldon Estate] should be sold or used for other purposes”. Coupled with what the Chairman of the Board of GuySuCo said, I have sensed that the Minister of Finance, in his Budget address, seemed to be uncertain of the path the industry will take. Such statements do not provide a feeling of confidence in the industry’s future. I

should point out that the Unions in the industry, as well as we on this side do not agree with the divestment of the industry, fully or partially. Indeed, Cde Speaker, it may even be not economically sound in today’s circumstances- challenging as the situation is - I believe, with commitment and adequate resources, there are quite capable Guyanese who, with the existing workforce, can surely turn the industry around. We insist that this industry, as a state entity, has a positive future, and its viability can be secured. The industry has great potential which needs to be pursued diligently. Co-generation is one such potential. In India, Brazil and several other countries, electricity generation is the main earner for many sugar factories. Such investments make sense, as they provide electricity at a reasonable cost while being a renewable source of energy – a real contribution not only to a Green Economy, but above all, to a Green Guyana – very much in keeping with this year’s budget theme. With the seeming and unwise abortion of the Amaila Falls hydropower project, the sugar industry’s wasteful bagasse can play a major role in supplementing our nation’s energy production. Importantly, the Skeldon Co-Generation facility is testimony of the value of Co-generation, and I welcome efforts for this facility to be returned as a Corporation asset. I believe that the industry, too, should increase its output of Direct Consumption sugars for sale in the local, regional and Diaspora markets. The Corporation has the possibility to have no less than 45,000 tonnes of value added sugar available, at this time, for sale from its Blairmont and Enmore packaging plants annually. The prices for this type of sugar in those markets are by far greater than the price for our raw sugar sold in the EU market. Continued on page six

New GuySuCo Board appointed The Government of Guyana has appointed a new Board of Directors of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) with effect from July 01, 2015. The new Chairman is renowned economist and Emeritus Professor Clive Thomas. Other members of the board Professor Clive Thomas are Earl John, Anthony Vieira, Louise Bouyea and George Jervis. General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine, was also named as a Board Member. He, however, declined to serve, having taken into account that he is a top union functionary and thus a conflict of interest would arise. He advised the Minister of Agriculture that the Union should be given the opportunity to select a representative.

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