Combat - 01 July - 15 September, 2018

Issue#4 Volume#39

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

EDITORIAL

Sugar divestment Newspaper advertisements have indicated that the process of selling the now-closed Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara estates has commenced. At this time, the NICIL-SPU, which is charged with leading the divestment process, has begun to invite interested investors to indicate their interest in acquiring East Demerara Estate. The advertisement, for us, is both interesting and revealing. From the advertisement, in the media, NICIL-SPU has said that East Demerara is a worthwhile investment from a number of perspectives.

01 July - 15 September, 2018

GAWU President tells sugar conference:

Estate closures a most heartless decision

According to the advertisement which appeared in the media, East Demerara estate “…offers an attractive investment opportunity for sugar producers, including opportunities to enter into new products such as co-generation, alcohol, ethanol, branded brown packaged sugar and refined sugar, amongst others, in a hurricane-free zone.”. The estate has a “…60,000 tonnes’ sugar capacity factory, sugar packaging house and warehouses; inventories, equipment and rolling stock and long-term lease tenure…of 6,900 hectares of arable lands…”.

Interested parties were also told that there “…will be the advantage of operating a sugar factory, with packaging warehouse and fields in five-hectare plots each next to water transport system.” There will also be access to a “well established research facility and nursery with several cane varieties and a local pool of experienced factory management and well-educated workforce.” It was also explained that the estate will offer 85% mechanization from mechanical tillage/ planting to harvesting and excellent drainage and irrigation systems, with new pumps.

It therefore befuddles us that if East Demerara estate which possessed the several positive characteristics, some of which were shared by the Union, why was consideration even given to closing the estate in the first place. The GAWU did inform the Government that it understood that the recommendation to close the estates identified for closure stemmed from a long-held intention of a former senior GuySuCo official to close the estates in question.

The Union shared its understanding that the personality in question, since the early 1990s, had recommended that the estates be closed, but those suggestions were proven incorrect by the then Board and Management of the Corporation. Unfortunately, it seemed that the individual never let go of the ignominious closure desire and, from all impressions, many years later found a listening ear.

Continued on page two (2) COMBAT 01 Jul - 15 Sep, 2018

Attendees, including sugar workers, GuySuCo officials, politicians, trade unionists, diplomats, and others from all walks of life participated in the GAWU one-day conference - Sugar too big to fail - on September 04, 2018

I wish to join our esteemed Chairman in extending a warm welcome, and to express our appreciation that so many of you have accepted our invitation to be with us for this one-day Conference, as we reflect on our sugar industry – one of our nation’s most critical economic endeavours. The convening of this Conference at this time, we believe, is important, as it provides us an opportunity to reflect on whether the right decisions regarding the industry were made; what can be done to overcome the difficulties the industry now faces, and how we can approach the future to ensure its sustainability and viability. Such considerations are important, as the industry still is, in spite of sugar’s haphazard and callous minimization, our country’s single largest employer. As a stateowned enterprise, serious consideration must always be given to the lives of the thousands of Guyanese whom its operations touch.

As has been said time and again, the sugar industry occupies a significant place in our nation, and it is unique from many points of view. The GAWU has recognized in recent times that some have sought to downplay its importance and to confine its role merely within the ambit of profit and loss. On the other hand, the GAWU contends that we cannot ignore the widely known fact that any examination of the industry cannot be confined to such a narrow outlook. Sugar has transcended mere finance, and has become a social institution in our society. Some have argued that this should not be the case, but the reality is that its importance stretches beyond a black-and-white notion of profitability.

Sugar’s status in Guyana is not unique by any means.

The GAWU has recognized that, across the world, industries and enterprises have grown beyond a mere source of employment to become centres for the sustenance of entire communities. Decision makers have always recognized the importance of these industries, and they seek to protect, encourage and assist them to remain viable and operable, especially when one considers the consequences of them becoming non-existent. Literally, these industries are “too big to fail”.

As we take stock of those factors, the sending home of some 7,000 workers over the last two (2) years, without any plan to address their welfare and loss of their livelihood, clearly has to be among the most callous of decisions ever made by any Government in our country in our over half a century of independence. The Government, by its very actions, has seriously affected communities; has shattered the hopes of the youth, and has pushed thousands of Guyanese into misery-filled lives.

Today, many of the workers who have been placed on the breadline remain right there, unable to find steady jobs, and in some cases, any job at all. Today, the hopes nurtured from such talk as “sugar will never die” or “we will fix sugar”, heard boisterously during the 2015 elections campaign, have been dashed. It is most upsetting that this approach had been taken, especially recognizing that it was not necessary in the first place, and that there were very good and real possibilities to overcome the difficulties in the sugar industry.

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Estate closures... most heartless... shutter estates. The clearly heartless, and some would say ruthless, approach to the sugar workers and their families represents one of the saddest periods in the history of our country. Can you believe that many workers are still to receive their full severance payment, which is a blatant contravention of our laws?

Continued from page one (1) Indeed, when one looks at the advertisements placed in the media regarding the sale of the closed estates, one cannot help but be convinced that closure was the wrong decision. The nowclosed and for-sale estates, which had been described as irretrievable with several spurious justifications advanced, are now being labelled as attractive investment opportunities. Investors are being told that the estates have the potential to pursue co-generation, alcohol, ethanol, packaged sugar, and refined sugar, among other things. We see interested parties being advised, for instance at East Demerara, that there is “…the advantage of operating a sugar factory with packaging warehouse and fields in five-hectare plots each next to water transport system.”

There will also be access to a “well established research facility and nursery with several cane varieties and a local pool of experienced factory management and well-educated workforce.” It was also touted that the estate will offer 85% mechanization from mechanical tillage/planting to harvesting and excellent drainage and irrigation systems with new pumps.

It therefore is incomprehensible to the rational thinker that an enterprise with such obvious advantages was even identified for closure in the first place.

The GAWU cannot help but wonder whether these clearly seen features did not leap out at our decision-makers and cause them to second-guess whether they were being properly advised or being led astray.

We must emphasize once again our dismay that the decisions for the sugar industry were implemented without any sort of study done to have a full understanding of the consequences of the decisions to COMBAT 01 Jul - 15 Sep, 2018

In the period, following the announcement that Wales would be closed at the end of 2016, we of the GAWU felt that the workers’ struggles were indeed history-making and that this period will be examined, studied and discussed by future generations. For the many thousands whose lives depend on the industry, this was a rude awakening, as it seemed the Administration just woke up and decided that it would miniaturize the sugar industry through estate closures and divestment, and, in the process, denying thousands a livelihood. Moreover, rubbing salt onto the fresh wound, they

could not say with any firmness what alternatives they were prepared to put in place. It was disturbing news.

The GAWU’s immediate reaction to the Government’s position was one of disagreement. Similar views were also expressed by the NAACIE, our sister union in the sugar industry, and the political opposition, along with widespread disagreements coming from individuals in all walks of life. Our Union advanced what we felt were creditable and convincing reasons for the industry to be retained. And, to that end, we provided a road map outlining the path to make the industry viable and sustainable. The Government, up to this time, has not told us officially or through public pronouncements, that our ideas were unworkable or improper. The Administration’s silence

says a mouthful. Interestingly, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), in its recent ruling, strongly advocated that the Government should have answered GAWU on its proposals.

The GAWU also recognized that the workers did not give up hope. They stood up and defended militantly their jobs, their families and their communities. They demonstrated an indomitable will to succeed and to call attention to their plight. Their laudable actions to counter the deathly hands of the State on their jobs and livelihood found sincere sympathy among a wide section of Guyanese and also from several overseas organisations. Their sustained struggles brought several allies, who spoke up in their defense in the press, on social media and elsewhere. This is a monumental achievement, and one that workers should take great pride and solace in.

Workers’ marches, protests, picketing exercises, press conferences, public meetings, legal challenges, the raising of the issue in the Parliament, and other activities without a doubt, in our view, prompted the Administration to re-think their hardened position. The closure position has seemingly now been aborted, and the Government has decided to divest estates; which arguably is the lesser of two evils, but not necessarily the best solution. While we know this is not the outcome that neither the workers nor the GAWU wanted, the workers can hold their heads high and once again recognize an abiding lesson of working-class history. That is, that in authoritarian, class divided societies, the elites holding the reins of power, never or hardly ever ensure justice for the working-class.

Thus the struggle for real pro-working

people change must continue.

Let us take heart in the knowledge that time is the greatest judge. We are sure it will endorse the justness of our struggles and, moreover, correct the injustices of today. History and future generations of Guyanese will condemn harshly those who advanced, approved and implemented the plans which affected so many ordinary people. The times, though difficult and distressing, must not daunt us, but indeed impel us to more determined activities. We of the GAWU pledge to continue to represent the workers’ cause, to bring greater attention to the workers’ plight, and to press for effective support and solidarity for their cause.

Comrades, as we reflect and discuss over the next few hours, our Union could not ignore President David Granger informing the public, at his press conference on August 31, that the Government has a clear vision for sugar. For the GAWU and the workers of the industry, the President’s bold statement was a surprise. A cursory look at the Government’s approach to sugar reveals a far from clear approach. In the three (3) years of the Granger Administration, we have seen the Government closing estates despite its own Commission of Inquiry saying that it shouldn’t.

We have seen plans to transform cane cultivations to other ventures failing miserably. We have seen the Government saying it would divest estates it previously decided to close without any explanation for the change of course. We have seen the sugar corporation substantially stripped of its assets and its shares transferred. We also cannot forget the imbroglio regarding the Board of Directors. Neither can it escape our attention that the industry has borrowed thirty billion Guyanese dollars without a plan – akin to being up the river without a paddle. Is this the clear future the President speaks of?

The GAWU is clear. We want the industry to succeed, as a large number of Guyanese depend on its operations. We have seen the ramifications of the vacuum created by sugar but success must involve a collaborative and comprehensive approach. There is no singular magic bullet, but hard work, commitment, knowledgable personnel, and of course a motivated workforce – factors which are critical elements in overcoming the difficulties, as we have done time and again.

PAGE TWO

Closure of estates was a Sugar too big to fail - Harmon political decision - Jagdeo

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, in his remarks to the GAWU’s “Sugar too big to fail” conference on September 04, 2018, charged that the Administration’s decision to shutter sugar estates and put some 7,000 workers out of jobs was politcally motivated. Jagdeo pointed out that the closure decisions were made in a vaccuum, as there was no feasiblity study, no social impact assessment, nor an economic study to get a full understanding of the implications of the decisions that were taken. He said, “...it is a fallacy that the decision to send home 7,000 sugar workers and close estates was somehow grounded in theortical work... it is a fallacy that there was a process of consultation as crucial decisions were made about such a large sector”. Taking those factors into account, the Opposition Leader went on to say “...that the decision to close sugar estates and fire 7,000 workers was a political decision”.

On the industry’s debt, Jagdeo said the Government had repeatedly pointed to the sum of $82B but he countered that the figure was a deliberate distortion.

The Opposition Leader said a significant part of the money was for long-term debt and liablities, while only about $17B

represents short term debt. Of that sum, Jagdeo noted, $7B was owed to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), thus the short-term debt was really $10B. He said “[i]t is not true that sugar cannot be restored in the future. It’s not true that sugar cannot be made profitable. If we work real hard and we look at the multidimensional contributions of sugar to the economy, we, will through an economic analysis, [demonstrate] that sugar makes a bigger contribution to Guyana than the subsidy it gets in this difficult period”.

The Opposition Leader added “...we can find all the money now to help the industry in budget 2018”. He shared that the losses at the Gold Board and tax write off given to one private enterprise were more than sufficient to keep the entire industry going for several years. Jagdeo said it’s not an issue of affordiblity, but political will.

The Opposition Leader urged the Government to be transparent in its arrangements regarding the sector, and urged that the workers and their organisations be meaningfully involved in charting the industry’s future as he called on the Government to honour its outstanding lawful severance obligations to the workers.

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ant economic and social concerns that should have been taken onboard.

Sugar divestment

But that aside, it goes to show that the closure decision was patently wrong, and there were several opportunities to redeem the estates and, by extension, the industry’s fortunes. The fact that GuySuCo has now embraced several of GAWU’s proposals to secure the remaining stateowned estates demonstrates that the Union was on the right track. In our view, the advertisement goes to demonstrate that there wasn’t any careful consideration given to the decisions taken.

It seems to give credence to the widely held view that political considerations had overridden the many other importCOMBAT 01 Jul - 15 Sep, 2018

While many of the facts as spelt out by the advertisement were visible to the naked eye, the ignorance of them should be something that heightens our concern and worry. This is clearly not the way any Administration should administer the affairs of the state. Such a governance approach can never ever be helpful in turning the wheels of progress. Apart from the economic impacts, as significant as they are, such an approach cannot be helpful to the important task of reducing poverty and destitution in our society.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, in his remarks to the Union’s Conference on September 04, 2018, said, “[t]he phrase “too-big to fail” means or may be applied to an entity or business that is so important that its principals must take measures to prevent it from going bankrupt or out of existence. If there is an entity in Guyana that suits this definition, it is GuySuCo, and by extension the sugar industry”. The State Minister went on to say that the issues of the Guyana Sugar Corporation and the sugar industry are not taken lightly by the Government of Guyana as he noted that the Government has a clear direction in which the industry must go.

Minister Harmon said that the Administration, on its assumption to office, made a decision that this important national institution, the largest single employer

in Guyana, needed a closer look, and a carefully considered policy to ensure its survival and a return to viability. This, he said, was clear, since the Administration was dealing with lives, real human situations that translated into ‘day to day’ bread and butter issues.

Minister Harmon shared that the Government is of the view that the industry can survive. He said the Government is committed to ensuring that it survives.

The Government he said was committed to continue working with the Unions and all stakeholders, to ensure that this sugar industry survives and that the lives and livelihoods of those workers who continue to be in the industry, and those who will be employed when the industry is divested in a certain way, continue to be of paramount consideration

Workers are the biggest victims of reform - UNIFOR President President of UNIFOR, Jerry Dias, in his address to the “Sugar too big to fail” conference, shared that his presence was deeply personal. He shared with the Conference his Guyanese roots, and said he has closely followed the unfolding situation in the sugar industry. Dias was very critical of the decisions to minimize the sugar industry. He said he could not understand why the Government took such a decision, especially considering the social ramifications. The UNIFOR President said he was at a loss to understand why the Government did not pursue a social impact assessment. He stressed this would have provided critical information in Government’s decision-making. He said he understood the trials and travails the workers and their families now face, and related it to similar situations Canadian workers have faced and are still facing. He said his experience

globally is that countries are supporting industries they recognize are important to the economy, as they have a direct bearing on the social well-being of the country and its people. Dias pointed to the support the US Government is giving to its agricultural industry, as it recognized the importance of that industry to the country. He said, “[t]hose who take you down this road must be accountable–accountable for the business decisions that will redistribute the revenues from public assets to private interests”. The UNIFOR President shared that, generally, when such industries are privatized, the biggest victims are the workers. He pledged that his Union will continue to work along with GAWU and lend support and solidarity, as he announced that his Union has provided support to GAWU to pursue training of workers in these changing times.

PAGE THREE

Govt’s approach to sugar - clearly confusing - GAWU retraces a clearly disastrous approach

As the GAWU was finalizing its preparations for its one-day conference titled “Sugar – too big to fail” on September 04, 2018, the Union recognised that President David Granger, at his inaugural press conference for the year, addressed the sugar industry, among other things. According to a report in the September 02, Guyana Times, President Granger is quoted to have said “[s] o there is a future for sugar, a very clear future”. The statement by the President, which on the surface, appears to be rational is however far from the reality. Since President Granger became our country’s leader, his Government’s approach to the sugar industry has been the furthest from clear.

The nation will recall, weeks after being sworn into office, the APNU+AFC Government established a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the sugar industry. That CoI, which cost millions of dollars and spent hundreds of man hours:- reviewed voluminous information; to received testimony and submissions from several individuals and organisatons; and had a firsthand look at all the estates, and to interact with workers and managerial personnel. The Commission came to the unambiguous conclusion that no estate must be closed, taking account of the social fallout. Furthermore, the CoI went on to identify several sugar diversification initiatives that could turn the industry around.

It seems that the Sugar CoI report, findings and recommendations were not seriously considered, and before the report had an opportunity to gather any dust, the Granger Administration, in January, 2016, announced that Wales Estate would be closed at the end of that year. The Minister of Agriculture and the GuySuCo, at that time shared that Wales Estate would serve as the launching pad for the state-owned sugar company’s re-entry into other crops’ pursuits. The workers and the Guyanese people were told that ventures would be pursued in rice, aquaculture, dairy farming, orchard, livestock, among other things. The Administration was reminded of the disastrous results that were experienced and the heavy losses incurred during the Corporation’s last excursion in these areas. Sadly, today, nearly two (2) years have gone by since Wales’ closure, and apart from a seed paddy experiment which has had less than desirable results, nothing else has taken place, save and except the loss of hundreds of jobs; the forced abandonment of the fields by scores of cane farmers; and the pauperization of the West Bank of Demerara.

Not too long after the Wales’ closure announcement, in early 2016, President Granger, on his now defunct Public Interest programme, had said he didn’t believe that any more estates would be closed. Within weeks of the President’s statement, the GuySuCo informed GAWU and NAACIE that LBI Estate had to be closed to consolidate and make viable the operations of East Demerara Estate. As a result of that closure, scores of workers, as we subsequently saw, were shown the door. But then, on the last day of 2016, the Government told the workers’ unions and the political opposition, that it had to close the very East Demerara Estate (Enmore) which, weeks prior, was said to be viable through the closure of LBI Estate. As history now records, the Government, at that time, indicated that it also wanted to COMBAT 01 Jul - 15 Sep, 2018

close Rose Hall Estate and would divest itself of Skeldon Estate, but wanted to hear from the unions and the opposition firstly before committing itself to a decision.

Though our Union had doubts in the sincerity of the Government’s commitment, we nevertheless provided a submission which took account of empirical information from several studies and the CoI report, and demonstrated that the industry could be saved and closure and divestment was not a necessary recourse.

Our submission also warned about the social consequences that would befall thousands of Guyanese and scores of communities, and we strongly endorsed the Opposition’s position that a credible socio-economic study should be pursued. The ‘Good Life’ Administration nevertheless adamantly pressed ahead with nothing less than a disastrous policy to minimize the sugar industry. On to this day, it has never explained why it did not endorse the GAWU submissions, something the Caribbean Court of Justice recently opined should have been done. Our Union reiterates that the Administration would be hard pressed to provide a reasonable

explanation for its rejection, especially noting that GuySuCo itself is now advocating similar ventures to make it viable.

The closure policy, as we all know, saw thousands of workers being sent home in the middle of the Yuletide Season. Incidentally, at that very time, the President was half-way around the world petting elephants.

Then after inflicting a deep wound of dismissal, salt was rubbed in when the Government blatantly ignored the provisions of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act and proceeded to withhold half severance payments from the jobless, beleagued sugar workers. The Government unashamedly said it was unaware it had to pay the workers though it made the decision to put the several thousand workers, on the breadline. That matter is now before the Courts, and the public is well aware of the gimmickry that is being engaged in by the lawyers representing GuySuCo. Then, at the end of 2017, unbeknownst to the public, the Administration substantially stripped the GuySuCo of its assets relating to the closed estates, and transferred them without liability to NICIL. Also, the shares of the Corporation were transferred to NICIL. Around the same time, the Government then announced it had

decided to divest the estates identified for closure. Interestingly, the Administration has never shared what influenced the change of course, though we suspect the workers’ strong actions and the criticisms from many organisations and individuals must be have been influencing factors. It is interesting, too, that the Administration subsequently announced it received over seventy (70) expressions of interest for estates that were previously deemed unviable and irretrievable.

Then, with all the behind-the-scene manifestations, a new GuySuCo Board of Directors was apparently appointed by NICIL, the Corporation’s new shareholder. That Board, which was announced with several full-coloured newspaper advertisements, was quickly disowned by the Government. The Administration explained it hadn’t approved the new Board though the media subsequently published a Cabinet memo which confirmed that the Government had indeed approved a new Board. The Administration, caught with its pants down, reversed gear and said the Clive Thomas-headed Board remained in charge. Well, that Board’s life came to an end since April this year, and despite several repeated promises that a new Board would be soon appointed, the GuySuCo remains, at this point in time, without a Board.

On this score, we saw the President saying that he is looking to have a competent Board appointed, though we recognise no timeline was provided.

The clear confusion regarding sugar continued when we saw musical chairs being played by the Ministers of Agriculture and Finance, with both gentlemen denying they had Ministerial responsibility for the industry. Then suddenly and without any forewarning, the Agriculture Minister announced he was in charge of GuySuCo, though no explanation, as far as we recall, was ever provided as to how the contradictions were resolved. Then the public was told that NICIL-SPU, on behalf of GuySuCo, had entered arrangements whereby it secured $30B in financing towards making the industry viable and sustainable. While GAWU welcomed the financing, we expressed, at the same time, our serious concern that no clear plan had been advanced to guide the expenditure of this large sum, which is repayable with interest.

Then, most recently, we saw Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, saying that the Government was giving consideration to the sale of the three (3) operable estates along with those which have been closed. The Minister’s announcement stands in stark contradiction to President Granger’s who is quoted in the Guyana Times report as saying “[w]e want to see the sugar industry survive… we feel… that the industry and the corporation can survive”.

Clearly and obviously, the Administration’s approach to sugar, like it has been to many national matters, has been far from clear. It seems to us that a shooting-fromthe-hip approach has been adopted, and there is no thought-out policy regarding the sugar industry. Such an approach can never be helpful, and can never provide answers to the pressing questions that would arise.

If this is what the President defines as clear, then the Guyanese people should definitely shudder when the Administration says it’s not clear on a matter.

PAGE FOUR

Plans to make sugar viable GAWU Conference stands in being accelerated - SPU Head solidarity with teachers

NICIL-SPU Head, Colvin Heath-London, addressing the “Sugar too big to fail” Conference, pointed out the advantages the industry had for success as he shared the possibilities of co-generation and white sugar. He noted that the industry has had a long, proud history and could also develop initiatives for tourism. The SPU Head said that through the recent financing secured, his Unit is seeking to accelerate plans by GuySuCo to make the industry viable. He shared that already feasibility studies have

confirmed the viability to pursue co-generation at two estates, and an examination regarding the production of plantation white sugar is currently ongoing. Heath-London also shared that the plans of his Unit had been approved by the previous GuySuCo Board, but the plan would have to be considered by a new GuySuCo Board when it is appointed. This is not pleasing news, and further adds to the confusion that stalks the sugar industry.

Private ownership has made people worst off - IUF Regional Secretary IUF Regional Secretary and First Vice President of the University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU) of Jamaica, Clifton Grant, in his presentation to the “Sugar too big to fail” conference shared the Jamaican experience following privatization. He said currently the industry employs some 3,000 workers from over 12,000 in 1993. He said Jamaican industry, which has the capacity of producing some 238,000 tonnes sugar among the five (5) factories, produced only 78,000 tonnes sugar last year. Grant

shared that in 2009, the Government of Jamaica sold three (3) factories to the Chinese owned – Pan Caribbean Sugar Company, which invested some US$200M but has virtually abandoned, the business since it has given up its cane cultivation activities and is only operating one of the three factories it purchased.

The IUF Regional Secretary said that while privatization has been held up to be a panacea, the reality is that private ownership has made the people worse off.

Sugar can succeed former GuySuCo GM

Former GuySuCo General Manager Vishnu Panday, in his presentation to the “Sugar too big to fail” conference, pointed to the critical matters the industry needs to address. He opined that should the industry’s production reach at least 300,000 tonnes sugar, the Corporation would be profitable. He urged that there needs to be a return to best agricultural practices, proper research and development, the need to pursue further mechanization, and improved collaboration with the workers. Panday lamented that the SkelCOMBAT 01 Jul - 15 Sep, 2018

don and Enmore were closed, noting that the two (2) estates were far advanced in their mechanization programmes. He informed the conference that, some years ago, when he was a manager at Enmore, that estate’s cost of production was equivalent to production costs in Brazil and Australia. Panday said he mentioned this to demonstrate that there are real possibilities for the industry to succeed, but there needs to be concerted effort and commitment.

The GAWU one-day conference titled “Sugar – too big to fail”, held on September 04, 2018 at the Grand Coastal Hotel, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, discussed the plight of the sugar workers who are now jobless, and took account of the ongoing struggles of our nation’s teachers, who are at this time seeking improved pay and working conditions. Several speakers, during their interventions, reflected on the strike action taken by the teachers at this time. Arising from those discussions, the Conference approved the following resolution in support of the teachers and their protest actions:Whereas the teachers are in the forefront of educating our nation, and whereas the wages they receive cannot sustain them and their families; Whereas this Conference on the future of the sugar industry in Guyana recognizes

the need for the improvement in the benefits of our teachers, Be it resolved that this Conference calls upon the Government to consider meeting the just demands of the teachers in an effort at ending the strike, or alternatively agree to take the dispute to arbitration.

Moving the resolution was FITUG’s President Carvil Duncan, and it was seconded by GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis, and was fully endorsed by the Conference. The GAWU also wishes to express its full solidarity and support with our nation’s teachers, who are more than justified in their demands. They, like all workers and Guyanese, are only seeking to live a comfortable and fulfilling life in which they can afford the basic necessities.

Improved tax threshold...

Continued from page thirteen (13) We recognised, too, that resources are finite and wants are infinite, and a balance must always be struck. The Federation shared with the Ministry that the Guyana Budget and Policy Institute found that “…more than $12 billion of the $17 billion in new tax revenues [went] to shore up the Government’s bureaucracy instead of better aligning public investments with social and economic needs. The total cost of running the Government increased by 29% for a total of $54 billion, the second largest share (20%) of the total budget”.

We urged the Administration to give serious attention to re-aligning its expenditure with the needs of the nation. FITUG surmised that better allocation and more proper utilization of resources could also be reached through consolidation of

services across the Government and the utilization of technology. We urged the Government should consider the consolidation of services in specialized Government departments or through tendering to capable and reputable agencies.

The Minister, in response, thanked the FITUG for its suggestions, and committed to considering them and to sharing them with his colleagues. He noted that some are workable, but noted, too, that resources are limited.

The FITUG is hopeful that the Government would favourably consider our suggestions, as we see their implementation could see Budget 2019 being deemed “The first step to the Good Life”.

PAGE FIVE

President’s remarks demonstrate Govt’s concern for sugar workers’ plight From reports appearing in several sections of the media, our Union, and more so thousands of jobless sugar workers, learnt that President David Granger reportedly said, according to the Stabroek News, “…payment of severance to thousands of ex-sugar workers is drawing funding away from services”. We found the President’s remarks most unfortunate, and we see it as yet another means to find a scapegoat for his Administration’s failure to deliver on its promises and commitments. Added to that, it serves to remind us about the Government’s uncaring and scant concern for the thousands of Guyanese who have been affected by the APNU+AFC’s ill-considered policy to minimize the sugar industry.

For us, it is saddening that while the President is going around saying that his Administration’s settlement of its statutory obligation to the workers is taking away from other areas, he seems to ignore, maybe conveniently, that he heads the largest and most expensive bureaucracy in our nation’s history. Today our people are forced to sustain fifteen (15) Ministries headed by twenty-seven (27) Ministers, who are accompanied by a platoon of advisors, assistants and other support staff.

Today our people are made to fund a super-salaried Cabinet which apart from a 50 per cent pay rise, receive superb benefits such as medical treatment in exotic locales like Ireland; stupendous allowances when travelling abroad, in addition to state-paid various services, including security and not to mention Government-provided vehicles.

Today, our people are footing the bills for the ‘greening’ of perfectly good buildings; the construction of immaculate fences; a rarely used drill square, and the hefty rental of bottom-house drug bonds. Today, while the Administration is ignoring its

the time to visit the communities of the now-closed estates, and engage the workers and their families. From those visits, he would learn from the people what the closure decision sucked away from them.

From those engagements, he would come

legal obligations to the beleaguered workers of Skeldon, Rose Hall, East Demerara, and Wales, His Excellency, now the Head of State for 40 months, has reportedly been abroad for more than 40 occasions and his Administration, this year, budgeted to expend a billion dollars on overseas travel.

Are these the priorities that the workers’ obligations are sucking from?

But more than that, President Granger, who has said he is very busy with several matters, should heed calls and find

to know that workers have serious difficulties to eat; that they are unable to pay their bills; and they simply cannot afford to send their children to school. From those visits, he would hear about the family separations and their impact; he would come to know of the physiological and physical toll of losing the only job you know about; and he would be told about emptiness that has been created since the closure. It is indeed dismaying that His Excellency seemingly cannot

find the time to visit these Guyanese who are facing the most difficult of times.

We also saw the President saying he didn’t blame the workers or the Corporation or the previous administration. We believe it would be disingenuous for the President to cast blame in that direction. The President, we hold, can only point a finger of blame at himself or his colleagues who sit around the Cabinet table with him. It was his Government that chose to shutter the estates in the first place. Certainly, the short-sighted decision gave rise to the legal obligation to pay severance to those who stood to be affected. There are no ifs, buts or maybes, and this is clear as day and without doubt. A prudent Administration would have recognized this reality and accordingly provided the payment, but as we have seen time and again, our Government continues to show us how inept and ill-considerate it can be.

We also cannot ignore, that the Administration is seemingly preparing to wash its hands of the workers and their families and their communities when and after it settles the outstanding payments. If this is indeed the case, then this would be a most disturbing development. The Government has a moral obligation to ensure that the workers and their communities return to their feet and have a sustainable future, especially recognizing that it was their decision that snatched away a livelihood from the people. This is the role of any Government, and the Administration should not ignore this important responsibility.

Govt’s anti-working-class credentials further exposed - FITUG The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), from media reports, was expressly disappointed and deeply disturbed by what seems to be another tactic deployed by the Government to frustrate the nation’s teachers and their Union’s desire to bring resolution to their demands for improved pay and enhanced conditions of work. The newest measure cannot be disconnected from several other manouvres that were embraced to prolong and delay the settlement of the long-standing dispute. It is simply upsetting that the Administration, at every possible opportunity, has sought to employ delaying tactics for reasons best known to itself. Interestingly, while the Government is seeking at every turn to procrastinate, the Guyanese people should not forget that it wasted almost no time in awarding itself princely pay rises in addition to other improvements.

COMBAT 01 Jul - 15 Sep, 2018

For the FITUG, the Administration’s rejection of the personalities proposed by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) to lead the Arbitration process without any rhyme or reason further serves to expose

our nation’s workers generally. The Federation fully upholds the GTU’s rejection of the Government’s nominees, and agree wholeheartedly that dark shadows, real or perceived, would be cast on the

the Government’s anti-working-class nature. Moreover, it goes to show the level of seriousness the Government is paying to the plight of the teachers and

Tribunal’s independence with a Government employee at the helm. It is indeed saddening that the Government has taken such a belligerent approach,

especially taking into account the sober and responsible approach the Union has adopted and maintained. The Administration’s scant concern for the workers’ plight has only been further exposed by this latest development. We agree wholeheartedly with the GTU President, Mark Lyte, who was reported in the September 16, 2018 Kaieteur News as saying that “we are doomed under this administration.” Certainly, when one looks how far workers’ rights and concerns have slipped on the Administration’s agenda, there is hardly any reason not to agree with the GTU President. The FITUG urges the Government to stop playing games, and to act responsibly and live up to its undertakings, and have the matter addressed by a credible, independent tribunal.

PAGE SIX

The lost opportunities for Wales Estate

Wales estate has been closed nearly two (2) years now and in its wake has pauperized a large section of the West Bank of Demerara. Plans by the Government to move into non-sugar activities have all but failed.

By Sasenarine Singh, MSc - Finance Changing course demands an intense focus on short-term performance, but success needn’t come at the expense of long-term values. This is what the Government of Guyana failed to achieve in its dealings with GuySuCo. In February 2016, in a newspaper interview, Agriculture Minister Mr. Noel Holder defended the move to close the Wales Sugar Estate (WSE) by claiming that it was the “beginning of a process to resuscitate the sugar industry”. He assured the nation that “there are plans in place to cushion the impact of this decision.” On May 2016, he outlines his plans to use the WSE to “rebrand and revitalize the sugar industry”. His plan was focused on converting WSE into a “national processor of dairy products, fruit juices, and rice production”. By the end of 2016, the Minister expressed his satisfaction with the progress being made on this plan to convert the WSE into a “model agricultural producer so that other areas of the sugar industry can benefit from this diversification model”.

By February 2018, very little of what the Minister promised was delivered.

The entire West Bank Demerara (WBD) area was rendered into an economic dead zone. There has been little, if any, economic resuscitation on the WBD, and the Granger Government introduced very little social cushions to support the sugar workers that were severed without any severance pay. But the most tragic development of all was that the WSE diversification plan failed. The consequence was the commencement of a process of massive destruction of asset value across the sugar belt.

My conclusion was that the plan all COMBAT 01 Jul - 15 Sep, 2018

along was to divest the entire sugar belt, but they clearly did not understand how to frame the sale. What we can observe today is that Team Granger has introduced seeds of irreversible failure in the sugar belt that will hurt the production capacity of the industry once they are in charge. Today producing less than 100,000 tonnes of sugar annually is a reality.

WHAT WAS NOT DONE WITH RESPECT TO WALES! The Granger Administration failed to make the operations at WSE more reliable by denying that estate continuous investments in growth centers such as new innovations, or its people who are critical to the value-added process. What the administration did not do was initiate balance between the short-term and long-term business decisions, both financially and organizationally.

Could an ethanol plant not be bolted on to the sugar factory? Could this ethanol not be piped across the Demerara River into the Guyoil fuel tanks to achieve a blended E-10 product at the fuel pumps, as is happening in many other countries, including the USA? This single initiative, if fully exploited, could have saved Guyana US$20 million annual by causing a reduction in the volume of fossil fuel imported from Trinidad and paid for in US dollars.

This new investment project, if priced on the international market, was valued at no more than US$4 million, and had a payback of within 10 years. In the final analysis, all the jobs at Wales could have been saved. As a bonus, some 100-150 new jobs would have been created directly in the WBD area.

Continued on page ten (10)

30 workers complete training through UNIFOR/GAWU educational project

Participants who attended the course together with Union leaders at the conclusion of the first course under the GAWU/UNIFOR training project.

On September 08, 2018, the first thirty (30) participants concluded the first stage of their training under the UNIFOR/ GAWU Educational project. The four(4)-day training session, which began on September 05, 2018, saw workers from Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt estates attending the classes at the GAWU Labour College. Through several sessions, the participants were exposed to international, regional and local developments in the sugar sector; a special presentation from GuySuCo on its plans for the sugar industry; the experiences following re-organisation of the sugar sector in the Caribbean; GAWU’s participation in national sugar discussions; the sugar industry and its relations with the economy and society; the structure and history of GAWU; review of relevant labour legislation, agreements and international conventions, among other subjects.

The participants, at the end of the training session, shared they learnt a lot, and many things they were hearing for the first time. They shared that they found the topics interesting, and the subjects were keenly followed. The participants committed to going back to their respective workplaces and communities and sharing what they learnt with workers and members of their communities. They also complimented the Union for organizing the programme, and expressed their thanks to UNIFOR for its support The participants will return for another one-week training session sometime in early 2019, at which they will share their experiences following the training programme, as well as be exposed to additional training on matters which will be beneficial to them. During the intervening period, the project has devised several strategies to remain in contact with the participants; help them to overcome any difficulties they may face; provide them

necessary material and information they would need in speaking with workers and others, among other things.

The one-year educational project, which is funded by UNIFOR’s Social Justice Fund (SJF), was launched on September 05, 2018. At that simple activity, GAWU President, Komal Chand expressed the Union’s appreciation to UNIFOR for its timely support, and encouraged participants to make full use of the training and techniques that would be taught. He also thanked the GuySuCo for its support in facilitating the paid-release of the workers to attend the training programme.

UNIFOR’s National President, Jerry Dias, said his union was pleased to lend support, as he pointed out that the participants have the ability to effect change to their benefit. He urged them to use their new-found knowledge on the ground, and share what they learnt at the workplace and in the communities. During the launching activity, brief remarks were also received from First Vice President of the University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU) of Jamaica and IUF Regional Secretary, Clifton Grant; GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis; FITUG General Secretary Dawchan Nagasar, and Project Coordinator Jorge Chullen.

The project’s attention now shifts to organizing the next course, which will be held expectedly at the end of November, 2018.

From our experiences during the initial course, some subtle changes would be made to allow for a smoother flow of the sessions. The GAWU has always strongly held that education of union members is a critical task for the Union, as it is only through our educational work that workers would have a better understanding of their rights and obligations, and thus be able to become better union members, employees and persons in society.

PAGE SEVEN

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Allende’s last speech Salvador Allende died 45 years ago in a US-backed coup. Here’s his final address, broadcasted over the radio while he was barricaded in the presidential palace.

My friends, surely this will be the last opportunity for me to address you. The Air Force has bombed the towers of Radio Portales and Radio Corporación.

My words do not have bitterness, but disappointment. May they be a moral punishment for those who have betrayed their oath: soldiers of Chile; titular commanders in chief, Admiral Merino, who has designated himself commander of the Navy; and Mr Mendoza, the despicable general who, only yesterday, pledged his fidelity and loyalty to the government, and who also has appointed himself chief of the Carabineros [national police].

Given these facts, the only thing left for me is to say to workers: I am not going to resign!

Placed in a historic transition, I will pay for loyalty to the people with my life. And I say to them that I am certain that the seed which we have planted in the good conscience of thousands and thousands of Chileans will not be shrivelled forever. They have strength and will be able to

dominate us, but social processes can be arrested neither by crime nor force. History is ours, and people make history.

Workers of my country: I want to thank you for the loyalty that you always had; the confidence that you deposited in a man who was only an interpreter of great yearnings for justice, who gave his word that he would respect the constitution and the law, and did just that. At this definitive moment, the last moment when I can address you, I wish you to take advantage of the lesson: foreign capital, imperialism, together with the reaction, created the climate in which the armed forces broke their tradition - the tradition taught by General Schneider and reaffirmed by Commander Araya, victims of the same social sector which will today be in their homes hoping, with foreign assistance, to retake power to continue defending their

profits and their privileges.

I address, above all, the modest woman of our land, the campesina, who believed in us, the worker who labored more; the mother who knew our concern for children. I address professionals of Chile, patriotic professionals, those who days ago continued working against the sedition sponsored by professional associations, class-based associations that also defended the advantages which a capitalist society grants to a few.

I address the youth, those who sang and gave us their joy and their spirit of struggle. I address the man of Chile, the worker, the farmer, the intellectual, those who will be persecuted, because in our country fascism has been already present for many hours — in terrorist attacks, blowing up the bridges, cutting the railroad tracks, destroying the oil and

gas pipelines in the face of the silence of those who had the obligation to protect them. They were committed. History will judge them.

Surely Radio Magallanes will be silenced, and the calm metal instrument of my voice will no longer reach you. It does not matter. You will continue hearing it.

I will always be next to you. At least my memory will be that of a man of dignity who was loyal to the workers.

The people must defend themselves, but they must not sacrifice themselves. The people must not let themselves be destroyed or riddled with bullets, but they cannot be humiliated either.

Workers of my country, I have faith in Chile and its destiny. Other men will overcome this dark and bitter moment when treason seeks to prevail. Go forward knowing that, sooner rather than later, the great avenues will open again where free men will walk to build a better society.

Long live Chile! Long live the people!

Long live the workers!

These are my last words, and I am certain that my sacrifice will not be in vain, I am certain that, at the very least, it will be a moral lesson that will punish felony, cowardice, and treason.

any option,” the head of the Washington-based OAS, who has been a staunch critic of Maduro, said after a New York Times report revealed United States officials had met with rogue Venezuelan army officers who were plotting to overthrow Maduro.

Bolivian President Evo Morales rapidly condemned Almagro’s remarks via Twitter, arguing that his call for a military intervention “confirms he stopped being secretary general of the OAS to become a civil agent of Trump’s coup plots.” “Attacking Venezuela is attacking Latin America,” Morales warned.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez also condemned Almagro’s statements, and said the country’s government would take them to the United Nations because they are “promoting a military intervention against our homeland and

attacking peace in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

Almagro’s hostile comments were made during a visit with Colombian President Ivan Duque, who has expressed support for the Washington-based Inter-American system, and recently withdrew Colombia from the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

“The international community is responsible, and cannot allow the existence of dictatorship in Venezuela, a dictatorship that affects the stability of the entire region,” Almagro argued. However, most Latin American governments do not favour a military invasion or a war among neighbours.

U.S. diplomatic attacks against Venezuela include U.S. failed attempts to remove Venezuela from the OAS and open calls for a military overthrow by President Donald Trump. Last year, Venezuela formally started its withdrawal procedure from the OAS, arguing it serves U.S. interests in the region and it will cease to be a member by 2019.

Almagro’s comments were also condemned by OAS member Ecuador, and even the Lima Group, which brings to-

gether fourteen right-wing governments of the region. Eleven of these governments expressed their “concern and rejection of any course of action or declaration which implies a military intervention in Venezuela”. Colombia, Guyana, and Canada abstained from signing the declaration which undermined Almagro’s remarks.

The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America - People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) also condemned Almagro.

“These statements are clear evidence of Secretary-General Almagro’s continual destabilization and intervention against the democracy and sovereignty of progressive governments in the region,” said the Executive Secretary of the ALBA-TCP in a statement.

Likewise, the Communist Party of Uruguay, Almagro’s home country, said, “This is a new example of servility and irresponsibility of Almagro, long transformed into a pawn of Yankee imperialism, in the service of the worst things.”

The party added, “(Almagro) acts as an operator for Trump, Pompeo …, and Colombia, which just entered NATO and his U.S. military bases in its territory.”

Venezuela allies, adversaries condemn Almagro over military threats

By TeleSur Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, said Friday in the border city of Cucuta, Colombia that a “military intervention aimed at overthrowing the regime of Nicolas Maduro” should not be “excluded” as an option, in controversial remarks which have drawn reaction from across the region.

“With regards to a military intervention aimed at overthrowing the regime of Nicolas Maduro, I think we should not exclude COMBAT 01 Jul - 15 Sep, 2018

PAGE EIGHT

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Suffer the little children the US-backed killing of Yemeni children continues

Children waiting to be seen at a clinic in Yemen

By George Capaccio People in the US and around the world were righteously outraged by the Trump Administration’s decision to seperate children from their parents at the US-Mexican border and dispatching them to detention centers with no assurance they will ever be reunited with their families. A perfect example of cruel and unusual punishment for the sin of seeking asylum from the very violence and chaos the US had no small role in instigating in Central American countries.

I don’t know which is worse: ripping apart immigrant families and imprisoning even little children, or enabling the Saudi-led coalition to attack and possibly destroy Yemen’s sole remaining lifeline, despite the imminent threat of starvation hanging over the heads of Yemen’s civilian population. The children, as in most conflict zones, bear the brunt of suffering in this three-year-old war between Yemen’s Houthi rebels on the one hand, and the coalition and Yemeni Government on the other. As anyone following this story is aware, the US is providing intelligence and targeting logistics, and mid-air refueling of Saudi and United Arab Emirates fighter jets. For good measure, the Trump Administration in April authorized the sale of 1.3 billon dollars’ worth of weaponry to Saudi Arabia in order to “improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to meet current and future threats and provide greater security for its border regions and critical infrastructure”.

In Yemen, the “business of killing” has been amped up by the influx of US weapons and US support of the Saudi onslaught. Though all sides in the conflict COMBAT 01 Jul - 15 Sep, 2018

have committed war crimes and human rights violations, the US and its European allies, including Spain, Italy, France, and UK, are complicit in the continuation and intensification of the war. The bombing of civilian and military targets, and the Saudi-led coalition’s severe restrictions on the delivery of food, fuel, and medical supplies have resulted in inconceivable suffering for the Yemeni people.

The UN calls it the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. The children of Yemen, like the children of Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, are paying the price of imperialist realpolitick, for which ethical, moral, or simple humanitarian considerations are more often considered obstacles to the application of force and military muscle to resolve international disputes.

When I look at photographs taken in Yemen’s hospitals of children suffering from malnutrition and what would normally be easily treatable diseases, my heart recoils. The sight of these emaciated children takes me back to paediatric wards in Iraq during the period of economic sanctions. This is what inhumanity looks like.

This is what it means to deliberately prevent children from receiving all to which they are entitled simply by having been born. A recent report from Oxfam International Yemen focuses on the humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing conflict:- more than 14,600 civilian deaths and injuries; over three million people internally displaced from the bombing and fighting; twenty-two million people (75% of the population) in need of emergency aid; seventeen million people facing food insecurity and malnutrition; eight million people on the brink of famine, and more than 1 million cases and over

2,200 deaths from this epidemic. The fighting has “massively” disrupted Yemen’s food supply, of which 90% was imported even before the war began. Because of attacks on essential civilian infrastructure, the country is barely able to provide basic services like health care and a reliable supply of potable water, thanks in part to US support.

Since the implementation of Trump’s “zero tolerance” regarding immigrants and asylum seekers crossing our southern border with Mexico, a growing number of Americans have been moved to publicly protest this policy and to call for its repeal in the name of fairness, justice, and fundamental human decency.

In a recent Tweet, Ralph Nader, a quintessential guiding light in matters concerning civic virtue, responds to former

First Ladies’ criticism of “zero tolerance”.

Would be nice if Laura Bush and Michelle Obama had expressed similar heartfelt concern for the tens of thousands of children killed or seriously maimed by the wars of their husbands in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. I don’t expect the spouses of lawbreakers like George Bush and Barack Obama to raise much of a stink about the crimes their husbands committed while in office. But I do hope that well-meaning American citizens, deeply disturbed by the unnecessary suffering inflicted on parents and children from Central America, begin to connect the dots. To my mind, the humanitarian crisis on our border with Mexico and the humanitarian crisis in Yemen may not be one in the same. But both are expressions of an identical absence of compassion and a willingness to deny the humanity of those deemed “different” for one reason or another.

Suffer the little children. Let them live.

Give them food, clothing, shelter. Give them love. Not bombs and bullets. Not the cruelty of sanctions. Not the grim prospect of war without end.

The US-led war on terrorism is creating more terrorism

By Jon Queally In the 17 years since the events of Sept.

11 2001, after which the United States declared a “global war on terror,” there has not been a terrorist attack of similar size or magnitude on American soil.

However, according to a report by the United States Institute of Peace, nations around the world have suffered a five-fold increase in terrorist attacks following the post9/11 policies unleashed by the US and its allies.

The focus of the report - titled Beyond the Homeland: Protecting America from Extremism in Fragile States - maintains a very US-centric worldview. And while it does little or nothing to critically challenge the widely criticized policies pursued by the Bush, Obama, or Trump presidencies, its tabulation of the dramat-

ic rise in destablized states and growing terrorist violence throughout the regions where the U.S. military has been most active since 2001 - namely, the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa - is nonetheless revealing.

That the so-called “global war on terror” is, in fact, creating more terrorists than it eliminates is not news.

Even the CIA has admitted that.

But 17 years after that fateful and horrifying day - and with the people of Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Chad, Yemen, and many other countries still being forced to suffer the consequences of a nearly borderless, limitless war - it remains important to once more document the futility of violence as being a solution to violence.

PAGE NINE

Credit Union shares millions to members

The 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union Co-operative Credit Union Society Limited was held on August 26, 2018 at the Society’s Registered Office, 59 High Street and Wights Lane, Kingston, Georgetown. The meeting considered, among other things, the Report of the Committee of Management which reviewed the work of the Society since its last AGM in September, 2016.

Members were pleased to learn from the Report that the audit of the financial records of the Credit Union for the financial year ended 2016 advised of surplus of $7,619,527. Attendees also heard the Report of the Auditor on the Society’s financial affairs for year ended 2016, and the report of the Supervisory Committee.

In keeping with the Society’s statutory obligations, the sum of $1,523,905 was appropriated to the Statutory Reserve Fund for 2016. Whereas the sum of $761,953 was allocated to the Co-oper-

atives Division of the Ministry of Social Protection, representing Audit and Supervision fees for 2016.

By unanimous resolution, the AGM approved the respective sums of $4,376,050 as dividends and $935,325 as interest rebate to members for transactions during the years 2016. Also, the sum of $22,294 was allocated to the Society’s Social and Entertainment Fund for the year.

The AGM elected a new Committee of Management to superintend the Society’s operations until the 24th AGM. The Committee comprises Cdes Gaietri Baron, Sattie Basdeo, Seepaul Narine, Julius Nurse, Bhikram Singh, Harvey Tambron, and Aslim Singh. At the first meeting of the Management Committee, within the next two (2) weeks, members of the Committee will elect a Chairman, a Secretary and a Treasurer.

The Supervisory Committee comprising Cdes Kavita Bishun and Hugh Caines was also elected.

CCJ judgment demonstrates...

Continued from page eleven (11) There should be adequate information on which to respond. There ought to be adequate time in which to respond. And, there must be conscientious consideration by an authority to the consultation.

Notably, several pieces of legislation require consultative engagements and thus we believe the setting out of the aforementioned parameters by the CCJ is both useful and timely.

We were also heartened to note that the CCJ recognised that “[t]he sugar industry has undoubtedly played a large part in the socio-economic development of Guyana.

Thus, its future was an issue of national importance and required vigorous discussions with all stakeholders before an informed decision could be made. In this regard, the Respondents could have engaged with the Applicants on a deeper level…”.

This is a stain of notoriety that further demonstrates the Administration’s lack COMBAT 01 Jul - 15 Sep, 2018

of concern.

While ultimately the verdict was not the one we would have preferred, the CCJ judgement, in our view, addressed several important and critical issues. The scope of the matters addressed goes to justify that our move to the Judiciary was a step in the right direction. While one section of the press, for reasons best known to them, has sought to cast aspersions, we must once again reiterate that this decision, like all others, was considered and approved by the Union’s General Council. Such unnecessary attacks on our organisation are nothing more than malicious and wicked.

The GAWU remains proud of its actions to defend and protect the workers. Our commitment is unwavering. The consequences of closure, sadly, will linger on, but the legacy of the CCJ judgment will serve all Guyana well now and in the future as well.

GuySuCo compelling Wales workers to work at Uitvlugt On August 15, 2018, some workers who ly well aware that such action is in comwere retained at Wales Estate staged a plete contravention of the Termination of picketing exercise outside of the estate, Employment and Severance Pay Act. The demanding that their right to redundan- GAWU sees the GuySuCo’s high-handed cy pay be respected. The workers were action as a wretched attempt to frustrate retained by GuySuCo and were engaged the workers, to leave their jobs after servmainly in the seed paddy experiment ing the state-owned enterprise for years which the Corporation pursued on the and thus to deny them their rightful entiformer cane tlements. fields.

On August 13, The actions 2018, withby the Corout any poration, warning, the in this case, workers were are not disinstructed similar from to report to the actions Uitvlugt Esthe compatate, some 22 ny took with miles away, respect to for work.

Wales’ cane Subsequentcutters, and Some of the workers who took part in the picketing exerly the affectwhich forced cise on August 15, 2018. GuySuCo, contrary to the law, is ed workers the Union to demanding that these workers work at Uitvlugt. This is the approached latest disregard of workers rights by the state company pursue the the Union matter at the and upon representing the issue, the Cor- judicial level. That matter, we should add, poration’s Head Office informed that the is currently being heard and despite the seed paddy operations were taken over unambiguity of the law, the Corporation

by NICIL-SPU. The Union was further continues to steadfastly hold on to its obinformed that two (2) workers would stinate position. The GAWU is dismayed be retained to maintain the Wales Estate that it must, once again, call on the Guycompound, and the remainder would be SuCo to respect workers’ rights and the sent to Uitvlugt Estate. protections afforded to them by the laws, The GAWU, taking into account GuySu- agreements, conventions and practices.

Co’s explanation, pointed out to the Corporation that the workers’ jobs have beThe question uppermost in those affectcome redundant, and therefore payment ed and concerned workers minds is when of severance has arisen. Notwithstanding this new-found anti-workers stand by the the coherent position, the Corporation authorities will come to an end? is adamant that the excess workers must take up work at Uitvlugt, we believe ful-

The lost opportunities...

Continued from page seven (7) The Government panicked because of their lack of executive experience in Government, and this led them to make some sweeping decrees that destroyed real value in the sugar belt. They should have fed-off the recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry and prioritize these recommended investment projects in a thoughtful manner. Instead, they hired a failed leader in Mr. Hanoman to evaluate the options and allow the strongest personalities in the administration to dominate the conversation. The end result was an inferior hatchet job. What they failed to do was adequately collaborate and engage key stakeholders, such as the workers and their unions, on the solutions. In fact, the administration took a position that the workers were the enemy, when in reality the workers were

their greatest assets.

Lastly, they failed to identify the right talent within the industry for the right roles. Those islands of human success could have been employed to energize the rest of the workers across the sugar belt to deliver on the turnaround process. Rather, some 1980s personnel were rehired to do a 21st century job. In the final analysis, the Granger administration approached Guysuco without a sensible roadmap to support the journey. The question of whether to privatize or not should not be the issue. But privatizing a weak company vs. privatizing a strong company will realize different values for the shareholders. The Government, by 2018, has made Guysuco into a much weaker company that it was in 2016. Therefore, we must expect a steeply discounted price for this company if it is to be privatized today.

PAGE TEN

NIS’ GM admission seems far-fetched The Stabroek News, in an article titled “NIS pursuing GuySuCo for $250m”, which appeared in its August 07, 2018 edition, quotes NIS General Manager Ms Holly Greaves in relation to the jobless sugar workers as saying, “A large number have re-registered as self-employed or have moved on to different companies. Around 60% of them are still contributing to the scheme”. For the GAWU, this is more than a surprising admission.

From our own interactions with the former now jobless sugar workers, many of them manage to eke out a living by securing odd jobs usually lasting for just a few days. In such circumstances, more often than not, NIS deductions are not effected as it reduces the worker’s take home pay and also is more costly for the employer. This situation was confirmed by a report which appeared in the August 06 Stabroek News that in Vive-la-Force, West Bank Demerara one woman said that “[s]ince Wales close down, it hard out here, cause people ain’t buying anything, they just trying to get a lil hustle to take care of their family.” This is the scenario that plays out at many communities that

are linked with the closed estates. We are therefore befuddled as to where it is that thousands of ex-sugar workers have either secured jobs or become business owners. Certainly, in our view, something is definitely amiss.

We do, however, accept that some workers have managed to secure formal jobs, thus allowing them to continue their contributions to the NIS, but they represent no more than a small minority of the thousands who have been put on the breadline following the closure of estates.

In those circumstances, the claim that as many as 60 per cent of the now former sugar workers continue to contribute to the Scheme seems far-fetched to us.

It would be interesting to see the data that gives rise to the NIS’ admission. Of great importance would be the average income the now former sugar workers contributions are premised on vis-à-vis what obtained when they were employed

by GuySuCo. Such an explanation, we believe, would be revealing and most telling, and demonstrate where the workers really stand since their jobs were snatched away from them.

Govt undermining its credibility The GAWU saw that August 07, 2018 Kaieteur News reported that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, said the Administration had received a proposal expressing “…interest for the entire industry…”.

Though we noted that the Minister hadn’t expressed, according to the report, the Government’s position on the matter, the fact that it has been publicly disclosed says a lot in our view.

The Kaieteur News article reported that the proposal which was submitted by parties from the Middle East, the United States, India and Guyana had proposed that new factories be built, and focus will be “…on packaging and co-generation and other value-added activities”. This is an often heard sales pitch, wherein sky-high promises are made but the reality is usually very different. In Jamaica, the GAWU recalls, similar promises were made when the industry was sold a few years ago. An August 17, 2011 Jamaica Information Service report had said “COMPLANT International, the China-based company which has acquired the state-owned assets of Jamaica’s sugar industry, is now set to roll out its investment of some US$156 million to renovate three factories and sugar cane lands over the next four years.”

Now less than a decade later, unsurprisingly, but more disturbingly, is that the COMBAT 01 Jul - 15 Sep, 2018

new private owners have pulled out, leaving many in limbo. We believe we ought to know that all that glitters isn’t gold.

But more importantly, the announcement by the Government could be construed as an interesting about-turn by the Administration. We recall Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, just days ago, in a July 27, 2018 DPI report, said in relation to the recently secured $30B financing that Government was seeking to have “…GuySuCo… back on its feet; not as expanded before, but in a way where it can stand on its own feet”. Similar sentiments were also expressed by other Government officials and spokespersons, and the Administration had said the bond was a tangible demonstration of its commitment to seeing GuySuCo succeed. Therefore, the sudden announcement that there was a possibility that the remaining state-owned estates could be sold off only serves to further undermine the Administration’s credibility, in our view. We are hopeful that better sense would prevail and that the Government carefully considers, even at this belated stage, its approach to the sugar industry. The GAWU urges that we learn from the pitfalls of others, and not repeat them.

CCJ judgment demonstrates Govt’s concern for sugar workers

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has recognised that several sections of the press reported about the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ) judgement regarding our Union and our colleague union – the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) – legal challenge to the decision by the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) to close Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara Estates at the end of 2017. Those reports reflected on several aspects of the judgment, which demonstrates the breadth of the matter and the comprehensiveness of the issues that were put before the CCJ. While indeed the CCJ disagreed with our representations regarding the adequacy of consultations on the estate closures, the Honourable Justices pointed out that the Government and GuySuCo just met the “…minimum requirements of meaningful consultations …”. Indeed, this says a lot, especially when one considers that thousands of Guyanese have been affected by the estate’s closures. The satisfaction of the barest minimum of engagement when considering the consequences of the decisions that were taken is a matter, we believe, our decision-makers cannot be elated about. It goes to show, in our view, that the decision-makers were engaged in a mere ritualistic exercise without any sincere consideration of how to avoid the repercussions of the closure.

In fact, the CCJ determined that the consultations between the Unions and the Government/GuySuCo were not perfect or ideal. The Court said “[i]n a matter of such national importance, impacting such large number of workers, the process could have been more extensive and more responsive to the concerns of the Applicants [GAWU and NAACIE]”. The Justices opined that “[n]otwithstading the absence of a statutory obligation, the Respondents ought to have given a considered response (whether written or oral) to the GAWU’s proposals explaining why they were not adopted”. Of course the GAWU contends that such explanation would have been unconvincing, recognizing that several of

the Union’s proposals have been adopted

by GuySuCo towards making the industry viable. The Court also felt that the Government and GuySuCo should have engaged the Unions regarding plans for alternative employment for the now jobless workers. On this score, the GAWU’s knowledge is limited to what we read and hear in the press.

The CCJ also found that the High Court and Court of Appeal erred when they deemed that the Sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI) “…was sufficient to satisfy the obligation to consult…”. The Justices found that closure was not recommended by the CoI, and therefore GAWU and NAACIE were not able to make their views known on the matter. The CCJ also disagreed with the lower courts, which determined that the Unions’ only remedy for GuySuCo’s contravention of the Trade Union Recognition Act was limited to the penalty of a fine of $56,000 and to imprisonment of 6 months which are prescribed in the Act. The Court also did not find favour with the Attorney-General (AG), who argued that the CCJ should not consider the matter since it had become academic noting that the closure decision had been effected and the workers were made redundant. On this, the Justices, citing relevant case law, concluded that “…the determination of the dispute is of national importance…” and thus proceeded to hear the dispute. The CCJ also agreed with the Unions’ submission that the GuySuCo could not have been represented by the AG’s chambers.

The Justices also determined that “… there was a legitimate expectation that the Applicants would have been consulted prior to the closure of the sugar estates, both because of longstanding GuySuCo policies and the specific promises by Vice President Ramjattan and Minister of State Harmon…” . Of great importance to us is the CCJ’s elucidation out of the consultation process. Here the Justices said there should be consultation when the proposals are still at a formative stage.

Continued on page ten (10) PAGE ELEVEN

Absence of GuySuCo Board demonstrates a glancing concern for sugar industry The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) cannot help but once again express concern that the Government’s largest enterprise – the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) – has been operating without a Board of Directors for several months. Information reaching the Union indicates that nearly half a year has gone by since the Corporation’s last Board meeting.

Media reports had indicated Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, last saying that the Board would have been appointed at the end of June, 2018. We recall that prior to that he had said the Board would have been in place by the end of May, 2018.

Previously, there were other timelines that were set, and simply ignored. Shifting the goal posts by the Minister and the Administration, for us, is extremely worrying. It serves to demonstrate, in our view, that a glancing concern, if so much, is paid to the operations of the sugar industry and the well-being of the thousands who still depend on the industry for their livelihood and well-being.

We firmly believe that the naming of a Board of GuySuCo is a task not as diffi-

cult as the Government is making it out to be. Therefore, we are at a loss at the protracted delay in the appointment of the Board, especially at a time when the Corporation requires decisive and competent leadership. At this time, when the Corporation has secured a $30B bond financing package aimed at turning the industry around, the absence of a capable Board is especially disturbing. Quickly a Board should be named, having recognized that so far, to the best of our knowledge, no plan has been presented that will guide the expenditure of this significant sum, which has to be repaid with interest.

Recognizing that serious deficiency, we see the need for the urgent appointment of a Board to guide the Corporation at this time.

The GAWU once again calls on the Government and more so Minister Holder, to bring the charade to an end and to appoint a capable, competent and respectable Board that will enjoy the support of the workers and that will be able to guide and lead the Corporation at this time.

Govt’s opposition to Labour Ministry is unfortunate - FITUG The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) was indeed most upset and disturbed by the seeming belligerent attitude shown by the APNU/AFC Government’s disapproval of a motion to have reinstated a Ministry of Labour. The motion was tabled by the Parliamentary Opposition following a call that was reiterated by the trade union movement at the May Day 2018 rally. It is a call which the Guyanese workers, through their representative organisations, have been making over the last three years but it has largely been ignored despite the several credible rationales provided for going in the direction that the motion proposed.

The FITUG expected that on this occasion, in spite of previously expressed views, given the nature of the issue and more so the venue it was raised, the Administration would have soberly assessed, and given support to, the motion.

That expectation was dashed, however, as shown by the contributions from the Government side and, of course, ultimately its vote in the House. Rather than advancing any convincing arguments for its stance, the Administration tangentially invoked several red herrings and did not, from our point of view, address the substance of the matter. Maybe this course was chosen as the Coalition Government, we believe, could not defend its indefensible position in not having a LaCOMBAT 01 Jul - 15 Sep, 2018

bour Ministry. The noteworthy fact that even the Minister who it is said is responsible for Labour did not contribute to the debate says a great deal.

The outcome, though, a major disappointment for the nation’s workers, only served to confirm the Federation’s publicly expressed view regarding the Administration’s anti-working-class nature.

On too many occasions, we could not have helped but point out the disregard for many of the commitments the Coalition made to the workers during the elections campaign. Time-honoured and long-standing practices, even international conventions and our country’s laws, have simply been ignored by the present-day Government. Moreover, one cannot ignore the increased cost-of-living burdens workers are now made to bear and which further illustrate the Administration’s unsympathetic view to the working-peoples’ plight. This latest act against the workers of Guyana is just another glaring example of the Coalition’s scant concern for the workers’ interest.

The FITUG, in spite of the Administration’s intransigence, firmly upholds and reiterates its position that a Ministry of Labour is a necessary and required institution. We wish to remind the Administration that actions speak louder than words.

Economic growth needs to be translated to the ‘Good Life’ - FITUG The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) recognises, from the 2018 Mid-Year report, that Guyanese economy expanded by 4.5 per cent during the first half of 2018. The reported growth is the highest in recent times, and is more than double the economic expansion recorded in 2017. For us, this is a significant turnaround in our economic state-of-affairs, which the report said was attributed to broad-based growth. The FITUG, while happy that the economy continues to show positive signs, notes that the growth was realized when the sugar, rice and gold sectors contracted; and when our fisherfolk confront a ban on catfish exports to the US; and when shrimp prices have tumbled, forcing one major processor out of business; and our forest enterprises have to contend with impassable trails and roads; and one of our two (2) bauxite producers stands to be gravely affected by sanctions on its parent company; and when construction grew by over 13 per cent, but yet sand production, a major ingredient, fell by more than 50 per cent. The report confirmed, too, that our forest products are still exported at the primary stage, something we recall that Government officials had railed against when they were in the Opposition. The economic growth also comes at a time when our balance of payments has significantly deteriorated, and foreign reserves are at their lowest point in recent times. The economic expansion comes at a time when tax revenues have increased markedly, indicating that the working-people have to contend with higher levels of taxation. The Federation, and we are sure many Guyanese, wonder how much of the reported growth is to do with activities related to oil and gas. Though we have not produced, commercially at least, a drop of oil from our country’s newly-found oil resources, from all appearances, it seems to us that our country has already been caught in the throes of the infamous ‘Dutch Disease’. We sincerely hope that this is not the case, as we have seen several experts warn of the pitfall of going down such a slippery slope.

While we are indeed pleased that the economy continues to grow notwithstanding several challenges and difficulties, the FITUG is most dismayed to conclude that those fruits of growth are not tricking-down to the ordinary people. As we have reiterated time and again, the Guyanese working-people have seen burden after burden placed on their al-

ready overburdened backs. We note that the report indicated inflation for the first half of this year was 0.9 per cent. From our own experiences and interactions with workers, this figure does not seem to match the reality on the ground. The increased prices of fuel - something which the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, said needed an innovative approach, but which still remains unaddressed - has seen workers having to pay public transportation increases, which we must add as far as we are aware were not approved by the relevant state body, but which our hapless people have no choice but to pay.

The increased transportation costs have obviously had a knock-on effect on the cost of other goods as well.

The FITUG was hopeful that the report would have addressed the employment situation, but dismayingly, it has remained conspicuously silent. With thousands laid off in the sugar industry alone and many others being shown the door elsewhere, the situation for the working-class does not appear as rosy as we want to paint it. Today, it seems to us that our country has found itself in situation of jobless growth. This we hold is not a good situation, and would only serve to exacerbate inequality. History has shown us the consequences of such developments, and they have been less than pleasing. Certainly, given the reported improvements in the economy, the Government is more than capable now of bringing ease to some of the burdens our people have had to face. Our working-people will more than welcome such developments especially at this time. Serious attention must also be given to addressing the bothersome unemployment situation, especially when thousands of our compatriots remain jobless and they and their families are facing difficult and trying times.

The boasting of higher economic growth indeed makes nice, bold headlines and catchy sound bites, but it hardly means anything if our people cannot enjoy the promised ‘Good Life’ – a life in which they enjoy adequate earnings and pensions; a life in which they feel safe; a life in which they can afford to send their children to school and provide healthy meals; and a life in which they can relax and not be burdened about how they must stretch their earnings. The Government can no longer adopt a lethargic approach but must proactively address the real challenges our people must face on a dayto-day basis.

PAGE TWELVE

Improve tax threshold, ease cost-of-living, etc - FITUG The Federation of Independent Trade a substantial increase, especially noting to consideration regarding unemploy- school, among other things - introduction of Unions of Guyana (FITUG), through an the timeframe. The large rise took place ment benefits for those who have lost school bus services to transport all schoolinvitation from the Ministry of Finance, despite a reduction of the rate of VAT their jobs. This is something long touted aged children from their homes to school, on September 07, 2018, met with Junior and improvements in the Income Tax in Guyana, and a considered study we felt and vice-versa; to establish an enabling Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma and regime, and has greatly eaten into the may be appropriate at this time. mechanism to promote investment in the other officials of the Ministry regarding imposed pay increases the Government The FITUG also spoke to the high cost- area with a view to spurring job creation; our body’s suggestions for the 2019 Bud- has awarded and boasted about. On this of-living situation and, using statistics, to introduce or expand the school-feeding get. The Federation contended that the score, we urged the Government to con- pointed to increase in several important programmes; to establish skills training Budget ought to be developed within the sider upping the tax threshold to $100,000 commodities. We noted, too, the soon- programmes to allow the former sugar context of the Government’s objective to per month; introducing relief for taxpayers to-be-increased water rates which would workers and the youth to receive skills that deliver “A Good Life for All Guyanese”. with dependents; removing the 1/3 income see an unmetered consumer having to are demanded by the labour market, and On this score, we did share with the tax threshold and replacing it with a sec- find more than $18,000 per annum to matching them with available vacancies; Minister and his team that the promised ond tier at $200,000 per month; removing meet the rate increased. On this matter, and to provide social counselling and oth‘Good Life’, for many Guyanese, is elu- VAT from electricity, water and private the recent increase in the minibus fares er a require social programmes to assist in sive, and they have become despondent. health care; widening the income tax base was also mentioned, as we noted it could reducing depression and other social anxiFITUG shared that it appreciated the Ad- through capturing those engaged in tax very well see workers having to find sev- eties that have gripped the people. ministration’s upholding of pre-Budget evasion; and re-aligning tax exemptions eral thousand dollars more per month We also addressed the matter of crime, consultations, but expressed the view that with employment creation and national for transportation. We urged the Govern- and noted that, despite the releasing of the exercises have adopted a mere ritual- development goals. ment to consider increasing the Old Aged statistics which say that crime is on the istic tenor and are nothing more than a Our body also lamented the worrying Pension to $30,000 per month; reducing decline, people are fearful of being atpublic relations gimmick which really unemployment situation. We noted that the excise tax on fuel towards reducing the tacked, mugged or robbed. Banditry and does not attract the sincere and procriminal activities, from our interacfound consideration it deserves. We tions with workers, have been on the nevertheless expressed optimism that rise. We urged the Government to take the 2019 Budget would give positive a critical look at the allocations in this consideration to reducing the difficularea towards improving crime-fightties our people must contend with. ing capabilities, intelligence-gathering, The FITUG did share that the 2019 and expanding emergency response. We Budget, in all likelihood, will be the also recognised that criminal activities final budget before Guyana becomes cannot be divorced from the rising unan oil producing state, expectedly in employment and the lack of job oppor2020. On this matter, we shared that tunities. we recognize Government officials’ The matter of public infrastructure explanations about the large sums that was also raised, as we noted that large will flow to the country. We also pointsums were allocated and several main ed out the several concerns shared reroads, bridges and other infrastrucgarding the arrangements for oil proture were/are being rehabilitated. But duction, and contended that a better we recognised that many communities deal should have been hammered out. have impassable roads, poor drainage, We noted, too, the Administration’s crumbling bridges, among other things. intention to establish a Sovereign These realities have resulted in addiWealth Fund (SWF), which we felt on tional costs for our workers, whether paper was a good initiative, but noted it be more regular repairs to their vehithere is strong need for institutional cles, the higher possibility of contractsafeguards and appropriate policies if ing a vector-borne infections, or their FITUG Executive members with Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma after the Federation we are going to avoid the pitfalls that resort to utilizing makeshift arrangepresented its submissions to the Ministry regarding proposals it wishes the Government to adopt many countries have faced and are fac- in Budget 2019. FITUG, through its several page submission, called for improvements that would ments to commute to their homes. ing.

This situation, we urged, should not be ease the burdens our people are carrying at this time We urged the Ministry to be careful ignored, and we suggested that Budget in the assumptions it is making regard2019 seeks to strike a balance towards ing the Budget, as we saw wide variances as many as 12 per cent of our people were public transportation costs; reintroducing allaying these difficulties our people face. in what it projected and what the reality unemployed at the end of September last electricity and water subsidies for old age Regarding public health, the FITUG was. We lamented that, at least publicly, year, and that 1 in 5 youths were without pensioners, among other things. noted that large sums were also allocated the data for decision-making was absent a job. Vexingly, we pointed out that large to this area, but recognised that our workas we pointed to the absence of further proportions of the unemployed were jobOn the sugar industry, the Federation ing people, when they visit public health faGuyana Labour Force Surveys, Ministry less for more than a year, indicating that expressed its deep concern with what is cilities, are told at times there are no drugs of Finance Monthly Economic Bulletins, jobs were difficult to come by. On this taking place in the communities of the available; or made to wait hours to see a and there is the timely release of Statis- matter, we urged the Government to ur- now-closed estates. The FITUG believes doctor,, or told to return another day, for tical Bulletins. We told the Ministry that gently consider training or re-training pro- that the Government cannot - and in fact instance. We suggested an urgent review there is no need to give us pie-in-the-sky grammes for those who are unemployed. should not - ignore the plight that the of spending in this area to ensure that efhopes.

We suggested, too, the Administration con- workers, their families and their commu- ficient and effective services are provided sider the establishment of a National Job nities are enduring. We said state help to to the populace; that procurement sysThe Federation noted that between 2014 Bank to allow employers and prospective citizens in such situations is not unusu- tems are geared to ensure the availability and 2017, tax revenues have risen from employees a central point to meet, as we al, and rather is more the norm than the of drugs, and there is an equitable spread $136.5B to $171.5B, with the VAT and felt the Central Recruitment and Man- exception and we called on the Adminis- of resources to ensure that our health Excise receipts growing by nearly 25 per power Agency (CRMA) was not living up tration to consider - an an income support centers and hospitals can adequately decent and Income Tax revenues rising by to its expectations. The unemployment mechanism, to ensure families can meet liver services to a population in need. just over 31 per cent. We felt that this was situation, we urged too, should give rise their obligations and send their children to Continued on page five (5) COMBAT 01 Jul - 15 Sep, 2018

PAGE THIRTEEN

Oil wealth must be properly managed - FITUG

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has keenly been following the spirited debate regarding the suggestion that Guyanese households benefit from an unconditional cash transfer from monies accruing from commercial oil production. The Federation has noted several convincing arguments advanced for and against the idea, and a number persons have expressed their points of view. The robust debate surrounds the burgeoning oil and gas industry, and is the latest conversation regarding the significant wealth the Government has told us that our nation will supposedly garner from our patrimonial resources. Expectedly, many will point to the agreement inked with Exxon Mobil and its partners and very well contend that the sums we should be receiving should be much higher. We agree with that view, and we also recognise that the oil and all our other resources belong to all Guyanese, and as a responsible organization, we hold the view that our oil wealth, and in fact all our wealth, be used in the most prudent manner, to ensure that our resources benefit our people now and in the future as well.

We would like to believe that there is near national consensus regarding the need to carefully utilize our wealth, but, at the same time, the FITUG cannot fail to express its serious concern with the mechanisms being proposed to manage and safeguard the wealth that would accrue. The Government recently released a Green Paper which addressed the establishment and operation of a Natural Resource Fund (NSF) which would seek to save and expend our country’s earnings from the oil sector. From our point-ofview, there can be no argument against the establishment of an NSF as a vehicle to save our oil receipts and use such monies to develop our country. We are aware that several countries have gone this route, recognizing that their resourcCOMBAT 01 Jul - 15 Sep, 2018

es have a finite life-span, and therefore we need to cater for life after the utilization of our black gold.

The FITUG’s concern relates to the management of the NSF, which we understand from the Green Paper will be subsumed under the Ministry of Finance.

While we accept that the State undoubtedly must have a role to play, at the same time, we cannot ignore the squandermania attitude we have seen pervading now-a-days. The Green Paper presented speaks to withdrawals from the NSF influenced by budgetary demands and requirements, and this is where we are fearful that the monies may not be utilized in the best possible manner, especially recognizing that utilization of the funds can be approved by a simple majority.

The Federation is of the strong view that the use of the fund’s resources should be guided by a well-articulated and carefully crafted development strategy which outlines the goals we as a country and people wish to attain. Such a strategy, which should involve the views of the Guyanese people, would have clear timelines and easily measureable objectives. Such an approach, we hold, would ensure that we get optimal returns from the monies we would earn. While we know the Government will, in all likelihood, point to its Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), we believe that document requires greater detail if it is to meet its stated objectives.

If the Government is indeed serious about ensuring “…sustainable use of petroleum revenues…” then we believe that it would be wise, at this time, for the Government to give serious consideration to the convening of a national conversation regarding the use of such wealth, to ensure that future generations do not condemn us for not properly seizing this opportunity to consider, in a sober manner, the utilization of our resources in the best possible manner.

Proposed sale of sugar lands would be unpatriotic The September 02 Guyana Times reports that President David Granger, at his press conference on August 31, said that lands taken out of sugar would be “… first subjected to the jurisdiction of a State Land Sales Commission…” The President went on to say that “[t]he idea is that we wouldn’t sell off the family jewels, we’ll make sure that the lands that are being taken out of sugar are placed to benefit of the people of Guyana as a whole”. Further the Guyana Times quotes the President as saying “…the State Land Sales Commission is going to… make a profit from the disposal of those lands which may not be going back into sugar”.

The President’s announcement, to say the least, is a marked departure regarding lands that were and are being used by the sugar industry. On this score, we recall, the Administration’s spokespersons and advertisements seeking investors for the estates identified for divestment had informed that lands would have been leased. Now the President, without any justification being advanced, is saying, seemingly, that lands could very well be sold off. Neither did the President, as far as we saw, provide any elaboration on the State Land Sales Commission, save and except that the NICIL-SPU would be involved and would resolve demands for lands by investors.

The sugar industry, as the nation well knows, occupies large plots of prime

lands, plots undoubtedly that would attract speculative interests. Moreover, while the President is saying we “… wouldn’t sell off the family jewels…” in the next breath he is saying the Government is desirous of making “…a profit from the disposal of those lands…”. The two (2) statements stand in stark contradiction of one another. Moreover, the sale of those valuable and prime lands to investors, whether local or foreign, is a move that Guyana and Guyanese now and in the future would regret. The world has provided several examples of instances when land holdings have been sold off and the implications it has had for the citizens of such countries where those practices were pursued. Countries and people have lived through instances where lands sold for one purpose were used for other purposes, or resold for significant profits while locals remain landless.

The sale of those lands would be, in our view, the most unpatriotic decision ever taken by a Government in our more than half a century as an independent nation. We recall, former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte outrightly refusing to sell sugar lands when he give thought to the sale of the sugar industry in the latter 1980s. Our country’s people have lived under the wretched system of colonialism, and their sustained struggles brought our country’s freedom. We need not return to those days.

GAWU and AMCAR to soon ink CLA

Negotiations between the GAWU and the Amazon Caribbean (Guyana) Limited (AMCAR) regarding the approval of a Collective Labour Agreement, are nearly complete. The agreement will contain forty-eight (48) articles, including rates of pay, probationary period, promotion, acting and responsibility allowances, discipline, hours of work, work week, overtime, meal allowances, and filling of vacancies,.

Last December, GAWU and the Company signed a Recognition and Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes

Agreement, which accorded GAWU recognition status for the Company’s employees, at its Rosignol, West Bank Berbice factory. The mainly female workforce, numbering 35, are engaged in the processing and canning of Heart of the Palm which the French-owned AMCAR has been processing and exporting since 1986. The Company’s products were certified organic for the first time in 1998, and, in 2010, they have been deemed to meet the International Featured Standard (IFS).

Negotiations with BBCI underway

Negotiations between the GAWU and the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) commenced on August 31, 2018 with the Union seeking, on the workers’ behalf, a 15 per cent pay rise, improvements in allowances, and some improvements in other conditions of work. At the meeting, the Company explained that it is experiencing financial challenges arising from less than-expected revenues, and there was a need to increase its toll fees. BBCI, however, has been unable to get the sup-

port of the Government of Guyana to approve certain increases in its various toll rates.

The GAWU reminded the Company that a comparator would indicate that the present pay level of its employees needs much upward adjustment. The negotiators on behalf of the Company decided to report to the Directors the status of the negotiations with a view to obtaining guidance to allow a settlement of the Union’s claims through compromise.

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5% hike for CRML workers

Successful negotiations between GAWU and the Caricom Rice Mills Limited (CRML) have resulted in the seventy-five (75) employees of the Company benefitting from a five (5) per cent pay hike for year 2018. The Company, in the negotiations, disclosed that the rice price in the overseas market is far from satisfactory, and is posing considerable challenges to the Company. Millers in Guyana have been bemoaning the loss of the Venezuelan market following the change in the Guyanese Government in May, 2015.

Guyana had in 2005 joined the PetroCaribe initiative, whereby our country would source its fuel needs from Venezuela. Through the initiative, Guyana was required to pay upfront half of the cost of the fuel supplied, and the second half would be payable over 25 years at one (1) per cent interest. Then, in October, 2009, Guyana and Venezuela inked the PetroCaribe rice-for-oil compensation arrangement, whereby the monies owing for the second half of fuel supplied by Venezuela were offset by white rice and paddy supplied by Guyana. The arrangement, which was renewable annually, had seen over time improvements in the pric-

es Guyana was obtaining. Under the last agreement, which was inked in November, 2014, Venezuela was paying US$480 per tonne of paddy and US$780 per tonne of white rice. Those prices are in stark contrast with the US$280 per tonne of paddy and US$398 per tonne of white rice exporters are currently receiving.

Union members expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the negotiations noting that the Company was initially pressing for a settlement of a three (3) per cent pay rise. The Union contended that the higher cost-of-living and the dedication of the workforce are important factors that the CRML should take into account. After three rounds of discussions, the Company’s Board in St Vincent and the Grenadines approved the five (5) per cent pay rise.

CRML is located at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast and is owned by the Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies.

Distinctively it is the only unionized rice mill in the country. The Union and the workers, on one hand, and the Company, on the other, are pleased to maintain a respectful working relationship over the years.

GAWU and NHSL commence negotiations Negotiations between the GAWU and the Noble House Seafoods Limited (NHSL) commenced on July 16, 2018.

The workers, through the Union, want the Company to consider a fifteen (15) per cent pay rise and adjustments to other monetary allowances; like meal allowances, for instance, in a like manner.

The Company, however, is advancing that the challenges it is encountering are in the exports of its products to markets in the United States of America (USA), which requires exporters to confirm to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) regulations. The MSC is a UK-based organization which sets standards for sustainable fishing: which means that boats have to be assessed to ensure that their operations do not impact on wild fish and the ocean ecosystem; that there is full traceability from catch to processing - meaning that there is proper documentation to show where produce has COMBAT 01 Jul - 15 Sep, 2018

been caught, how it was transported and eventually processed; and, finally, the certification to ensure that the produce is processed in safe and hygienic facilities.

Although local exporters have been given until the end of 2019 to ensure they confirm with the MSC standards, according to NHSL, its US customers are demanding that the standard is adhered to currently. The Company did explain that it is working tirelessly to satisfy the regulations, but time is required to fulfill the various conditions.

In the meantime, the Company’s negotiators have assured the Union that NHSL’s foreign owners are guiding its local team. The Union awaits the Company’s readiness for the next round of discussions. The CLA at NHSL is synced with the Company’s financial year, which runs from April 01 to March 31. NHSL is owned by Heiploeg, which is headquartered in the Netherlands

Second crop production some 5,700 tonnes behind target GuySuCo’s poor production cycle continues during this year. September 15, 2018 marked the sixth week of sugar production in the current autumn (second) crop, and canes processed up to that time yielded 19,234 tonnes sugar, which is far from the 24,966 tonnes that should have been produced. At that time, production was 5,732 tonnes sugar behind expectation. However, while production is lagging, the end-of-crop production matters. The table below as at September, 2018 is self-explanatory:Estate Target Actual Deficit Albion 11,970 10,490 1,480 Blairmont 7,182 5,847 1,335 Uitvlugt 5,814 2,897 2,917 Total 24,966 19,234 5,732 The Finance Minister during his presentation of the 2018 National Budget last November had informed the nation that GuySuCo would produce 115,447 tonnes sugar this year. However, when an account is taken of the first crop production and the expected second crop production of 68,045 tonnes is realised,

the industry would only realize a production of 102,496 tonnes sugar. The Guyana Government, over the past three (3) years, demised four (4) sugar estates and contended that the remaining three (3) operable estates would yield a production of between 145,000 tonnes and 150,000 tonnes by 2020.

The GAWU is hopeful that the set production would be realized by 2020, but also cannot fail to ignore the Government’s apparent lip service to the industry, which, even on a reduced scale, still employs 10,000 persons at the various levels across the three (3) estates.

The GAWU has had cause to point out the Administration’s seeming disregard towards the industry. At this time, the industry has been without a Board for several months, and despite assurances

by Government officials, including President David Granger, a knowledgeable Board of Directors is not in place. The absence of the Board comes at the same time when the Corporation has borrowed $30B (US$150M) aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the three (3) operable estates. Expenditure from the large sum borrowed, at this time, remains in cold storage.

Bus fare hike another burden - FITUG

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has noticed the recent increase in bus fares by $20 effective from September 01, 2018.

The new increases, depending on the route, could work out to as much as a 25 per cent hike in fares. The still-high cost of fuel has been among the several rationales advanced to heighten calls by transport operators for a fare hike.

While we accept that the operators have found themselves in a difficult position, taking into account the ban on used tyres, the increase in the cost of licences and fitness, in addition to other increases, it was disheartening for us that the Government, it seemed, did not take cognizance of what impacts the increases would have on the pockets of the working people.

With the newly increased fares, our workers and their families, depending on the number of buses they would have to take, could find themselves spending several thousand dollars more per month on transportation. Those monies would have to be found from somewhere, as our working-people, despite the promised ‘Good Life’, have very limited resources, which are already stretched to a maximum. Naturally, we expected the Administration would

have sought to see what assistance the State could have lent to easing the woes of the bus operators without placing additional burdens on our people. This is the approach any responsible Government would take as it seeks to protect its people’s well-being.

We had high expectations that the Government would do what is right and decent. We recall Finance Minister Winston Jordan, in a June 22, DPI report, being quoted as saying “[t]he issue about price increases for the minibuses is also engaging the attention of the Cabinet… we will have to find creative solutions to the problem of rising fuel prices”.

Certainly, the Coalition had several possible fiscal measures at its disposal, but, rather ‘uncreatively’, passed on the increased costs to hapless, overburdened Guyanese.

The increased cost of transportation and the soon-to-be hiked water rates are the latest burdens that are being saddled on to the backs of our overburdened working people. Today, while we boast of high economic growth, we find many of our people cannot cope with the pressures of life. This is not a healthy situation, and is one we urge the Administration to pay careful attention to.

PAGE FIFTEEN

Sugar - too big to fail

Life after closure

The “Sugar - too big to fail” Conference on September 04, 2018 heard from some redundant sugar workers. The now former sugar workers shared with attendees their stories of struggle and survival in the post-closure era. They related how difficult life has become for them, and how hard they find it now to pay their bills, to put food on their tables, and to send their children to school. It was indeed a moving and heart-rending session as these Guyanese told the Conference how they have been gravely affected by the callous decisions to shove them on to the breadline.

I worked 28 years at Wales... I bring up five children… right now, me eldest child working... he is the one that is maintain me and the rest of we… I work 28 years and ain’t get no hard time... now I get[ing] high pressure, low pressure, wind pain, all kind of thing, because me nah get me money… people suffering and tell you in 28 years I never feel so. Right now, I feel my whole body a tremble, cause I not get the amount of money to pay my bills. Me not get the amount of food to eat… my children can’t get for go school; they supposed to go school yesterday, they can’t go… It really reach we hard, I want some people to go there… people are sufImtiaz Bacchus fering there. I grow up there on that same estate, and how nice it been a go, people bin a work and send them children to school... the place left like when you boat a in the river without a paddle… no body aint got nowhere to go… just promises, promises…

I am a laid-off worker from the Skeldon... I have mortgages to pay at the bank, [and] I am guaranteeing them [the bank] will call me month end, because I paying a $130,000 for six months and that will be up this month end. I have two kids to go to school… Right now I am broken, and I don’t know when we will get the next half of our severance, so it very hard. We get lay off just so, and we feeling it. What about the people them at Wales what go off a year before we? They must be feeling it more. I aint really know what going on, I got a stress on me head to send the children them to school, bills to pay… and the bank going to call me anytime... I ain’t know where I turning, we just getting fool by the Government, all they saying Royston Garnette you will get your money very soon and job will be re-open back at Skeldon Estate. So is a serious thing up in Skeldon, because, if you check up on the news most of the suicide happening, is... people from the sugar industry... homes breaking up, and it very hard for Skeldon... because most people take mortgage at the bank, they got loan to pay and we are not working. So I ain’t really know how we will cope with that… the next half of the serverance will help us do something, but I see the Minister may be gone, so we don’t have an answer…

I am from Skeldon Estate... because of the [lack of] work in Skeldon, you getting more vendors in the market than buyers. Soon who will buy from who? For me... since estate close off 29th of December, I get a work... I wash four bakey (tubs) of clothes for $1,000, and I only do that two time a week. I have kids to send to school... they couldn’t go to school Monday because I can’t afford to send them to school. So we calling on the Government and the President to see what they can do about Skeldon Estate. I applied for a job since in July, I wrote a test and they say I have to wait till September month end… my husband used to work but... right now they lay him off because right now... in Skeldon, they want to work you for long Nakisha Best hours, they know Skeldon Estate is not working, so you have to work from 6 in the morning till 6 – 7 in the afternoon, and you only getting $8-9,000 when the week come. The severance that I collect at Skeldon Estate I use it to pay my bills and to send my children to school. Well at least I can’t use it forever, cause it finish already... At least they could see, they could reconsider, about Skeldon Estate re-opening back.

I am a pensioner, recently but the reason I am here, I have three children, two boys and a girl all working age, none who are working at this time, so the buck drop on the pensioner. My big son was a foreman, he received $372,000, he have to send [his] two children to school, and right now he broken, he has nothing, I am teking [taking] care of the two children in the meantime…

Sohanauth Rabindranauth

I am here today to represent... the housewives of Wales, we are going through a very tough time at Wales, it ain’t have no job there, if our husband to come to work... in town, is only $2000 a day, and you have to pay $5000 passage [a week]... it can’t pay... my husband try many place to work and the money aint paying, so we at Wales there, we really going through a hard time, I sorry that the Minister, the Honourable Minister Joseph Harmon, he left, because I want to ask him what happen to Wales, if people ain’t living at Wales...? Since this estate close down, they never come and give any assistance to us... right now I owe $8,000 water rate and... they in the Sandra Bacchus community cutting off water so I don’t know, where my children... will get water to bathe to go school. Wales is like a ghost town right now, the only thing we depend on is the sugar estate, to get money, I am appealing to the Government if they could do something at Wales... even if you can’t open back the factory, create a job there so we could earn something so we could live as they living, because they salary raise to 50 per cent and we aint get a severance yet... we need help, especially for our children because right now... you people know if... you aint getting money to put food on the table and buy properly thing for your children, you know how you does feel, it is really hurting the people of Wales because we are really going through a hard time… so all we asking is some help at Wales, some help.

I am an ex-employee of Rose Hall Estate, I been working there for the past 21 years...I left high school in 1995... and start [at] the estate as a field inspection hand… and it is a pity that I am standing here today jobless after throwing all my effort and energy I have depending on the estate.

On that fateful day on December 29, I couldn’t have believed that would have happened. Never in my wildest thought growing up in my community that thought never flashed in my mind, that one day this estate is going to close... never ever yet! Nevertheless, is a reality we have to face… since December 29th, I worked 42 days... I can’t understand the reason why the Government closed the estate, knowing that in our area, everyone primarily deGlendon Grant pend on the estate, that is the driving force behind the community in the East Canje area. There is nothing more there to do. Everyone growing up there is going to the estate… now the estate closed there is no source of employment there… people got to send them children to school, to get to eat, they got to do everything. People will help, but cannot help all the time… like the Opposition Leader rightly said I think the Government made a rash decision to close the estate. At least they should have come out there and did an economic survey and see the social impact the closure of the estate would have on the people life… it’s a pity Minister Harmon... is not here to hear our opinion, what we feel about the closure. He left and gone, I don’t think that is appropriate. At least he should have been here to hear our concern…people life are at stake, this will impact on the future of the country… we got to treat each other as Guyanese… we use to life a comfortable and good life, but now you wake up in the morning uncertain about tomorrow…

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