Issue#:2 Volume#: 34
Combat Voice of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)
Editorial :
Construction as a product of Destruction We suggest two considerations to illustrate our theme about Construction and Destruction. At a philosophical level, a case could be made out that there is no such thing as complete failure. For if one does not succeed at something, lessons from the “failure”, the defeat, the loss, the disappointment, must be there to learn from. What went wrong and what to avoid next time are positive pointers from socalled failure. So failure should never be absolute.
Sugar industry faces one of worst financial challenges
Secondly, if one wants a lovely wooden house or piece of furniture, trees must be cut down. From that destruction comes creation. GAWU, through Combat, will be the supreme optimist who sees a silver lining behind the dark clouds of cutting from the Government’s 2013 Estimates – the National Budget. What was done has been “well” done. But the workers – in their thousands – and citizens generally are entitled to be concerned, even scared, over their future in industries and state enterprises whose financing was chopped. Right on the heels of the culmination of the consideration of the Budget estimates in Parliament, there was the announced agreement for a Budget Tripartite Committee to sit in more structured sessions before future Budgets are finally presented. Hope encouraging! GAWU, however, retains the view that the Government, any Government, has the responsibility and right to govern, including, etc the fashioning of its yearly Estimates and a programme of developmental works for the nation’s citizens! So whilst we applaud and welcome institutionalized collaboration, at Budget presentation, it’s the election government’s philosophy, policies and programmes we must hear about. Great if that philosophy includes concern of multiple stakeholders, etc to maximize or even eliminate contention in the House. How acceptable! So, as we witness post-Budget 2013 governance, as we celebrate such national remembrances as the 175th Anniversary of Indian Immigrant Arrival and full freedom for African Slaves, as we come up with mechanisms for inclusionary accountability, let us see the construction that destruction has spawned. Combat and GAWU feel confident of a successful second half of 2013. COMBAT: March/April, 2013
March/April, 2013
Five (5) out of seven (7) grinding estates have concluded their cane harvesting for the current spring or first crop. The aggregate production as at end of April, 2013 is merely 47,333 tonnes, indicating that the crop’s production, when the two (2) remaining estates cease operations early in the month of May, would be approximately 50,000 tonnes, a significant shortfall of the crop’s target of 71,633 tonnes, which itself is low by any standards. The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc announced in early March this year (2013) that its production this year would be 240,000 tonnes. Following the poor level of production in the spring crop, the autumn or second crop will commence next July with a production deficit of about 20,000 tonnes. Last March also, a Corporation source indicated unofficially that the industry would fall-short significantly in the attainment of the crop’s target. The source, however, referred to the majority of fields across the industry bearing bountiful crops, which are to be reaped in the second crop. The source assured that at the end of the year, the year’s production would not be lower than by the deficit of the first crop. There was favourable weather in the majority of weeks
in last year’s second crop, as well as in practically all the harvesting weeks in most estates in this current crop. Will the second or autumn crop this year enjoy similar weather? Unfavourable weather, even in some months of the harvesting season, could impede the reaping of the forthcoming crop. The poor level of sugar production in the current crop has further deepened the indebtedness of the Corporation, resulting in delayed payments of salaried employees this month (April, 2013). Presently outstanding are job evaluation retroactive payments to about 6,000 time-rated workers, due since April 26, 2013. The Corporation needs to secure an adequate crop financing loan from one of the commercial banks. Such transaction is understood to be possible if the Government guarantees the loan. Too much is at stake to compel the Government to keep the State Corporation afloat, as surely the industry’s imminent turnaround is certainly attainable, and the large dependence of the country’s economy on the yearly business of the Corporation must be foremost in mind. The lives of at least one-sixth of the country’s population, directly and indirectly, interact with and depend on the industry’s operations and its finances. Although the sugar production last year was 218,064 tonnes sugar, the Corporation’s revenue was over G$30B. The industry is also the nation’s largest nett foreign exchange earner. The thousands of sugar workers and the Management of the industry, particularly the managerial employees, must now work more collectively to rescue the industry noting they will all be victims should the industry’s yearly production remains at its last five (5) years’ average of 230,000 tonnes. Page One
Kowsilla: Her Memory lives on
A section of the attendees at the Kowsilla Commemorative Activity on March 06, 2013 at the Anna Catherina Cemetery
On March 06, 2013, at Anna Catherina cemetery, West Coast Demerara, wreaths were placed on the grave of Kowsilla and tributes were offered in her memory. Kowsilla, also known as Alice, was crushed to death on March 06, 1964, when a scab-driven tractor rode upon her as she squatted, in the company of sugar workers, on the bridge leading to the entrance of the Leonora Factory, protesting the lock-out by the Estate Management of a large number of workers who had been participating in a protest across the coast of Guyana against the imposition by the British Colonial Office of the system of Proportional Representation (PR) to replace the First-Past-the-Post System in electing representatives to the National Assembly. The protesting workers were also pressing for the recognition of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) in the place of the then incumbent Man Power Citizens’ Association (MPCA). Leaders of GAWU, the Chairman of the
Regional Democratic Council of Region #3, local leaders of the Women’s Progressive Organisation, leaders of Union Branches and rank-and-file union members participated in the event. The circumstances of Kowsilla’s death endeared her in the hearts of thousands of workers across the country. Fittingly, since her demise, GAWU, on the anniversary of her death, organizes and conducts the gravesite activity. On the twelfth anniversary of her demise in 1976, GAWU was recognized by the sugar planters as the bargaining agent on behalf of the Field and Factory workers in the sugar industry. Had Kowsilla who was born on April 10, 1919 and killed at aged 45, been alive, she would have celebrated with thousands of sugar workers their recognition victory, which came about after almost three (3) decades of struggle, at times perilous and intimidating, especially to those workers who were active in promoting GAWU, particularly at their workplace.
GAWU observes 37-years of Sugar Industry recognition Thirty-seven (37) years have passed on February 27, 2013 since the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) became the duly recognized bargaining agent on behalf of the thousands of sugar workers employed in the fields and factories of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo). For almost three (3) decades, sugar workers under the leadership of GAWU battled with the Sugar Planters which for many years resisted recognising the Union . In observing this significant event, the COMBAT: March/April, 2013
Union branches in the sugar industry arranged public indoor events which reflected on some of the actual battles and the successes and setbacks towards obtaining union recognition. For many young sugar workers especially, the events provided much education of some of the sacrifice their predecessors, as workers, endured for GAWU to become the workers’ bargaining agent in the place of the Man Power Citizens Association (MPCA).
GAWU General Council meets - approves 2013 demands The 52-member General Council of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) met for the first time this year on (Saturday) March 23, 2013 at its quarterly meeting. A central report of some thirty-one (31) pages was presented to the gathering by the Union’s General Secretary. The report reflected on the international struggle of the working people and other issues, the poor operations of the sugar industry, issues of sugar workers, the functioning of the various Union bodies, important issues in regard to entities whose employees the Union represents outside of the sugar industry. Discussions on the Report focused on the state of the beleaguered sugar industry. Important suggestions on agronomic matters which can contributed
to the turnaround of the vital industry were proferred by different speakers. The return to flood-fallowing, proper land preparation and layout, the rehiring of agricultural experts, the timely and adequate application of fertilizer, amd the maintenance of an effective drainage system were some of the suggestions. The meeting also approved a memorandum of demands which were submitted to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to commence negotiations with respect to wage/salary and other fringe issues for this year (2013). In approving the claims, members took into account the various proposals submitted by the Union’s Branches and the perilous state of the industry.
GAWU pays tribute to Hugo Chavez Hugo Chavez Frias, President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela finally, succumbed to cancer on Tuesday, March 05, at the still youthful age of 58. An outstanding and great political warrior has passed on. He will now join that group of revolutionary leaders and freedom fighters who have embodied the hopes and aspirations of the poor, oppressed and working people, especially of the global South. With such a loss, profound grief has befallen the Venezuelan masses, but the pain will also be felt throughout the continent and beyond. In President Chavez’s death, Guyana has lost not simply a good neighbour, but one whose vision we understood and empathized with. President Chavez had an all-too-brief political career; yet, in that short span of time, he gave inspiring leadership to his people, putting Venezuela’s wealth, especially that accrued from oil, to uplift largely, the poverty-stricken of his country. He made an indelible mark in the policies he implemented in various sectors, not least among which were health, education, housing, infrastructure, etc. He followed pro-people policies, amd was not hesitating to nationalize foreignowned companies which would enhance Venezuela’s development, or subscribe to and take a leadership role in projects like Petrosur, ALBA, UNASUR, which earned him the wrath of the forces of reaction. President Chavez’s leadership was courageous where others took the path of subservience to those who would want to maintain hegemony of the region, Chavez stood with head held high. He was an anti-imperialist and stood up to the machinations of the US Empire primarily. But, like a true people’s leader, he survived a US-supported coup and several severe destablisation attempts against him and his government. He survived, too, because the people stood by and with him. Hugo Chavez came into politics via the military, to which he belonged. In itself, this was significant, considering that im-
portant sections of the Latin American military establishment were influenced by the US or trained at the infamous ‘School of the Americas’, and in several instances in history acted as proxy forces of the US and its allies, doing their bidding. There, in Venezuela, under Hugo Chavez’s leadership, we saw the rare phenomenon of a military force imbued with a pro-people and anti-imperialist character. The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has seen President Hugo Chavez as a friend of the oppressed and working people, as a comrade, an indefatigable anti-imperialist and revolutionary. We embrace him as such. The stature he acquired due to his policies was larger than those who sought his demise. GAWU hereby expresses its sincere condolences to the family and people of the late Venezuela leader, President Hugo Chavez of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Hugo Chavez, drawing inspiration and sustenance from the great Hero and Liberator Simon Bolivar, showed a determination to liberate his people from the poverty imposed on them by an elite rich. At this time, we also wish to reiterate expressions of appreciation for the support given to Guyana, the Caribbean, the rest of South America, and the poor of the USA. In this moment of grief, GAWU is confident that Chavez’s comrades-in-arms and his millions of supporters will be resilient, and gather the strength to continue his work along the progressive pathways he championed and symbolised. GAWU is confident that though President Hugo Chavez has passed on, his dreams for the realization of “21st century Socialism” in Venezuela will not be crushed. May he Rest in Peace Viva Chavez’s Vision! Long Live Guyana-Venezuela Friendship! Page Two
GAWU celebrates Dr Jagan’s life and work
Dr Cheddi Jagan about to address a GAWU meeting
The seven (7) branches of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) in the sugar industry, like in previous years, organized events during the month of March, 2013 to remember aspects of the legacy of Dr Cheddi Jagan, who was born and died in the month of March. The activities attracted reasonable attendances, and saw skits, poem recitals and singing being conducted by sugar workers and members of the community. Each activity before the cultural aspect was preceded by a short address on some aspects of Dr Jagan’s life and work. Dr Cheddi Jagan, whose political life spanned over five (5) decades, co-founded the People’s Progressive Party (PPP); and as its leader, tirelessly advanced the cause of adult suffrage, of Guyana’s independence from colonial rule, and the restoration of democracy to Guyana, among
other things. He was also instrumental in the founding of the Guiana Industrial Workers Union (GIWU) in 1946, the forerunner of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), and GAWU itself in 1961. As a politician and trade unionist, Dr Jagan embraced the ideology of MarxismLeninism, which for him was a guide to action and analysis. Dr Jagan and his People’s Progressive Party made a sterling contribution to raising the political consciousness of the Guyanese people, and they were on the forefront of the anticolonial battles and progressive development policies in our country. The long-lasting systemic crisis which currently engulfs the capitalist system, sixteen (16) years after Dr Jagan’s death vindicated his advocacy for change of the socio-economic capitalist formation
Meet your Branch Executives
The Union, in keeping with its Constitution, organises Branch Conferences at each Union Branch annually. At these Conferences, the work of the Branch during the preceding year is reviewed. The Conferences also elect new Branch Committees, which are charged with administering the affairs of the Branch for another year. Since the commencement of the year, a number of such Conferences were completed, and we provide you with the composition of the newly elected Committees: Albion Estate Chairman: Vimen Armogan, Vice Chairman: Hernie Parks, Secretary: COMBAT: March/April, 2013
Michael Inderdat, Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer: Bevon Sinclair; Organising Secretary: Ganga Persaud Shivdyal; and Committee Members: Victor McKenzie, Vishnu Nandalall, Arjune Verasammy, Krisendat Pooran, Ram Persaud Singh, Ingrid George, Nola Thomas, Nazaaz Yusuf, Cranston Dey, Jiterndra Roopchand and Sandra Permaul Demerara Timbers Limited Chairman: Shoban Bobb Semple, Vice Chairman: Derick Tony, Secretary: Cecilene Thomas, Assistant Secretary: Hazel Benn; and Committee Members: Edi Willison, Anita Croft, Almond Larose, Desmond Fraser and Margaret Michael
GAWU congratulates newly-elected Venzuelan President Nicholas Maduro The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) takes this opportunity to congratulate and support you on your assumption of the Office of President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. In a span of just over a decade, your predecessor Commander Hugo Chavez with his United Socialist Party begun to usher in deep-seated socio-economic changes resulting in significant improvement in the lives of the working-people and poor. President Chavez had an all too brief political career, yet in that historically brief period, he gave inspiring leadership to his people, putting Venezuela’s wealth to uplift his people and see steady development of the country. With your election victory and your ascendancy to the high Office of President of Venezuela, the mantle of leadership has fallen on your shoulders. We have full confidence that you will continue to traverse the path blazed by Comrade Hugo Chavez not only in Venezuela and for the Venezuelan people but also to give principled and inspiring leadership
in our continent and beyond. Your experience as a former leader of SITRAMECA trade union will undoubtedly serve you well in this regard. The GAWU is also extremely concerned over the violent destabilization activities that some interests, domestic and foreign, in Venezuela now have resorted to, to derail the democratic process in your country. Happily, we take note that they were aborted, but they portend challenges to waylay the process towards 21st Century Socialism. Please be assured, Mr President, of our continuing solidarity in your development process and in the face of reaction’s destabilization attempts. Your victory is certainly a victory of the democratic forces and the masses of Venezuela. With you at the helm, we are sure, the rich legacy of the Bolivarian revolution in this part of our planet will continue. Forward to greater achievements and more shining victories.
GAWU pays tribute to Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joins in the widespread mourning on the passing of Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud. May his family, congregations and colleagues all find solace in the realization that Pandit “Reep” lived a full life dedicated to public in Guyana. Truly, GAWU believes that Reepu Daman Persaud was nationally renowned, especially for spiritual guidance, and as a teacher to thousands of Hindus. He was also an adept PPP Parliamentarian who served in the National Assembly as Deputy Speaker, and in numerous Parliamentary Committees, and became the Minister of Agriculture after the 1992 democratic National and Regional Elections. Cde Reepu Daman Persaud had the distinc-
tion of being one of the longest serving members of the Guyana Parliament, which he representation on many occasions overseas. GAWU’s leadership worked with him on many occasions, seeking his experience and knowledge in the field of agriculture and organization. During his stint as Minister of Agriculture, he interacted with the Union and its thousands of members in the sugar industry and the welfare of workers. GAWU joins with all Guyanese in saying farewell to a Stalwart of the Nation – A man of the People, who served both their spiritual and material needs. Farewell, Panditji and comrade
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From Growing Profit to Growing Food: Challenging Corporate Rule percent of poultry processing. Four companies own 43 percent of the world’s commercial seed market; three companies control 90 percent of the global grain trade; and four companies own 48 percent of grocery retailers. Bust the Trust The global movement for food justice and food sovereignty seeks to bust the corporate takeover of our food system, which has been accomplished with the complicity of our governments. Below are a few recent campaigns and victories in the U.S., where farmers, food justice activists, and consumers are uniting to challenge corPicking tomatoes in Immokalee, Florida, home of the Coalition of porate rule. Immokalee Workers (CIW), which has won several victories championing In one strategy to reduce fair food, and checking corporate power corporate control of the milk industry, fourteen states have By Tory Field and Beverly Bell Just outside of the small town of Maumelle, Arkansas been pushed to allow raw milk sales at locations off the sits your run-of-the-mill American strip mall. And as in farm, and nine states are considering bills of a similar so many other box store hubs, a Walmart dominates the nature. Milk that is produced and sold locally in small batches doesn’t require the lengthy shelf life or, therelandscape. But something is a shade different about this one; its fore, the pasteurization process that has become status big, looming letters are not the standard blue. These quo for industrialized milk. Most often sold directly off letters, in a new green hue, spell out “Walmart Neigh- the farm, raw milk creates a more direct link between borhood Market.” These “neighborhood markets” are farmers and consumers, cuts out corporate middle peoa tactic in Walmart’s conquest of the grocery industry. ple, and provides farmers with a larger percentage of the The world’s biggest retail store now captures more than consumer dollar. And any raw-milk lover will swear it tastes better. a fourth of the domestic grocery market. Vernon Hershberger, a Wisconsin dairy farmer who We are bombarded and manipulated by corporate name brands every day. A Coca-Cola annual report was charged with operating without a license and four some years back stated, “All of us in the Coca-Cola fam- criminal misdemeanors for supplying raw milk to a buyily wake up each morning knowing that every single one ers’ club, said, “[T]his is about the fundamental right of of the world’s 5.6 billion people will get thirsty that day… farmers and consumers to engage in peaceful, private, If we make it impossible for these 5.6 billion people to mutually consenting agreements for food without addiescape Coca-Cola…, then we assure our future success tional oversight.” At least nine states have established some legal refor many years to come. Doing anything else is not an straints to keep corporations from buying and owning option.” “Impossible” to “escape” sounds daunting, downright farms. In Pennsylvania, the Community Environmental creepy. Yet people are escaping, in droves, a food system Legal Defense Fund has helped individual towns pass that is more obsessed with money than with sustenance. and defend local ordinances banning corporate farming The U.S. move towards industrialization in the 19th in their communities. The 2010 Supreme Court decision in Citizens United century ushered in major changes in agriculture. The focus shifted to creating an abundance of affordable food v. Federal Election Commission prohibits government for a growing population, while simultaneously reduc- restrictions on political spending by corporations. Big ing the number of people laboring in the fields, in order agribusiness as well as all other corporate industries now to free them up for work in the factories. The need for have even greater sway over the political process. Commore food with less labor meant more mechanization, munities around the country, led by organizations like and therefore bigger farms. The emergence of vast farms Public Citizen, Public Campaign, Move to Amend, and required that food travel long distances, and went hand- United for the People, have introduced local resolutions in-hand with the creation of companies to transport, calling on Congress to pass a constitutional amendment overturning Citizens United. As of March 2013, eleven package, and process the food. Over the years, food has become increasingly com- states and more than 120 local municipalities or cities modified, that is, converted from nourishment to a had passed these resolutions. Organizations like the Program on Corporations, Law, mass-marketed consumer product. These days, an evershrinking number of mega-corporations controls an and Democracy (POCLAD) have popularized the need ever-expanding amount of food production, from seeds to eliminate ‘corporate personhood,’ not just in agriculto equipment, from chemical inputs to processing. Con- ture but in society in general. Corporate personhood gives corporations the same constitutional rights as husider these statistics: Just four companies own approximately 84 percent of man beings under the 14th Amendment, which means the U.S. beef market; four firms control 66 percent of they are entitled to due process, equal protection, and the pork-packing market, and another four control 58 free speech. POCLAD has been doing research, hosting COMBAT: March/April, 2013
workshops, and publishing books and articles to spark conversations about the effects of corporate power on our governance, lives and the planet. Mass mobilization for Proposition 37, which would have required food manufacturers to place labels on any food containing GMOs in California, pushed the issue of GMOs into general public concern. Though the measure was defeated (with millions of corporate dollars working against it), the spike in awareness led by groups like Just Label It, Organic Consumers Association, Yes on 37 as well as communities across the country, paves the path for continued advocacy. GMO labelling laws are now in the works in Washington state and Vermont. And the grocery giant Whole Foods has agreed to label all GMO products by 2018. Significant food chain worker victories have been effective in checking corporate power and pushing for fair wages and workers’ rights. Just in 2012, after targeted campaigns, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers pressured Trader Joe’s to sign a Fair Food Agreement, committing to higher wages for farmworkers, basic rights, and a monitoring system to ensure follow-through. Chipotle signed the agreement a few months afterward, becoming the 11th corporation to succumb to the CIW’s pressure. Meanwhile, Brandworkers International won a significant settlement from Flaum Appetizing for unpaid wages, after a joint campaign through Focus on the Food Chain. And the Food Chain Workers Alliance and Restaurant Opportunities Centers United continue to mobilize for Congress to raise standard and tipped minimum wage by pushing the Fair Minimum Wage Act.
WFTU: 1,426 billionaires vs 80% of the global population living with $10 a day!
While the 1,426 billionaires of the world are celebrating their rankings at the Forbes Magazine’s 2013 List of Billionaires, having gathered a total net worth of $5.4 trillion, an actual $800 billion increase since last year; let us remind ourselves that these riches could not have been accumulated without the most vital means of production: the labour force. No brilliant idea could have been implemented, no new product could have been produced, no machine could have been built, no means of transport could have moved without the workers. Without the sweat and blood of the workers in the ships, the mines, in the construction sites and the industries, nothing would happen. These billionaires are only appropriating the product of the social work, and exploiting the natural resources that belong to the People. However, while these billionaires are celebrating in their jets and swimming pools, there is an 80% of the population that lives with under $10 a day, with actually 50% of the population living with $2,50! Many millions of them live in slums, are still illiterate, lack sufficient access to clean water and adequate medical services. These billionaires and many more millionaires are fighting their part in the class struggle with their hard efforts to control the governments, the IMF, the World Bank by organizing wars and by trying to corrupt and manipulate the trade union movement. Let us fight our part with more determination, strengthen the class-oriented trade union movement, and grow our struggles for the satisfaction of the contemporary needs of the workers and the popular strata. Page Four
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Arab Spring Breakers: 50,000 Gather in Tunisia to Plan People-Powered Economy Facebook,” M e n o n said. Nearly ever yone, from the local hosts to the foreign visitors, seemed to be thrilled with the selection of Tunisia as host. Arbia Oueslati, a young Tu n i s i a n woman representing ATA D E , a local orThe World Social Forum in session ganization By Signe Predmore concerned The springtime weather was hot and breezy as 50,000 with development and energy, saw the forum as a chance people converged in the Tunisian capital of Tunis last to counter negative perceptions of the country. week to discuss topics like debt, the Arab Spring, and “It makes me so sad when embassies warn their citidrones. These were among the seemingly infinite variety zens that it is not safe to travel here,” she said. “This will of issues debated at the Thirteenth annual World Social be proof that our country is safe, and also that we are a Forum. land of dialogue. People are worried about radical Islam The forum began in Brazil in 2001, and is held in a coming to power in Tunisia, but I say it will never hapnon-Western country every other year. The forum has pen, because Tunisians don’t accept extremists.” emerged as a counterpoint to the World Economic FoMeena Menon, of Focus on the Global South—a group rum in Davos, Switzerland, where elite business and that promotes social change in Asia, Latin America and political leaders meet each year to discuss global issues Africa—and a former member of the forum’s Internafrom a largely corporate perspective. tional Council, was excited that participants from other In contrast, the World Social Forum is an open space developing countries had the opportunity to interact for social movement participants, civil society, and in- with the Tunisian people. “Tunisia is the best thing that’s dividuals who are critical of imperialism and corporate- happened to the forum in my view,” she told a panel auled global capitalism to network and exchange ideas on dience. Bringing foreign activists to Tunisia helped to an international level. show that the Arab Spring was not “just something we Attendees have traditionally questioned the structural read on Facebook,” she said, but “something that was adjustment policies advocated by institutions like the done by real living, breathing people—and people who International Monetary Fund and World Bank, in which aren’t even trained in mobilization.” countries are asked to balance their budgets by slash- The forum usually results in a huge manifestation of loing spending, usually on items like the pay and pension cal civil society wherever it is held, and this year was no of public employees. While the banks claim that these exception. The Organizing Committee estimated that policies will lead to more prosperity, critics counter that around a quarter of the over 4,500 groups registered they have more often led developing nations to accumu- were Tunisian. Many of these groups are working to enlate crippling debts. sure that the goals of the Arab Spring revolution here Flag-waving groups chanting “Free! Free! Palestine!” remain in focus. and tents filled with celebratory dancers dotted the camMany were upset that the current Tunisian and Egyppus of El Manar University, where the forum was held. tian governments continue to negotiate with neoliberal institutions such as the International Monetary Fund. Getting in touch with the Arab Spring Of these goals, democracy and fair elections were Forum organizers chose Tunis as the host site this year probably the most urgent. Prominent secular politician in order to tap the energy of the grassroots mobiliza- Chokri Belaid was killed by unidentified assassins in tions in the Middle East, which overthrew dictatorial early February, provoking public outcry. His memory regimes in several countries and continue to struggle was honoured widely at the forum in forms that ranged against them in others. Increasing the involvement of from T-shirts and posters bearing his image to a moArab activists has also been a goal of the forum for sev- ment of silence at the closing General Assembly to honeral years, according to a written statement released by our both Belaid and the late Venezuelan President Hugo organizers. Chavez. The Arab Spring was not “just something we read on While failures of the Tunisian and Egyptian governCOMBAT: March/April, 2013
ments to accomplish the goals of the revolutions that brought them to power were a key concern, forum participants remained hopeful that the populations in these countries will continue to hold their Government accountable. In one workshop, Nadeem Mansour of the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights spoke of the more than 4,000 protests over financial issues that took place last year in Egypt. “Large-scale social resistance, although it has not yet crystallized into a new economic plan, forces any government that might come to power to rethink current economic policy,” he said. Linking up personal and national debt Many participants felt that a renewed focus on debt was a crucial piece of that process of rethinking. Sandra Nurse from New York City came to the forum as an individual, but was thinking about what she could bring back to her local chapter of Strike Debt, an Occupy-derived movement that works to “build popular resistance to all forms of debt.” She said she was particularly interested in how Strike Debt might be able to evolve from its current focus on individual debt and forge a connection with groups that work to address the social impact of national debt. Nurse said the group chose to focus on debt because it’s a personal experience and motivates people deeply. “But now our challenge is to really expand the analysis and connect personal debt to sovereign debt.” National debt was also on the minds of several Middle Eastern participants. Many were upset that the current Tunisian and Egyptian governments continue to negotiate with neoliberal institutions such as the International Monetary Fund. “One of the main challenges we face now is foreign debt,” said one participant from Tunisia. “I cannot understand how a revolution can compromise on this issue. The current regimes should immediately stop paying the foreign debt.” Concern over drones The seeds of a new global anti-drone movement seemed to emerge in a workshop led by U.S. feminist anti-war group CODEPINK. Participants from multiple countries expressed concern about their governments’ interest in acquiring drones. Even in cases where drones are only being considered for border-maintenance surveillance purposes, workshop attendees said this would ultimately lead to increased violence and repression of immigrants. “Afghanistan has really been the testing ground for NATO countries in terms of drone usage,” said CODEPINK co-founder Medea Benjamin. “Now they have a taste for it, and everyone wants to have the latest technology. None of the militaries want to be left behind. So we see this as the beginning of a global arms race in drone warfare.” Many of the workshop attendees stayed after the session was over to discuss organizing an international citizens’ movement to advocate for global regulation on drones. E-mails were exchanged that very night in an effort to start planning a global gathering in a European city for the fall. One of the early tasks of the group will be to identify potentially sympathetic governments to work with. Page Five
55 years of May Day as a National Holiday in Guyana This year (2013) marks fifty-five (55) years since May Day has been made a National Holiday in Guyana. In recognition of this COMBAT excerpts this, passage from Ashton Chase’s renowned book, “A History of Trade Unionism in Guyana – 1900 to 1961”: May Day demonstrations were inaugurated by the BG Labour Union in or about 1930. The demonstrations took the form of a march from the Bourda Green to Parade Ground. The march headed south through Albouystown, then north through Kingston. The marchers were accompanied by a band(s) of music playing such popular tunes as “Tipperary”. Banners and placards were carried, some setting out the demands of the Union. Throughout the 30s, these demonstrations were not very well attended. Many workers and tenants for whom the Labour Union was struggling often stood by and looked on in curiosity or amusement rather than join in and participate. To many, these demonstrations, led by Mr Hubert Critchlow, appeared like an annual exhibition of cranks who had nothing else to do. The demonstrations in these years were most colourful. Women were smartly attired in red blouses and white skirts. The men wore red shirts and white pants with red strips on the outward flanks of the pants. Many demonstrators also wore impressive red rosettes and the Union buttons. To keep the demonstrators in order, there was a small contingent of union stewards who wore arm bands. Messrs Howard and Harding, veteran Union officials, organised and directed the stewards. But the bulk of demonstrators and followers were in ordinary working clothes, many barefooted and in tattered garments. In the late 30s and early 40s some joined the demonstration in cabs. It was an annual feature for a long time of Mr Jack Hylton to head a group of comedians in a cab. For about two years, Jack himself rode a house to the demonstration. Then there was a formidable array of cyclists; and from the early 50s lorries and later on cars carrying demonstrators, joined the celebration. The demonstrators were always accompanied by a squad of policemen, including the mounted branch. It was a feature of these Labour Union demonstrations to distribute thousands of handbills to onlookers and sympathisers all along the route. Opportunity was also taken to put an army of collectors with red tins and cups to solicit donations from people all along the route, on the roads, in their house and in the shops. For many years, Mr Emil Austin who, for more than two decades, was the official sick visitor of the Labour Union always turned, in a good account. Around the mid-40s, the fund raising was boosted with a Fair at the Promenade COMBAT: March/April, 2013
Gardens every May Day. On behalf of the Union, it was managed by impresario Mr N. Critchlow. At the May Day parades sponsored by the Labour Union, resolutions were passed at the Parade Ground meetings. The resolutions touched on many subjects, political as well as industrial. Rent restriction; unemployment and assistance for the unemployed; non-contributory old age pension scheme; rental purchase housing schemes; adult suffrage; abolition of night work at bakeries; workmen’s compensation; shorter working hours generally; and with particular reference to nurses and domestic servants, increased wages; West Indies and Guiana Federation; education; hospitalization and sanitation indicate some of the subjects dealt with. The practice was for these resolutions to be forwarded to the Government ,and they were sometimes followed up by deputations. It took many years after a resolution was passed before it bore fruit. The Labour Union was the undisputed sponsor of May Day celebrations right up to 1946. Some of the Unions that were registered up to then joined in the parades, but under the banner and leadership of the BG Labour Union. With the reformation of the TUC in 1944, the feeling arose that such an important celebration should be sponsored by the TUC on behalf of all the Unions. There was considerable pressure between 1946 and 1948 for the TUC to take over, but the Labour Union resisted this. It had both a financial interest in continuing the celebrations on its own, and it was not impressed with the TUC’s attempts at organizing in other spheres. It felt that the TUC did not have the capacity or the capability to make a success of May Day. Eventually, after a dual celebration in 1950, agreement was reached for the TUC to take over the celebrations from May Day 1951, but for a couple of years thereafter, both the Labour Union and the TUC, made collections. Finally, the whole celebration was taken over by the TUC which has since carried it on every year. When the TUC took over in 1951, the celebrations were heralded with a broadcast message by the Officer Administering the Government. That May Day should be declared a public holiday was one of Mr Critchlow’s pet subjects. After the TUC’s ‘take over’, it took up the ‘May Day Holiday’ cudgel and passed resolutions to this effect at several demonstrations. On the 12th February 1958, the Legislative Council approved an amendement to a motion by Mr R. Tello, TUC General Secretary, that May Day be declared public holiday in substitution for an existing public holiday. The PPP Government declared 1st May 1958 a public holiday’ and ever since then May Day has been a public holiday – Empire Day, 24th May, having being scrapped as from then.”
Centerary Anniverary of Rose Hall shooting observed
President Donald Ramotar lays a wreath at the Rose Hall Martyrs’ Monument site
Fifteen (15) sugar workers who were shot fatally on March 13, 1913 at Rose Hal Estate, Canje were recognized on March 26, 2013 with a wreath-laying and tribute ceremony aparently for the first time since their death. Among those paying tribute to the fallen workers were the country’s Executive President Donald Ramotar, the Regional Chairman of Region#6, and relatives of those killed, among others. The workers were all shot by the colonial police, on the high bridge leading to the Rose Hall Estate Administrative Office, because they were protesting against the Estate’s decision that they must engage in cane planting. The majority of the workers did not agree to comply with the Manager’s decision. Seven (7) men were served summonses to attend court. The Magistrate required them to pay the cost of the summons, but the poor workers could only pay the cost in installments, which the Magistrate rejected. The problem escalated from this point. During continued protest, fifteen (15) workers – 14 men and 1 woman – were shot by police. The dead were: Badri, 26; Bholay, 33; Durga, 72; Gafur, 27; Jugai, 30; Juggoo, 37; Hulas, 25; Lalji, 45; Motey Khan, 26; Nibur, 75; Roopan, 25; Sadulla, 23; Sarjoo, 21; Sohan, 33; and the lone female, Gobindei, 32; and forty-one (41) were injured. The bodies of those killed were transported in jute bags on donkey carts to the New Amsterdam Hospital. “These are the people who paid the ultimate price because they resisted what they deemed to be oppressive and offensive at the time…and anytime you stand up to the masters in those days, you had no chance—you were either injured or killed”, said Region Six Chairman David Armogan. Veteran educator Mr. Phillip Deobhajan outlined the historical aspect of the
massacre. Historian Fred Sukdeo stated that Rose Hall Estate has a unique history in Guyana, and he outlined five historical attributes: Rose Hall as a community which started the 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion up the Canje River; the Rose Hall Riot in 1913; the Rose Hall Estate clarifier incident in 1970, whereby several workers met their deaths; vesting of Bookers Guiana to the people of Guyana at the Canje Welfare Centre in May, 1976; and the first meeting to establish a heritage site at Plantation Highbury to commemorate the first arrival of East Indian Immigrants to British Guiana. President Donald Ramotar said it was important to note that the workers “made that ultimate sacrifice, and we still remember them today, 100 years later. They who pulled the trigger—those responsible for this terrible deed—have all been forgotten; no one remembers them.” The event, he stated, brought to an end the hated system of indentureship. “That is what is significant.” The Guyanese leader said that a large part of the history of Guyana has been the history of sugar. From the time indentureship replaced slavery, he added, the workers played the most central role in transforming Guyana, “and that was only natural, because sugar was then ‘king’—the main pillar of the economy”. He recalled the struggle in Leonora in 1938 that finally saw trade unionism entering the industry and spreading throughout Guyana. “They were fighting to defend then their economic rights and for independence.” The bulk of that struggle, he stated, was in the sugar estate. “1948 at Enmore was the beginning of the end of colonialism in our country—All those struggles took place in the estates themselves and….we will always have to pay tribute to sugar workers and the role that they played”.
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GAWU President attends WFTU Presidential Council Meeting Comrades, at conclusion of our last meeting, just over a year ago, we identified three (3) main facets of workers’ reality and life:1. The deepening of the capitalist crisis together with an effort of the ruling classes to transfer the burden to the working class and other groups; 2. Increasing aggressiveness of imperialism through wars and invasions; and 3. An intensification of struggles by the working-class and other groups to protect and defend their gains, benefits and rights. The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), through its President Cde Komal Chand, partipated in the 7th Presidential Council meeting of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) in Lima, Peru on March 07 - 08, 2013. The meeting attracted Trade Union leaders from 31 countries in 5 continents. The WFTU meeting discussed the Report of the Organization’s activities during 2012, the developments in the global economy and its main strategic sectors, as well as their impact on the lives and working conditions of the working people apart from formulating an action plan of the WFTU for the year 2013. The work of the Presidential Council Meeting began on March 07, 2013 in a massive opening ceremony which paid tribute to the President of Venezuela, Rafael Hugo Chavez Frias, and expressed solidarity of the WFTU affiliates with the Venezuelan people. GAWU’s President, in his participation delivered the following address:“On behalf of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), I extend warmest greetings of solidarity to all members of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) Presidential Council. I also take this opportunity to express cordial greetings to the working people of Peru, even as I express my Union’s fraternal embrace to the General Confederation of Workers of Peru (CGTP). Our meeting, comrades, at this time, affords us an opportunity, yet again, to give recognition to the latest positive developments in Latin America and the Caribbean. The recent electoral victories of progressive forces in several countries are clear manifestations not only of the popularity of the respective leaders, but of the people’s support for policies that veer away from the neo-liberal order. The people-oriented policies and progressive trends in this continent, pursued with courage and determination, fortify our hopes and struggles for deep-seated change, for a just global order. As it did with Cuba, that trail-blazer of revolutionary practices, for over fifty (50) years now, US imperialism is not willing to let go of its deadly grip on the continent. Indeed, where it can, that hold – political, economic and military – is strengthened. We note with concern its efforts to undermine and reverse the tide of independent and progressive developments in the region. We are not oblivious to the US role and support of coups in Haiti, Honduras and Paraguay, and its attempts at destablisation of several countries though local agents, with financial support doled out by its international agencies. In passing, let us also observe, once more, the ease with which it abandons basic democratic norms and human rights to advance its retrogressive objectives. Despite these efforts, the progressive trajectory endures and is being strengthened by the rise of new institutions like the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and others which are intended to forge “greater” co-operation and promote mutually beneficial economic and trade links. COMBAT: March/April, 2013
Today, one year on, the situation remains the same, if not worse. The world continues to be gripped by the economic crisis. This year, world unemployment could hit record levels and continue rising until 2017, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO). In its annual Global Employment Trends report, the ILO forecasts that jobless numbers around the world will increase by 5.1 million in 2013 to 202 million people, topping 2009’s record of 198 million. The trends examined in the ILO report expose the fraudulent claim by many neo-liberal economists that “an economic recovery has begun”. On the contrary, a systemic crisis of the world capitalist economy is destroying jobs – particularly for the world’s youth – and plunging greater numbers of people into poverty. The austerity measures of governments around the world are further exacerbating this process. The ILO further reveals that there are currently some 397 million workers living in extreme poverty, and there is an additional 472 million who cannot meet their basic needs on a regular basis. This means that 12 per cent of the world’s population lives in families where at least one member is working but they still struggle to gain access to decent housing, food and other necessities. The statistics outline that the policies applied by governments of developed countries, whether conservative or social democratic, are unable to solve the problems which confront them. Today, under conditions of deep capitalist crisis, under conditions of decay of the capitalist system, the bold struggles of workers, of poor peasants, of the youth, are providing optimistic hope and pointing the way towards changes of the system of capitalism. In this regard, we emphasize that their struggles for specific and immediate goals cannot be delinked from the wider struggles in defense of freedom, democracy, for social justice, against war, and for environmental concerns. Comrades, as we meet here today, we must be mindful of the increasing aggressiveness of imperialism. France’s military aggression in Mali is only the latest expression of a renewed scramble for Africa being undertaken with military support coming from the continent’s former colonialist overlords; and, significantly, the US Empire. Africa, is again becoming – more and more – a continent for imperialism’s military adventures. The atrocities and war crimes we have seen and are seeing in the Middle East and South Asia and North Africa are beginning to spread to other particularly mineral-rich countries of the African continent. We cannot fail to note that the French invasion of Mali is taking place under the newly-elected “Socialist” President Hollande, possibly encouraged by the former President Sarkozy, who oversaw France playing a forceful role in the devastation of Libya, in the course of which the leader, Gadaffi, his children and grand children were killed. Already, from Mali, civilian deaths, including children, are being reported. The “War-on-Terrorism” and threats of “Jihadists” and “Al-Qaida” are again being used as justification and the
pretext for military operations. And, under cover of this invasion, Africom, we are told, has now established a drone base in neighbouring Niger. With such kind of developments, prospects for economic progress and tackling grinding poverty in this continent are dim. Neo-colonialism, its hallmark characterized by plunder and control of the continent’s bountiful resources, is deepening its roots. Africa today demands our greater attention; and the WFTU, I am sure, will not hesitate to mount solidarity activities as the situation worsens. We denounce imperialism! We denounce imperialist wars and schemes against peoples! Comrades, as we see, the world situation continues to be grim. Austerity seems to be the standard answer that the ruling classes of the developed capitalist countries have come up with to the ongoing economic and financial crises. Some analysts are more often giving gloomy predictions of what awaits us ahead; some of which shall not be dismissed, given the dire realities we are witnessing. Ecological and environmental disasters are widespread, and are occurring more frequently. War talk together with arms purchasing and armaments’ developments and threats of cyberwars are continuing apace. Capitalism/imperialism, with its obsession for resources – especially other peoples’ resources – to feed its insatiable hunger for super profits, is largely responsible for the threatening and troubling world situation. Clearly, the necessity for profound global changes has become urgent. Against this backdrop, the rising struggles of working people and youth, mainly of Europe and North America, against austerity and foreclosures, and the resistance to imperialist wars and neo-colonialist plunder must be seen as very significant components of our world of today. Once again, history has called on the working class and its allies and the oppressed to be the harbingers of change. Those who are in the trenches and frontlines of the sharpening class struggles deserve our full support and solidarity. That is a priority and immediate task before us – a task for our individual unions as well as our collective organization, which is the WFTU. The ruling classes are not sluggish in the face of these growing challenges to their anti-people policies and the capitalist system. As we are seeing in Greece and Spain, other countries too, their response is brutal and repressive. In North America and the United Kingdom, surveillance which erodes freedoms and privacy are on the ascendancy; and in the US, the President is accused of using robots to assassinate US citizens, while using such machines for spying purposes domestically. It is in this context also that we need to see the mushrooming of fascist organizations and groups in several countries, and the real threat they pose to the workers’ struggles and the welfare of immigrants. The WFTU Presidential Council must continue to reflect on the challenges facing humanity today. The situation is dynamic. Being abreast with the evolving conditions will certainly help us to determine effective tactics and strategies to advance the struggles of the world’s exploited and oppressed. Poverty, inequality, high levels of unemployment, plunder of developing countries, and unjust wars are very much with us. Only a path of consistent, determined and selfless struggle, with a scientific theory as a guide and with allies, can ensure the realization of our vision and goals to achieve a peaceful world, where each individual can live a meaningful life with full development of his or her personality and talents, and with the guarantee of human and civil rights in a democratic framework of society. There is much work ahead of us; many challenges to face and many battles to fight. The WFTU is called upon and cast in the role to lead. We can do it. Page Seven
Budget 2013 at a glance
Key Achievements in 2012 • Real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.8 per cent in 2012, a seventh consecutive year of positive growth. • The rice industry grew by 5 percent to 422,057 tonnes, the highest tonnage produced in any one year in the industry’s entire history. • Gold production expanded by 20.8 percent to 438,645 ounces, the highest recorded in the entire history of the gold industry, excluding Omai production. • Bauxite industry recorded growth in value-added of 12.5 percent, with production of 2,213,972 tonnes. • Export earnings expanded by 23.6 percent to US$1.5 billion. • External reserves amounted to US$862.2 million, the highest endof-year position ever in our country’s history, and equivalent to 4 months of imports. • Inflation rate contained to 3.5 percent at the end of 2012, well within acceptable norms.
Targets for 2013 • The domestic economy is projected to achieve real growth of 5.3 per cent in 2013. • Sugar production is targeted at 240,000 tonnes, 10.1 percent above 2012 level of production. • The manufacturing sector is projected to record a stronger growth performance of 4.4 per cent in 2013. • The information and communication sector is projected to expand by 4.5 per cent. • The construction industry is targeted to grow by 10 per cent, spurred by continued growth in private sector housing construction, and by key projects in the public sector investment programme. • The size of Budget 2013 is $208.8 billion, Guyana’s largest budget ever. • Rice industry is projected to record a production level of 440,106 tonnes, equivalent to 4.3 percent growth over the record performance in 2012. • For the year 2013, an inflation rate of 4.3 per cent is targeted. Budget Measures • Budget 2013 provides an amount of $1B to be transferred by Government to GuySuCo to help the company meet the financing requirements of
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its transformation plans. Budget 2013 provides operating and capital transfers to GPL totalling $10.2 billion . Budget 2013 provides for the old age pension to be increased to $12,500 per month, an increase of 25 percent, with effect from May 1, 2013. Government will provide each old age pensioner with assistance of up to $20,000 per annum to pay GPL for electricity charges incurred. With effect from year of income 2013, first-time home owners who are holders of mortgage loans of up to $30 million granted to them by commercial banks or the building society will be permitted to deduct the interest they pay on such mortgages from their taxable incomes for the purposes of personal income tax. With effect from year of income 2013, personal income tax will be charged on income above the current threshold of $50,000 per month or $600,000 per annum at a rate of 30 percent instead of 33⅓ percent.
Budget Cuts During consideration of the Budget Estimates, the Opposition Parliamentary Parties, using their one-seat majority, cut the budget by some $31.4B. The budgetary cuts have effectively denied our citizens access to cheap and reliable electricity; stopped construction of a health facility that promised specialty health care at expectedly affordable costs; prevented the modernization and employment and other benefits associated with a larger airport; threatened the jobs of those workers at the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Government Information News Agency ( GINA), while at the same time may cause an increase in electricity charges by some 17 per cent. The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) saw the budget as containing measures aimed at fostering growth while improving our people’s welfare and standard-of-living, and sees the Opposition-initiated cuts as irresponsible and callous, and the negative consequences will be felt mainly by the Guyanese working people. The Union calls on the Parliamentary political parties to restore the amounts cut from the Budget and allow the projects to contunue unaffected.
GAWU concludes negotiations at BEV
- wage hike and improvement in benefits secured
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Management of BEV Processors Inc agreed on pay rise and other working conditions’ improvements, including monetary changes, on March 14, 2013, after the parties were engaged in three (3) lengthy meetings. The pay increase for the Company’s almost three hundred (300) employees is eight (8) per cent, and it will take effect from January 01, 2013. New meal allowances are lunch, $600; breakfast, $360; and dinner, $500. New vacation allowances are 1 – 4 years’ service: $12,000; 5 – 7 years’ service: $14,000; and over 7 years’ service: $16,000. The new out-of-town allowance is $2,000. The spouse of an employee who suffers an industrial death is entitled to not less than $500,000., even if the sum payable by the Group Life Insurance Scheme is less, as the Company has agreed to make
up the difference. In cases where the insurance payment is in excess of $500,000, the Company shall grant an additional $250,000. Importantly, the Company will pay the total premiums, thus no worker is required to make any premium contribution. Five (5) days’ compassionate leave stet been approved, and granting of a greater number of days will be at Management’s discretion. Male employees are to receive three (3) sets of trousers and three (3) shirts per year, while female employees would be provided with clean overalls every working day. The Union’s negotiating team comprised its General Secretary, Cde Seepaul Narine; the Union’s Field Secretary, Cde Ricardo Persaud; shop stewards and those branch members who are not shop stewards. The Company team was led by its owner, Cde Bruce Vieira stet other Company directors and senior management personnel.
“Capitalist barbarism, crisis and Imperialist wars, or socialism”
GAWU/Caricom Rice Mills to soon commence negotiations The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Management of the Caricom Rice Mills Limted (CRM) are soon to engage in negotiations with a view to improve the level of wages and salaries of the Company’s 60 person workforce. The parties are also to consider up-
ward adjustments in some monetary allowances, the implementation of a 40-hour work week, and changes in certain fringe benefits. Both the Union and the Company have expressed their wish to commence and conclude the negotiations in the month of May.
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: gawu@bbgy.com Website: www.gawu.net