Combat March/May 2015 by GAWU

Combat

Issue#2 Volume#36

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

Guyana Votes

Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, recognized as a pioneer of organized labour in Guyana, put it this way, “Politics follows you from the cradle to the grave”. With that in mind, we should restate that, in our times, democratic elections, regularly held, have become a main component of politics

March-May, 2015

Unite for Continued Progress and Development The Labour Day 2015 Address of GAWU President, Cde Komal Chand

Expectedly, such election must be free, fair and transparent - essential factors in order to impart legitimacy to the government deriving therefrom. The just concluded May 11, 2015 elections are now shrouded in controversy. This does not augur well for a stable future, for national cohesion, and for our allround development. Though not focused upon, the several incidents of violence reported by the media were as violent as many in our past electoral experiences. Elections Day itself proceeded largely calmly, although a few irregularities were identified. The observers, both local and international, gave the elections their seal of approval. However, before the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), which, above-all, is charged with the management of the electoral process, could have announced the final results, a major malpractice was discovered. It would appear that the discovery was made at GECOM and by a high official there. Thus alerted, the PPP/C naturally pressed for a recount of the ballots or, at least, for a partial recount. GECOM did not accede to this. The failure of GECOM to respond positively to the legitimate request for a recount of the votes raises the question of impartiality and above-board expectation of that body. In an election in which the two major contenders are separated by a few thousand votes, and where allegations of malpractices have surfaced, such recount would have certainly helped to assuage concerns. As things stand, the PPP/C party is seeking legal intervention. The APNU/AFC government will have hanging over it the shadow that it is a creature of undemocratic elections. Moreover, in the 2015 elections campaign, there was much talk of unity, but a sharp divisiveness resulted. It is a divisiveness that can take some time to mend. Our nation may have taken a backward step from the restoration of democracy that was brought about in 1992. If so, our working people will have to - once again, through their various efforts - ensure that our civil rights and democracy become pillars of a united independent Guyana, set irreversibly on the road of social progress. COMBAT: March-May, 2015

Comrades, this Rally, being held under the theme “Unite for Continued Progress and Development”, is indeed a significant national activity. It is being held jointly by our FITUG Unions, representing thousands of unionised workers in our country. It is with pleasure, therefore, that I take the opportunity, on behalf of GAWU, to extend a hearty welcome to all members of our FITUG fraternity, and at this time extend May Day greetings to all Guyanese, particularly to our workers. Our FITUG collaborative action has been ongoing and has endured for a number of years now. It is a unity which we believe must be consolidated, and which can be both an example and basis for the wider unity of the Guyanese working class. Comrades, as you know, the tradition of celebrating May Day has its origins in the struggle for the eight-hour working day. That struggle reached a high point in May 1886 with Chicago workers going on strike, which was met with police violence and brutality. Eight (8) trade unionists were arrested, put on trial, were found guilty, and were executed. Their sacrifices have earned them an honoured place in the history of the international working class movement. In 1889, the International Working Men’s Association, at a conference in Paris, decided that May 1 will become a day for the international working class to celebrate. This year, 2015, is the 126th time workers in many countries are observing May Day.

At the same time, May Day allows us the opportunity to honour all those workers who made great sacrifices many with their lives - for the rights and betterment of the working class, for the abolition of the exploitation of man by man, and for a new and just progressive social and economic order International Comrades, this year, our celebrations are taking place amidst challenging conditions internationally. Wars and conflicts are raging in several countries of the world. A US-supported, fascist-led coup took place in Ukraine, triggering a destructive civil war; and, recently, highly provocative military exercises on Russia’s border have raised the spectre of another World War. In the Middle East, North Africa and other African countries, we see one devastating war after another, resulting in deaths, displacement, destruction and disaster affecting hundreds of thousands of people. Even as we meet, a small, poor Middle East country called Yemen has become the latest victim of this war fever waged by allies and vassal states of US imperialism. In South Asia, we are aware of efforts to contain and encircle China, a country which has grown into an Asian economic power house. Continued on page seven Page One

GAWU pays homage to Dr Cheddi Jagan Commemorative events to remember Dr Cheddi Jagan, once the Honorary President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, were conducted across the sugar industry last March, the month of his birth. The events were held in Mandirs, Mosques and Community Centres where a short address was given at each event, reflecting on some of Dr Jagan’s work, followed by poetry recitals, tassa drumming, dances, and quotations from some of Dr Jagan’s speeches. Dr Cheddi Jagan cofounded the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in 1950, and led it until his death in 1997. The PPP did not spare any moment to advance the struggle for universal Dr Cheddi Jagan adult suffrage, whereby every adult Guyanese was able to vote in our national elections. In the first election which allowed all adult Guyanese to vote in 1953, the PPP won by an overwhelming majority. The PPP placed next on its agenda political independence for our country, which was granted on May 26, 1966. Another major struggle waged

by Dr Jagan and his Party, from 1968 to 1992, was the struggle for free and fair elections. Dr Jagan also was supportive of the formation of the Guiana Industrial Workers Union (GIWU) in 1946, and later was instrumental in the formation of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the largest Union in Guyana. As a politician and trade unionist, Dr Jagan embraced the ideology of MarxismLeninism. He and his People’s Progressive Party made a sterling contribution to raising the political consciousness of the Guyanese people. The long-lasting systemic crisis which currently engulfs the capitalist system, 18 years after Dr Jagan’s death, vindicates his advocacy for an end to the domination of a market economy. His advocacy for a New Global Human Order (NGHO) sought to meet the fundamental needs of the people, their cultural development, and a clean and safe environment to serve these aims; and to generally reduce the appalling poverty which continues to afflict most developing nations.

Chief Justice (ag.), Ian Chang, after hearing arguments from attorneys-at-law representing the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo), ordered that the dismissal issue of Skeldon employee Cde Daniel Stephen be returned to Arbitration. Mr Ian Chang, however, is yet to issue a written order for the new arbitration proceedings to take place. It is recalled that, on December 29, 2014, Arbitrator Mohamed Akeel delivered a report to GAWU and GuySuCo which stated inter alia:- “Being unable to proceed further, I have to bring this Arbitration to an end by ruling that Mr Daniel Stephen remains dismissed; but whether this dismissal was justified or not, I was not allowed to determine” The arbitrator’s report differed from when he concluded the Tribunal’s proceedings on November 26, 2014 with the following note:- “…if we don’t agree to move forward by altering the Terms of

Reference, which I cannot force, my duty (which is) based on the Terms of Reference is finished, because there is no disciplinary action for me to inquire into, so the matter is concluded here”. The Arbitrator’s dual positions and the fact that he did not arbitrate on Stephen’s suspension in keeping with the essence of his Terms of Reference allow the intervention into the matter by the Court. The Union’s Attorney-at-Law is in diligent pursuit of obtaining the acting Chief Justice’s written order to enable the Ministry of Labour to assist the Union and GuySuCo to establish fresh arbitration proceedings. Daniel Stephen was dismissed on the night of September 19, 2014, but, on September 25, 2014, his dismissal was recalled by the Corporation following GAWU’s intervention, and he was instead suspended without pay pending the outcome of either conciliation or arbitration proceedings.

Daniel Stephen’s suspension to return to Arbitration

COMBAT: March-May, 2015

GAWU successfully holds Kowsilla commemoration activity

A section of the march at the Kowsilla commemoration activity

Every year following March 06, 1964, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has organized commemorative events to remember heroine Kowsilla who was brutally crushed to death while she was squatting on a bridge near to the Leonora Sugar Factory in solidarity with striking sugar workers. Like in previous years, wreath laying on Kowsilla’s tomb and tributes to her were offered at the Anna Catherina Cemetery ,where she was interred. Preceding the cemetery event, a march along the public road was conducted, starting about a mile away from the Cemetery. Leaders of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), and the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) and a few others laid wreaths and paid tributes to this brave woman. Striking sugar workers were demanding work assignments and the recognition of GAWU in place of the Man Power Citizens Association (MPCA), which the overwhelming majority of sugar workers had been seeking to replace since 1948.

The strike took place at the end of a political protest in the country. Thousands of Guyanese had resented the imposition of a new electoral system in our country by the British Colonial Office. The Proportional Representation system, which was unknown in the British Empire, was imposed to replace the First-Past-the-Post system. It was the way to get rid of the leftist People’s Progressive Party (PPP) at General Election ,which was brought forward to December, 1964. Many of the striking Leonora workers had joined their fellow Guyanese to march along the Coast of Guyana, demonstrating against the new electoral system. The Management of the Estate, angered by the workers’ participation in the protest march, decided to deny them work, hence the strike. GAWU salutes the courage and sacrifice displayed by Kowsilla, which undoubtedly engergised ongoing struggles for GAWU’s recognition as the Union sought to become the bargaining agent for the field and factory workers in the sugar industry. In February, 1976, after almost three (3) decades, many incidents, strikes, etc, GAWU replaced the discredited MPCA.

“Capitalist barbarism, crisis and Imperialist wars, or socialism” Page Two

The Termination of Employment GuySuCo divests Co-Generation Units and Severance Pay Act KNOW YOUR LABOUR LAWS

Introduction This Act provides for the conditions governing termination of employment, disciplinary actions, grounds for redundancy, grant of redundancy and severance payment to employees, continuity of employment, probationary period, retirement, concept of unfair dismissal, protection for strike action in certain circumstances. This Act makes legal provision for a number of benefits to workers which, prior to its enactment, were not enjoyed by workers, except by collective bargaining in some cases. Employment Contracts The Act defines two types of employment contracts:Employment of service is where the employee is under the control of the employer – the employer determines the manner and method of carrying out the work. Employment for service is where a person works more as a self-employed person or job worker; he is paid by the job or task completed.

Probationary Period An employee is given a job because he purports to be reasonably proficient in the field or task. A probationary period is that period of time an employer thinks he needs to assess whether the employee possesses the skill he claims to have, and within which the employee has to prove his ability. An employer and employee can agree on the length of the probationary period; if none is agreed upon, then the Act prescribes three months. Continuity of Employment An employee may be away from work for any number of reasons and for varying periods of time; but this can have an impact on the calculation of severance and redundancy allowances. However, absence from work for certain reasons, as stated in the Act, cannot be treated as interrupting the employment contract. The reasons are – 1. periods of annual, maternity or sick leave, or any other leave in accordance with any law, contract or agreement, or disability; 2. the suspension of an employee; 3. the termination of an employee prior to that employee being re-instated or re-engaged; 4. being laid off for a period not exceeding six weeks; 5. due to being locked out. Absence due to industrial action shall not interrupt the continuity of employment, provided that the action is in conformity with the law or CLA; but such COMBAT: March-May, 2015

period shall not count for the purpose of calculating length of continuous employment. Disciplinary Action This Act recognizes two penalties only:written warning, and suspension without pay. An employer can take disciplinary action other than dismissal, when it is reasonable to do so, having regard to the nature of the violation, the employee’s duties, the nature of any damage incurred, and the previous conduct of the employee.

Grounds and manner of termination of employment There are two types of termination: for cause, and with notice - this includes redundancy. Termination of Employment for good and sufficient cause is commonly called summary dismissal and is without notice or payment of severance allowance, and is usually for serious misconduct. Some causes that can lead to summary dismissal are: 1. disobedience of a lawful order; however, a worker may refuse to work or do a particular work where he has reasonable justification to believe a machinery etc. or the physical condition of the workplace presents an imminent and serious danger to life or health (disease); 2. Negligence – failure to do a thing, which failure could result in serious damage or loss; 3. Incompetence: failure to effectively perform the job; 4. Dishonesty 5. Misconduct - fighting 6. Incapacity 7. Breach of faith - faithful service Where an employee is guilty of an offence that is not serious enough to warrant summary dismissal, he may be given a written warning. If, after being given a written warning, he commits, within the following six months, the same or similar offence, the employee may be dismissed without notice. If an employer, having knowledge of misconduct or after investigation of the said misconduct, failed to terminate the employee for the said misconduct, he cannot thereafter terminate for the said offence. He would have waived his right to terminate An employee cannot be terminated for unsatisfactory performance unless the employer first gives the employee instructions as to how he should perform his duties, and a written warning to adhere to the instructions; and the employee continues to perform unsatisfactorily. TO BE CONTINUED

The two (2) Co-Generation Units at the Skeldon sugar factory

The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) in March, 2015, divested its two (2) Co-Generation Units and its three (3) light fuel oil (LFO)/heavy fuel oil (LFO) units to Skeldon Energy Inc (SEI) – a company established by the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) and the National Industrial, Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). The five (5) units together are capable of producing forty (40) megawatts of electricity. The new Company will continue to provide electricity to the National Grid and the Skeldon Sugar Factory. SEI will be purchasing from Skeldon Estate bagasse

to power the Co-Generation Units and in turn provide electricity at a fixed price per unit for the operation of the Skeldon factory. Forty-five (45) employees are retained by the new Company to man the five (5) divested units for a period of one (1) year, after which their contractual arrangements would be reviewed. GuySuCo’s divestment of its prized assets was influenced by its pressing demands to obtain cash for the day-to-day operations of the country’s major stateowned industry.

BEV workers obtain pay-rise

Workers engaged in the processing of fish

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Management of BEV Processors Inc negotiated a pay rise of seven (7) per cent, and approved higher monetary benefits for breakfast, lunch and dinner allowances as follows: $400, $500 and $525 respectively. New vacation allowances are $14,500 for 1 – 4 years’ service; $16,500 for 5 – 7 years’ service; and $18,500 for over 7 years’ service. Work attendance allowance was increased to $10,000 per month. Improved medical payment through the Company Medical Scheme was also approved. The Company’s almost 300-person

workforce benefited from the package which came into effect from January 01, 2015. The workers expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the negotiations, which took place for some weeks in February and March, 2015. The Union’s negotiating team comprised its General Secretary, Cde Seepaul Narine; the Union’s Field Secretary, Cde Ricardo Persaud, and the Branch members of BEV. The Company’s team comprised its owner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Cde Bruce Vieira; Company Directors, and senior management personnel. Page Three

Vladmir Putin’s speech to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in the 1941–1945 Great Patriotic War

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin watches the Victory Day Parade at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2015

Today, when we mark this sacred anniversary, we once again appreciate the enormous scale of Victory over Nazism. We are proud that it was our fathers and grandfathers who succeeded in prevailing over, smashing, and destroying that dark force. Hitler’s reckless adventure became a tough lesson for the entire world community. At that time, in the 1930s, the enlightened Europe failed to see the deadly threat in the Nazi ideology. Today, seventy years later, the history calls again to our wisdom and vigilance. We must not forget that the ideas of racial supremacy and exclusiveness had provoked the bloodiest war ever. The war affected almost 80 percent of the world population. Many European nations were enslaved and occupied. The Soviet Union bore the brunt of the enemy’s attacks. The elite Nazi forces were brought to bear on it; all their military power was concentrated against it; and all major decisive battles of World War II, in terms of military power and equipment involved, had been waged there. And it is no surprise that it was the Red Army that, by taking Berlin in a crushing attack, hit the final blow to Hitler’s Germany, finishing the war. Our entire multi-ethnic nation rose to fight for our Motherland’s freedom. Everyone bore the severe burden of the war. Together, our people made an immortal exploit to save the country. They predetermined the outcome of World War II. They liberated European nations from the Nazis. Veterans of the Great Patriotic War, wherever they live today, should know that here, in Russia, we highly value their fortitude, courage and dedication to frontline brotherhood. COMBAT: March-May, 2015

Dear friends, the Great Victory will always remain a heroic pinnacle in the history of our country, but we also pay tribute to our allies in the anti-Hitler coalition. We are grateful to the peoples of Great Britain, France and the United States of America for their contribution to the Victory. We are thankful to the anti-fascists of various countries, who selflessly fought the enemy as guerrillas and members of the underground resistance, including in Germany itself. We remember the historical meeting on the Elbe, and the trust and unity that became our common legacy and an example of unification of peoples – for the sake of peace and stability. It is precisely these values that became the foundation of the post-war world order. The United Nations came into existence, and the system of the modern international law has emerged. These institutions have proved, in practice, their effectiveness in resolving disputes and conflicts. However, in the last decades, the basic principles of international cooperation have come to be increasingly ignored. These are the principles that have been hard won by mankind as a result of the ordeal of the war. We saw attempts to establish a unipolar world. We see the strong-arm-bloc thinking gaining momentum. All that undermines sustainable global development. The creation of a system of equal security for all states should become our common task. Such system should be an adequate match to modern threats, and it should rest on a regional and global non-bloc basis. Only then will we be able to ensure peace and tranquillity on the planet. Dear friends, we welcome today all our foreign guests, ,while expressing a particular gratitude to the represen-

tatives of the countries that fought against Nazism and Japanese militarism. Besides the Russian servicemen, parade units of ten other states will march through the Red Square as well. These include soldiers from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Their forefathers fought shoulder-to-shoulder [with Russian servicemen] both at the front and in the rear. These also include servicemen from China, which, just like the Soviet Union, lost many millions of people in this war. China was also the main front in the fight against militarism in Asia. Indian soldiers fought courageously against the Nazis as well. Serbian troops also offered strong and relentless resistance to the fascists. Throughout the war, our country received strong support from Mongolia. These parade ranks include grandsons and great-grandsons of the war generation. The Victory Day is our common holiday. The Great Patriotic War was in fact the battle for the future of the entire humanity. Our fathers and grandfathers lived through unbearable sufferings, hardships and losses. They worked till exhaustion, at the limit of human capacity. They fought even unto death. They proved the example of honour and true patriotism. We pay tribute to all those who fought to the bitter end for every street, every house and every frontier of our Motherland. We bow to those who perished in severe battles near Moscow and Stalingrad, at the Kursk Bulge and on the Dnieper. We bow to those who died from famine and cold in the unconquered Leningrad; to those who were tortured to death in concentration camps, in captivity and under occupation. We bow in loving memory of sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, grandfathers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, comrades-in-arms, relatives and friends – all those who never came back from war, all those who are no longer with us. Dear veterans, you are the main heroes of the Great Victory Day. Your feat predestined peace and decent life for many generations. It made it possible for them to create and move forward fearlessly. And today your children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren live up to the highest standards that you set. They work for the sake of their country’s present and future. They serve their Fatherland with devotion. They respond to complex challenges of the time with honour. They guarantee the successful development, might and prosperity of our Motherland, our Russia! Long live the victorious people! Happy holiday! Congratulations on the Victory Day! Hooray! Page Four

The Vietnam War: After 40 Years

Vietnamese in Thua Thien-Hue Province salvaging their remaining possessions after the Battle of Hue in 1968

by Lawrence Wittner Forty (40) years after the American war in Vietnam ended in ignominious defeat, the traces of that terrible conflict are now disappearing. Traveling through Vietnam with a group of erstwhile antiwar activists, during the latter half of April 2015, I was struck by the transformation of what was once an impoverished, war-devastated peasant society into a modern nation with cities and towns bustling with life and energy. Vast numbers of motorbikes surge through their streets, including 4.2 million in Hanoi and 7 million in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). A thriving commercial culture has emerged, based not only on many small shops, but on an influx of giant Western, Japanese, and other corporations. Although Vietnam is officially a Communist nation, about 40 percent of the economy is capitalist, and the government is making great efforts to encourage private foreign investment. Indeed, over the past decade, Vietnam has enjoyed one of the highest economic growth rates in the world. Not only have manufacturing and tourism expanded dramatically, but Vietnam has become an agricultural powerhouse. Today it is the world’s second largest exporter of rice, and one of the world’s leading exporters of coffee, pepper, rubber, and other agricultural commodities. Another factor distancing the country from what the Vietnamese call “the American War” is the rapid increase in Vietnam’s population. Only 41 million in 1975, it now tops 90 million, with most of it under the age of 30 — too young to have any direct experience with the conflict. Vietnam has also made a remarkable recovery in world affairs. It now has diplomatic relations with 189 countries, and enjoys good relations with all the major naCOMBAT: March-May, 2015

tions. Nevertheless, the people of Vietnam paid a very heavy price for their independence from foreign domination. Some three million of them died in the American War, and another 300,000 are still classified as MIAs. In addition, many, many Vietnamese were wounded or crippled in the conflict. Perhaps the most striking long-term damage resulted from the U.S. military’s use of Agent Orange (dioxin) as a defoliant. Vietnamese officials estimate that, today, some four million of their people suffer the terrible effects of this chemical, which not only destroys the bodies of those exposed to it, but has led to horrible birth defects and developmental disabilities into the second and third generations. Much of Vietnam’s land remains contaminated by Agent Orange, as well as by unexploded ordnance (UXO). Indeed, since the end of the American war in 1975, the landmines, shells, and bombs that continue to litter the nation’s soil have wounded or killed over 105,000 Vietnamese — many of them children. During the immediate postwar years, Vietnam’s ruin was exacerbated by additional factors. These included a U.S. Government embargo on trade with Vietnam, U.S. Government efforts to isolate Vietnam diplomatically, and a 1979 Chinese military invasion of Vietnam employing 600,000 troops. Although the Vietnamese managed to expel the Chinese — just as they had previously routed the French and the Americans — China continued border skirmishes with Vietnam until 1988. In addition, during the first postwar decade, the ruling Vietnamese Communist Party pursued a hardline, repressive policy that undermined what was left of the economy and alienated much of the population. Misery and starvation were widespread.

Nevertheless, starting in the mid-1980s, the country made a remarkable comeback. This recovery was facilitated by Communist Party reformers who loosened their hold on the reins of power, encouraged foreign investment, and worked at developing a friendlier relationship with other nations, especially the United States. In 1995, the U.S. and Vietnamese governments resumed diplomatic relations. Although these changes did not provide a panacea for the nation’s ills — for example, the U.S. State Department informed the new U.S. ambassador that he must never mention Agent Orange — Vietnam’s circumstances, and particularly its relationship with the United States, gradually improved. U.S.-Vietnamese trade expanded substantially, reaching $35 billion in 2014. Thousands of Vietnamese students participated in educational exchanges with their US counterparts. In recent years, the U.S. government even began funding programs to help clean up Agent Orange contamination and UXO. Although in part this U.S.-Vietnamese détente resulted from the growing flexibility of officials in both nations, recently it has also reflected the apprehension of both governments about the increasingly assertive posture of China in Asian affairs. Worried about China’s unilateral occupation of uninhabited islands in the South China Sea during 2014, both governments began to resist it — the United States through its “Pacific pivot”, and Vietnam through an ever closer relationship with the United States to “balance” China. Although both nations officially support the settlement of the conflict over the disputed islands through diplomacy centered on the 10 countries that comprise the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), officials in Vietnam, increasingly nervous about China’s ambitions, appear to welcome the growth of a more powerful U.S. military presence in the region. In the context of this emerging agreement on regional security, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, and U.S. President Barack Obama will be visiting Vietnam later this year. This shift from warring enemies to cooperative partners over the past 40 years should lead to solemn reflection. In the Vietnam War, the U.S. Government laid waste a poor peasant nation in an effort to prevent the triumph of a Communist revolution that U.S. policymakers insisted would result in the conquest of the United States. And yet, when this counter-revolutionary effort collapsed, the predicted Red tide did not sweep over the shores of California. Instead, an independent nation emerged that could — and did — work amicably with the U.S. Government. This development highlights the unnecessary nature — indeed, the tragedy — of America’s vastly destructive war in Vietnam. It also underscores the deeper folly of relying on war to cope with international issues. Page Five

Rose Hall Martyrs remembered

Some of the attendees at the activity

On March 26, 2015, former President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Cde Donald Ramotar, along with the General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Cde Seepaul Narine; former Prime Minister, Cde Samuel Hinds; former Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony; and Regional Chairman of Region 6, Cde Permaul Armogan, addressed residents of Rose Hall including sugar workers of Rose Hall estate, to pay tribute to fifteen (15) sugar workers who were killed by police on March 13, 1913. The 102nd Anniversary of the slaying of the valiant workers took place at the site of the Monument which was constructed only a year ago in memory of the slain workers. On January 27, 1913, Mr Smith, the Estate Manager, announced that four (4) holiday would be granted to the workers for the favourable level of sugar production which was attained in 1912. The following day, the Manager recanted on his undertaking and required the workers to engage in cane-planting. The workers spontaneously struck on January 28, 1913 in protest against the Manager’s reneging on his undertaking. However, on January 29, 1913, the workers returned to work, but the Manager decided to discipline seven of them ,whom he deemed as the “ring leaders” of the strike. The workers appealed to Immigration Agent Mr Fairbairn to have them spared disciplinary action. The Manager then demanded that the workers compensate his Estate for the loss suffered as a result of the day’s strike. The workers decided that the payment be deducted from their earnings “little by little” in the ensuing weeks, but the Manager did not agree, and sought the Magistrate’s support. On February 7, 1913, at the court hearing, about 300 indentured workers attended in solidarity with their colleagues. The Magistrate fined each of the seven (7) workers three shillings, and COMBAT: March-May, 2015

ordered them to keep the peace for six months. The Manager did not agree fully with the decision, and demanded that the Immigration Agent-General transfer worker Motey Khan and four others, along with their families, to other estates. The workers resumed strike action. On what turned out to be an unfortunate day - 13th March, 1913 - the Immigration Director approved the transfer of the five workers. On the same day, the police, led by Inspector James Ramsay, sought to arrest the deemed ring leaders of the strike. Armed with rifles, the police arrested one worker, and then brutally and indiscriminately fired as the workers demanded their colleague’s release. The confrontation resulted in the death of the fifteen (15) workers, and two died in the hospital. Thirty-nine (39) others were injured as well. Cde Ramotar, in his address, said that among other things, “Sugar still has a contribution to make to national development, and while it is going through a difficult period, the best days are still to come”. He explained that the challenges being faced by the industry stemmed from the reneging of an agreement the EU signed with the ACP countries in 2003.” Cde Samuel Hinds posited that the history of mankind is full of incidents of sacrifice. He noted that all Guyanese have a common bond, and that is the experiences of our ancestors on the sugar estates. He recalled Dr. Cheddi Jagan’s book, The West on Trial, in which he wrote about his living experiences on the sugar estate. It was those experiences that shaped Dr. Jagan’s vision of bringing the people of Guyana together. In his presentation, Dr Frank Anthony recalled that, prior to the construction of the monument, many people were not aware of the martyrdom of the fifteen (15) workers. In that regard, he emphasized that being unaware of our history is not good. He explained that while there were

coffee, cotton and sugar plantations, sugar stood out. As such, if it weren’t for the boom of that industry, many of us would not have been here. In this regard, it is important for everyone to remember the sacrifices made by our ancestors. General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Cde Seepaul Narine, in his remarks, said: “Though GAWU pays tribute to these men and women who, unbowed and with a defiant spirit, stood up against the injustices of the planation system, which thrived on the cruel exploitation of its workers; those of us in the industry today can only be proud of the legacy left to us by these workers of Plantation Rose Hall and indeed the workers of other Estates - whether of Enmore, Leonora, Lusignan, Ruimveldt, Non-Pareil to name some.” He went on to say “It is widely known that the sugar industry has fallen into difficult times. There are several reasons for this. We appreciate that the industry’s challenge at this time is daunting. Yet, we also recognize that the price paid for in workers’ lives and hardships, in pains

and various deprivations, ensure our commitment to make our contributions to turn around the industry to a profitable state. The GAWU believes this is possible at this time. We believe that management and the workers, through their organisation, can make a worthy and ever decisive contribution towards this end.” Cde Permaul Armogan noted that the ceremony organized is one that honours the sacrifice of the sugar workers. He added that our history has a lot of stories about sugar estates and its workers. This view extends to the Caribbean, where there were instances of exploitation on the plantations. In many cases, the sugar workers were brutalized because they stood up to the plantocracy. Armogan reiterated that Guyana’s history is intertwined with the history of sugar and sugar workers. Armogan pointed out that the indentured labourers were fooled into thinking that they were coming to get rich; nevertheless, they laid the foundation for what Guyana is today. After the addresses, wreaths were laid at the monument by Cdes Ramotar, Hinds, Anthony, Armogan, Narine, relatives the of murdered estate workers, officials of Rose Hall Estate, a member of the Canje Community Development Asociation, and CEO of the National Trust.

National and Regional Elections held in Guyana

Voters queueing to cast their ballots at a polling place on May 11, 2015

National and Regional Elections which took place in our country on May 11, 2015 resulted in the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU-AFC) coalition declared the elections winners thus replacing the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) which was in office for the past twenty-two (22) years. The PPP/C charged that the elections were not free and fair. According to that Party, there were a number of fake Statements of Poll (SOPs) used to compute the results of the polls by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The PPP/C also revealed that the votes cast in some Divisions exceeded the number of electors on the official list of electors. The PPP/C requested, in keeping with the law, that GECOM conduct

a recount of the votes in twenty-two (22) ballot boxes from Region 4. In fact, it was proposed by GECOM Chairman Dr Steve Surujballi to have the exercise done, but he later recanted. The PPP/C contends that the twenty-two (22) boxes will reveal correctly the number of votes acquired by each contesting party. It will then be verified if the SOPs are authentic in every respect, including the number of spoilt ballots. GECOM revealed, the APNU/ AFC received 207,200 votes (50.3%) and the PPP/C got 202,694 votses (49.2%). The National Assembly will soon be convened. According to the declaration of the number of seats, the winning political party, the APNU/AFC, will have 33 seats and the PPP/C – 32 seats. Page Six

Unite for Continued Progress and Development

Continued from page one And, closer home, in Latin America and the Caribbean, we see a somewhat contradictory approach in US Foreign Policy. On one hand, talks to normalise relations with Cuba are underway. Happily, we note that Cuba had attended, for the first time, the just concluded Summit of the Americas, held in Panama. On the other hand, we see an order by US President Obama in which he unbelievably referred to Venezuela as a security threat, and proceeded to impose on our Venezuelan neighbour certain sanctions. Clearly, comrades, we are living in interesting times. Today, as we ponder on the range of present-day developments, we recall that, in this May month, seventy (70) years would have elapsed since the end of World War two (2); since the defeat of German Nazism and fascism, but the fascist monster has again appeared on the European stage. A new danger, therefore, has appeared before the world’s working class. And as happened seventy (70) years ago, we today have a duty to stop fascism, to give our full solidarity to those who are in the front lines of the anti-fascist resistance in Europe and elsewhere. Comrades, the financial/economic crisis of 2008 has brought severe hardships on workers and other groups worldwide. Oxfam, an international organization, tells us that inequality is on the rise, and the gap between the rich and poor is ever wider. We are told, that in 2014, the 80 richest multi-billionaires had as much wealth as the bottom 50 per cent of the world’s people, and that, by next year, the richest 1 per cent will control more wealth than the bottom 99 per cent of the world’s peoples. Everywhere, the working class is being progressively reduced to destitution as jobs are destroyed, wages are slashed by corporations, exploitation is ramped up, and vital social services are neglected by several governments, which also impose other austerity measures on their peoples. In these conditions, the ILO has predicted that unemployment will increase over the next five (5) years by millions worldwide. COMBAT: March-May, 2015

Comrades, our world continues to face many challenges and severe threats – man-made and natural – and those related to climate change are becoming more serious as the days go by. These are times that require our invigorated activism; we must rise to meet the challenges of our day. For the GAWU, it is clear that our duty is to stand with the forces that seek to prevent wars, terror, and worldwide conflagration. It is the historic duty of the working people to bring an end to a system of greed and exploitation, and replace it with one whereby man is a friend, comrade and brother to his fellow man. National and Regional Elections Comrades, May Day this year finds us again on the threshold of National and Regional Elections, which are scheduled for May 11. We have arrived at this political juncture because of the results that stemmed from the 2011 elections. The outcome of those elections could be regarded as historic because new political experiences resulted. Three (3) years later, we can say that smooth governance was clearly affected; developmental projects were stalled or discontinued; and, no doubt, hundreds of jobs were denied to our unemployed because of injudicious budget cuts. In ten (10) days’ time, we each will have another opportunity to vote for the Party of our choice. Hopefully, the experiences of those three (3) years will guide us in making that choice. We need to return our country on the development and modernization path. We look forward to the continuation of pro-working people policies from the elected government. The GAWU takes the view, too, that the Guyanese working people should also play a vigorous role in ensuring that our elections are free and fair and are conflict free, and that the democracy which was returned in 1992 is not undermined. We recognize GECOM’s big responsibility to ensure this, and urge that its staff observe all relevant rules and procedures. Comrades, just over two (2) decades ago, Guyana began a new era of its history. The wheels of progress and develop-

ment started to turn once more. Today, we see the results in our rehabilitated infrastructure; in housing schemes; in potable water reaching more communities and homes, in the education sector, with more schools; in better results in the network of medical facilities manned by Cuban-trained doctors; and in the visible reduction of poverty. The quality of our lives has been raised; and while there are still many challenges, we believe that with the right leadership, a future of greater prosperity is assured. Sugar Industry Comrades, our sugar industry has attracted significant attention by the major political parties at this time. This is understandable, and indeed welcome. After all, thousands of workers and their families rely on this industry, which is also crucial to the country’s economy. We hear talk that it is too big and important to fail. Let us note that the industry provides jobs to 17,000 workers; additionally, it facilitates over 2,000 cane farmers, and, overall, an estimated 120,000 Guyanese benefit from its operations. It is a nett foreign exchange earner, and a significant proportion of the industry’s approximately G$30B in revenue is circulated locally, thus enhancing all businesses. The GAWU believes that the answer to the industry’s plight is neither piecemeal divestment of its best assets nor its privatisation. We think that an efficient management team can be pivotal in returning the sugar industry to profitability. The low price sugar is fetching today is also a cause for concern, and raises the need for greater diversity. Several possibilities can be looked into; for example, a distillery, a sugar refinery, and co-generation plants. In this regard, the experiences of India and other Asian and African countries could prove useful. And in the case of refined sugar, our region offers a very promising market. We from GAWU are pleased by President Donald Ramotar’s announcement that, if the PPP/Civic is re-elected, it will assist the industry with G$5B per year for the next five (5) years. We are confident that the industry can become viable. We

will do our part, and urge all stakeholders to do theirs to realize the industry’s viability. Trade Union Unity Comrades, it is most regrettable that another May Day is here and, despite the assistance of two (2) prominent Caribbean trade unionists, we have still not achieved Trade Union unity. We in FITUG see the need today for a strong, conscious, militant and responsible Trade Union Movement. Thus we will pursue Trade Union unity more vigorously. In our continuing efforts, we are looking at the model in Trinidad and Tobago, where the two (2) trade union umbrella bodies have formed a council to deal with mutually-agreedupon labour issues and take common action where necessary. We will work for FITUG and the GTUC to meet, to discuss and take concrete steps in this direction in the coming weeks in the interest of Trade Unionism. Conclusion Comrades, May Day 2015 has come with a mixture of good and bad news. However, one thing is clear: we cannot divert from struggles in defence of workers’ interests. Our present unity is crucial to success, and should be safeguarded. Ahead are fresh battles; new challenges to face; and militant actions, if necessary, to defend our gains. We should acknowledge, also, the government’s contribution to bring economic projects, betterment, and to raise the quality of life of the people of this country. We want to continue along the road of stability and progress. On this May Day, while we send out greetings to all workers, farmers, pensioners, women, youth and the business community of Guyana, we also stretch out a hand of solidarity to workers and oppressed peoples the world over in their struggles against wars, occupation, against a capitalist order, for an end to ecological degradation; and for bread, justice, peace, democracy, independent development and progress. Our times demand that we also do our part to attain such ends. Page Seven

GuySuCo concludes first crop

The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) ended this year’s (2015) first sugar crop on week ending May 23, 2015 falling short of its target by 5,010 tonnes sugar. Its production was 81,191 tonnes sugar, marginally exceeding last year’s first crop output by 109 tonnes. Each estate’s performance is as follows:Estate Skeldon Albion Rose Hall Blairmont Enmore Wales Uitvlugt Total

Target Production Difference 17,214 8,353 (8,861) 19,548 21,578 2,030 9,366 9,414 48 10,845 13,681 2,836 14,088 10,458 (3,630) 6,892 9,153 2,261 8,248 8,554 306 86,201 81,191 (5.010)

It was expected that the seven (7) grinding factories, having exceeded their scheduled grinding weeks, and having harvested canes in favourable weather conditions, would have seen the crop’s target being surpassed, but, unfortunately there was not enough crop canes to enable the industry to surpass the modest target. Factory maintenance work and field husbandry tasks are now being undertaken to facilitate the commencement of the second crop in July, 2015. The industry, according to a source, has identified the production of 165,000 tonnes in the new crop. Last year (2014), the industry produced 216,359 tonnes sugar.

GAWU Credit Union suspends operations in sugar industry The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union Co-operative Credit Union Society Limited is informing its members across the sugar industry that it requested the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) to cease deductions from workers’ earnings, Credit Union savings with effect from week ending May 30, 2015. The Society’s regrettable but unavoidable decision is occasioned by GuySuCo not remitting workers’ savings to the Credit Union, contrary to the extant Agreement between the Credit Union and the Corporation. As at the end of April, 2015, the Corporation failed to provide a huge sum of one hundred and fifty-four million, four hundred and ten thousand, five hundred and twenty-five dollars ($154,410,525) which represents workers’ savings for five (5) months. GuySuCo promised the Credit Union some payments not later than the third week of this month (May, 2015) ,but same did not materialize. The Credit Union is now unable to continue to facilitate savers’ withdrawals in light of the non-payment of the workers’ savings by the Corporation, in accordance with the relevant Agreement. Additionally, the Credit Union has taken consideration of the fact that it is now unable to secure further loans to satisfy savers’ withdrawals. The sad decision, if not urgently redressed by the Corporation, will cause the jobs of the Credit Union’s employees to be in jeopardy. The Credit Union, therefore, looks forward to receiving, as early as possible from the Corporation, the workers’ outstanding savings, so that its dependable services to thousands of sugar workers would resume as early as possible.

GuySuCo may be forced to cease operations for sometime

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Dr Rajendra Singh, along with members of GuySuCo’s Industrial Relations Department informed the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of AgGuySuCo CEO, Dr Raj Singh ricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) at a meeting on May 25, 2015 that the Corporation is unable to pay Senior and Junior staffers of the Corporation this month’s salary (May, 2015). Further, Dr Singh indicated that the Corporation might have to cease its operations on all Estates with effect from (Sunday) May 31, 2015 unless funding to the Corporation becomes available within a few days. Should the Corporation cease its operations for sometime, the CEO explained no employee, waged and salaried - except security personnel - would be provided with work from (Sunday) May 31, 2015. The CEO also advised the Unions that the Government has been apprised of the situation. GAWU and NAACIE believe that the ceasing of operations by the Corporation would further jeopardize the state of the industry, and impact negatively on some 16,000 workers of the industry. The two (2) Unions seek that the new Government ensures the continuation of the industry’s operation at this crucial time.

GAWU attends IUF meeting

sity and Allied Workers Union (UAWU) of Jamaica; and Cde Ronaldine Burgess, Assistant General Secretary of the Bermuda Industrial Workers Union (BIWU) of Bermuda, and of the IUF Caribbean Region. The meeting reviewed the work of the IUF since the last Executive Committee meeting. Reports of the Administrative Committee and the Women’s Committee were discussed and ratified at the meeting. There was a reiteration of the IUF’s commitment to provide solidarity support to affiliates whose memberships are engaged in certain difficult struggles. Delegates from the Caribbean Region who attended the meeting at right is The meeting expressed its solidarity with the working people of Greece as GAWU’s General Secretary, Cde Seepaul Narine they continue to resist the harsh ausThe General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural terity measures being imposed by the International and General Workers Union (GAWU), Cde Seepaul Financial Institutions, and expressed its support to Narine, an Executive Committee member of the Inthe Greek Government, which is seeking to end the ternational Union of Food, Agriculture, Hotel, Resimposed austerity programme. The meeting also aptaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Asproved unanimously a resolution expressing its solisociations (IUF), attended that body’s annual meeting darity with the working people of Tunisia, and deon April 23 -24, 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland, along nounced recent terrorist attacks in that country. with Cde Clifton Grant, Vice President of the Univer-

COMBAT is a publication of the Guyana Agricultural & General Workers Union (GAWU) 59 High Street & Wights Lane, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana, S.A. Tel: 592-227-2091/2; 225-5321 , 223-6523 Email: gawu@bbgy.com Website: www.gawu.net

Fax: 592-227-2093