Combat - May/June 2019

Issue #3 Volume #40

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

Editorial

Utility services One of the perennial complaints that are often heard from workers regard the services of our utility companies. This is a complaint that, we recognise too, has been shared by many Guyanese as well. We recall the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), which is the government agency charged with the regulation of utility companies, in recent times, having several “Open Days”. Media reports about those activities indicated there was widespread disenchantment and serious concerns about the electricity, water and telephone services being provided by the respective agencies.

In Guyana, it is generally regarded, when compared to our nearby contemporaries, that the cost of electricity is prohibitive. In fact, our nation has the unfortunate title of having one of the highest electricity tariffs among the Caribbean countries. Notwithstanding the high cost, the supply of electricity is, dismayingly, neither reliable nor stable. In recent weeks alone, large areas of the nation have been plunged into blackouts as various maladies arise in our electricity system.

Some of those power outages have lasted for many hours, and for the many affected, in addition to use of appliances, they have disrupted people’s lives, schedules and plans.

The regularity of outages comes after billions of dollars have been invested, in recent times, to improve both the generation and the transmission and distribution systems. It brings into question, naturally, whether the system are properly and thoroughly managed. In as much as we recognize that some aspects of the system is aged and there is need for upgrades, we also cannot ignore that, more often than not, it is the more recently rehabilitated sections that experience different sorts of failure. We know too that in the not too distant past, the regularity of power outages was not as pronounced as it is now-a-days as well. Nevertheless, we did see the new Chairman of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Mr Rawle Lucas, committing to working to minimize power disruptions. Whether we can take Mr Lucas’ commitment sincerely is left to be seen.

The stability of electricity service is another matter that has elicited many cries and concerns as well.

Workers, among other Guyanese, have appeared regularly in the media and elsewhere to complain about their appliances being damaged by spells of either low or high voltage. Though suffering a loss and entitled to compensation, the process to receive same is drawnout and daunting; and many, we suppose, do not rightly benefit. It is saddening to reflect on the electricity situation in Guyana, especially as we take into account the many natural sources available. While solar power is being pursued in a small way, at this time, the inability to tap our nation’s vast hydro-power potential is disappointing, to say the least.

Continued on page two (2) COMBAT May/June, 2019

May/June, 2019

2019 first crop ends - mixed performances by operable sugar estates

Workers fetching harvested bundles of cane on their heads to load them into punts (barges) for transportation to the factory to be processed into sugar

The first sugar crop for the year came to an end in midMay, 2019. It saw sugar production reaching 33,507 tonnes sugar as against 33,863 tonnes targeted. Production from the individual estates was as follows:Estate Albion Blairmont Uitvlugt Total

Target 18,511 7,955 7,397 33,863

Actual 17,007 9,002 7,498 33,507

Variance (1,504) 1,047 101 (356)

As illustrated by the table, the shortfall in production can be attributed to less-than-anticipated production at Albion Estate. While Blairmont and Uitvlugt Estates did surpass their production target, it was insufficient, nevertheless, to offset the deficit recorded at Albion.

While, as far as we know, the Corporation has not yet officially disclosed its first crop production, the deficit at Albion, which is equivalent to around 9 per cent of its first crop production, is for us some cause for concern.

Our anxieties became more heightened after we learnt that Albion Estate harvested a larger-than-budgeted area. According to information reaching the GAWU, the estate was set to harvest 4,023 hectares during the first crop. In actuality, however, 4,145 hectares were harvested In other words, approximately 122 hectares more were harvested. yet the estate failed to reach its earmarked production. What the causative factors are remain unknown at this time, but, we beleive, the situa-

tion is one that should not be ignored.

At Blairmont, the significant surpassing of the estate’s target is a welcome sign, it appears. However, the Corporation, in an article on its website in response to a letter that appeared in the newspapers by one Andrew Parmanand, disclosed that, in 2018, Blairmont produced 9,121 tonnes sugar. Moreover, the Corporation’s article indicated that, in 2015, the estate’s first crop production reached 13,681 tonnes. Indeed, when we consider where the estate stands at this time from where it was not too long ago, we also cannot help but express concern.

At Uitvlugt Estate, the exceeding of the crop’s target by just over 100 tonnes sugar also seems to indicate a positive turnaround. This estate which remains the sole operating estate in the County of Demerara, has been earmarked to produce some 40,000 tonnes of sugar in the medium term. Clearly, the production has to ascend much, much higher if that target is to be realized in the not-too-distant future. Moreover, the GAWU has learnt that the estate didn’t manage to harvest all the canes earmarked during the first crop. The problems which have been plaguing the factory for some time now are among the chief culprits for the inability to fully harvest the crops’ canes.

We saw from the Uitvlugt Estate Newsletter of May 21, 2019 that factory breakdowns during the first crop amounted to almost 200 hours, as against roughly 68 hours budgeted. The GAWU also learnt that of the approximate 155 hectares canes that were not harvested, about half have had cane ripeners applied.

Continued on page two (2) PAGE ONE

Utility services

Continued from page one (1) In fact, it is disheartening that the nation’s first major hydropower project has been shelved though many studies have demonstrated its worth from several vantage points.

Though Guyana is known as the Land of Many Waters, the provision of potable water by the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) is another matter that has attracted a lot of concern. In more recent months, consumers have staged picketing exercises to register their disgust with the quality of potable water they are receiving. Several persons have pointed to the discoloured and smelly water they are receiving through their taps. Given the obvious health implications of consuming such quality of water, it is a problem that should receive appropriate focused attention.

The water quality situation has seen the establishment of many business enterprises engaged in the sale of bottled potable water. Those businesses, it appears, are generally thriving, as Guyanese from all walks of life are now-a-days forced to purchase water for drinking and cooking purposes. This is another cost of life in contemporary Guyana. Even more disheartening is that consumers have had to contend with increased water rates, and are now required to find thousands of dollars more each year to meet the increasing cost of the source of life.

Telephone services are yet another matter that has seen the Guyanese people expressing dismay. Many, as we near the end of this, the second decade of the 21st Century, remain without wired residential telephone services. In those circumstances, they are forced to uti-

lize cellular services, which are generally more expensive than the traditional wired services. Even more disenchanting is that the absence of telephone services has served to stymie our children’s educational pursuits. Though large repositories of information are accessible on the internet, the absence of telephone service has effectively denied many children ready access to information which is helpful from many points of view. While, through state-sponsored and other initiatives, attempts have been made to address some of these difficulties, the problem persists nevertheless. The cost and reliability of service is another major bugbear that has caused exasperation among our people. The monopolization of major aspects of telephony service has seen the setting of prices above normal economic returns, and, in our view, has also seen a lax attitude in remedying faults.

Indeed, the quality of the respective utility services leaves a great deal to be desired. It has also served to heighten the cost-of-living, and at the same time reduce the quality of life. It is a matter that, it seems, has not gotten the required attention from the powers that be. While the PUC has sought to take a pro-active approach, there is still need for a lot more to be done in order for our people to get the services they really are entitled to. The cost of service on all fronts vis-àvis the quality of service is another matter that requires scrutiny as well. While legislative changes have been made to impose surcharges on utility companies, their efficacy is also a matter that should be examined, given the dwindling quality we have seen in more recent times.

Continued from page one (1)

times, especially when there was uncertainty regarding the harvesting of the ripened canes.

2019 first crop ends

If our information is indeed accurate, it could be that approximately 5,300 tonnes of cane may not be harvestable by the time the second crop begins in late July/ early August this year. The ripened canes would yield some 442 tonnes of sugar ,which would have brought to the Corporation over $47M had the sugar been sold locally. It should be pointed out that ripeners, after a prolonged period of application, would effectively kill the canes.

We are at a loss as to the reason/s for the use of the ripeners, especially as the estate was aware that the crop was nearing its end, and there were problems regarding the reliable operation of the factory.

In fact, some years ago, the GAWU had suggested to the GuySuCo that is should cease applying ripeners after certain COMBAT May/June, 2019

The situation that unfolded at the respective estates during the first crop illustrates the need for closer attention to be paid to certain details. Undoubtedly, there is still need for much work in the fields to improve cane production and productivity, apart from factory enhancements to ensure there is maximum sugar recovery. It is lamentable that such a situation prevails, taking into account that billions of dollars have been borrowed but apparently are not being expended, for different reasons. There is urgent need for a comprehensive and realistic programme to improve the state-of-affairs in the industry, if we are to achieve the goals that have been set.

The NIS at 50

In a few weeks’ time, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) will observe its 50th Anniversary. It indeed is an important milestone and is yet another distinct achievement of our nation. Notably, the NIS’ 50th Anniversary comes as the Trade Union Movement celebrates its 100th Anniversary. The coincidence of sorts is interesting, recognizing that the Trade Union Movement, in its early days, had called for the establishment of the Scheme as one of the means to enhance workers’ protection. Today, for the thousands, the Scheme represents an important source of sustenance and protection in their time of need.

As the NIS observes its Golden Jubilee, we have seen the Ninth Actuarial Report of the Scheme, which reflected on its performance up until the end of 2016. The actuarial studies, which are done every five (5) years, examine the performance of the Scheme and consider the present-day status against future obligations. The report does not paint a blissful picture, and forecasts that there is need for urgent intervention to safeguard and protect the NIS from going under. From the report, it was recognized that the Scheme was spending more than it was bringing in. In fact, the situation is so serious that capital expenditure is also met from the Scheme’s reserves.

The dire situation becomes even more frightening when we learn that the Scheme is projected to fully exhaust its reserves as early as 2022. At that time, income will have to be equated to expenditure through a hike in the rate of contributions. For many who benefit and contribute to the Scheme, it is not news that they want to hear, but, at the same time, is a reminder of the sad state the NIS finds itself in now-a-days. In fact the Scheme 2016 Annual Report, which was recently released in the National Assembly, made it a point to note that the NIS stands to be affected by the loss of thousands of contributors of the sugar industry following its miniaturization.

The Actuarial Report has recommended some drastic action to be taken if the Scheme is to survive. The recommendations are, in some respects, life-altering, and for the ordinary man and woman will

be a most bitter pill to swallow. Among the recommendations are an increase in the retirement age; an adjustment in the pension formula, which in effect would reduce minimum pensions, and to fix adjustments in pension with the rate of inflation. All in all, those in receipt of pensions receiving less. Apart from those changes to benefits, other proposed changes include hiking contribution rates as a means of equalizing expenditure and income.

Of course the report did not consider the involvement of the Government. The Administration has a critical role to play in addressing the state and solvency of the Scheme. In a reaction prepared by FITUG, it was suggested that the state cover the costs of increased contributions. The FITUG also proposed that an appropriate sum be released by Central Government to the Scheme for the purposes of increasing the reserves and heightening investment income.

The Scheme has been a victim of Guyana’s changing demography and policies.

Today, there are many workers who, for varying reasons, do not actively contribute to the Scheme.

At the same time, migration has taken away many Guyanese who would have been contributors. In both instances, opportunities for enhancement have been lost though there are possibilities in the former instance to ensure compliance.

The NIS remains practically the only contributory pensions scheme for a large number of Guyanese. In the public service, the Public Service CoI report informed that 9,995 persons are entitled to public service pensions. At the same time, the Bank of Guyana reports that 17,089 persons were covered by private pension schemes. In other words, aggregately, 27,084 Guyanese will benefit from a non-NIS pension, and thus over 167,000 persons’ sole pension will be derived from the NIS. The long-term survival and sustenance of the Scheme is not a question, but must be an unequivocal statement, and all measures to ensure such possibilities should neither be disregarded nor ignored.

PAGE TWO

GAWU pays tribute to the Enmore Martyrs June 16, 2019 brings us to seventy-one (71) years since the brutal killing of five (5) sugar workers at Plantation Enmore.

The massacring of Rambarran; Lall, known as Pooran; Lallabagee Kissoon, Surujballi and Harry represented yet another tragic episode of domination by the Sugar overlords, who were dominant at the time. Those killed have, in the course of time, received national recognition, and today they are known as the Enmore Martyrs. Since 1976, they have been celebrated nationally in honour of their struggles, selfless sacrifice, and the impact that the 1948 struggle of sugar workers have had on our fight for freedom; apart from its subsequent positive outcome for workers in the industry. They occupy, and rightly so, a place in the revered hall of our national heroes.

The Martyrs and their colleagues were engaged in strike, which was fifty-one (51) days old when the fateful incident occurred.

Senior Counsel Cde Ashton Chase, in his renowned book – A History of Trade Unionism in Guyana: 1900 to 1960 – pointed out that the strike began on April 22, 1948 at Non Pareil over the arbitrary imposition by the planters of ‘cut and load’ over the ‘cut and drop’ system. The Enmore incident occurred against a backdrop of workers’ militancy which was erupting in several enterprises in that period. A strike lasting sixty-four (64) days, by bauxite workers at Mackenzie and Ituni in April, 1947, took place and which highlighted the racial discrimination and segregation perpetuated by the owners and management of the Demerara Bauxite Company. In late February, 1948, the Transport Workers Union reacted to the arbitrary transfer of its leaders from Georgetown to different parts of Guyana with an effective strike. Not only were the transfers stayed, but Colonel Teare, who had dictatorially ordered the transfers, was hurriedly recalled by the Colonial Office to London.

The decade between the mid-40s and mid-50s was an eventful time in our past.

Apart from the direct workers’ struggles, COMBAT May/June, 2019

there were also significant political developments.An influencing factor at the time was the formation of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) by Dr Cheddi Jagan and others in 1946. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) was founded out of this Committee on January 01, 1950.

It was a new political party that differed immensely from the traditional political parties. Immediately, it began to champion the cause of universal adult suffrage, and boldly challenged the arbitrary rule of the colonial masters and their local handmaidens. Dr Jagan’s winning a seat in the Legislative Council in 1947 gave him an opportunity to advocate for many pro-people and particularly pro-workers’ measures, and thus he was able to lift people’s political awareness and class consciousness.

It turned out that the death of the Enmore Five was an awakening call in many quarters, and especially to workers in other sectors.

Cde Cheddi saw to that. Cde Janet Jagan, former President of Guyana, opined that the deaths of the five martyrs sent a “thunderbolt” through the society, invigorating the liberation struggle which followed.

The brutal repression of 1948, did not daunt the workers nor dampen their spirit. Indeed, militancy in the industry grew and political awareness and activities expanded. Sugar workers’ right to be represented by a Union of their choice was won in 1976. Sugar workers, under the aegis of GAWU, have taken part, along with other working people, in the struggles for political independence. They championed the nationalization of the sugar industry, and stood up and fought for the restoration of democratic elections. These struggles took place side by side with other struggles to improve wages and working conditions throughout the industry and for other workers.

Once again, GAWU is pleased to honour the Enmore Martyrs, and acknowledge their abiding role in Guyana’s more recent history.

FITUG calls for respect of CCJ rulings The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has considered the rulings of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) regarding the validity of the No Confidence Motion that was approved by the National Assembly on December 21, 2018, as well as the appointment of retired Justice James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). In taking account of the rulings, the Federation could not ignore that the rulings and the attendant proceedings were probably the mostwatched in our nation’s recent history.

The landmark rulings, in our view, have provided final answers to several important questions which have occupied the national space for many months now. We were heartened that the CCJ has provided what we felt were clear and unambiguous answers to the questions that were posed.

The FITUG, recognizing that we have at hand the answers we sought, sees that we need to now put in place the necessary arrangements to address the consequences of the rulings, to ensure that there is full compliance with the Constitution of Guyana.

On that score, the FITUG did see, from media reports prior to the ruling, the respective parties pledging to abide by

the verdict, whatever it may have been.

While we have seen general statements committing to abidance, at the same time, it appears that acceptance from some quarters has now come with certain conditions. Those conditions, in our view, belie previous statements, and their import should have no bearing now. We hasten to call on all concerned to accept the rulings without the imposition of any condition whatsoever.

We recognise. too. that the Justices of the CCJ have given our leaders an opportunity to arrive at a consensual way forward.

The FITUG certainly looks forward to this opportunity being fully grasped. and maturity at this time displayed as we seek to put Guyana and its people first.

In our view, the rulings. which have provided clarity now and in the future. as well represent a decisive victory for democracy. The Federation cannot fail to point out that the road to restoration of democracy was long and arduous, and one that was paved with the struggles of the Guyanese working-people, among others. The FITUG will continue to observe the unfolding situation as we urge that respect for the rule of law remains paramount.

BBCI abandons plans for change in working hours In the March/April, 2019 edition of Combat, we reported that the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) was seeking the Union and the workers to agree to change the hours-of-work for those engaged in the maintenance department of the Company. Those workers, we had pointed out, were involved in, among other things, the retraction of the bridge during the high tide to facilitate the passage of ships traversing the river.

Through the proposal by the Company, the hours-of-work of the workers in question would be aligned to the retraction schedule. The Union and the workers, after hearing from the Company about its suggestion, expressed their strong disagreement. The GAWU pointed out that the proposal, if implemented, would require the workers, at times, to come out early or go home late, depending on the tide.

Our Union also pointed out that the Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) between the Union and the BBCI clearly sets out hours of work for the Company’s employees. The workers’ representatives, on behalf of their colleagues,

shared that the change would render them earning less, which would have obvious implications for them and their families.

Undoubtedly, following consideration of the expressions of the Union and the workers, and taking account of the legally-binding agreement that subsists, the Company recently advised the GAWU that it has decided to shelve its plans.

This indeed was heartening news; and, moreover, represents a decisive victory for the workers. The GAWU and the workers are pleased by the positive turn of events, and look forward to continued amicable relations with the Company. At this time, the GAWU is waiting to commence discussions with the BBCI regarding improvements in pay and working conditions for 2019.

The GAWU has been the bargaining agent of the 60-person workforce of the BBCI for several years now. The BBCI is responsible for the operations of the Berbice Bridge, which spans the Berbice River. The bridge measures approximately 1.5 kilometres.

PAGE THREE

On May Day 2019, FITUG Treasurer Seepaul Narine says:-

Guyanese working-class struggling to keep their heads above water

Comrades, once again May Day is being observed, not only in Guyana, but in many countries of the world. At this time, we, of the FITUG, extend best wishes to the workers of Guyana and, indeed, the world. We, at the same time, also send fraternal greetings and solidarity to the oppressed and exploited of the world, who, like us, are yearning and struggling for a better tomorrow.

Comrades, our celebration of Labour Day this year has taken on even greater importance as we observe the Centennial Anniversary of Trade Unionism in Guyana. As we observe this notable milestone, we recognize the contributions of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, who worked tirelessly to establish the first workers’ organization in the British Colonial Empire. We also recognize those other outstanding trade unionists who advanced, over the last century, the rights and conditions of our nation’s workers. Indeed, we owe those unionists a tremendous debt, as it is on their contribution we stand proudly today, waving aloft our flags and banners.

We are pleased too, once again, that our celebrations are observed under a united banner. We hold that our collectiveness augurs well for the nation’s workers, who still have before them formidable challenges and several goals yet to be realized. At this time, we go forward hopeful that we will continue to forge stronger unity.

Local situation Several matters, comrades, cannot escape our attention at this time, given the bearing they have on workers’ well-being. High on that list are the heavy burdens now-a-days that workers are made to fetch, occasioned largely by increased taxation. We have, on several occasions, expressed our deep concern and dismay regarding the situation, which has seen several essential items falling under the tax hammer. In the last year alone, workers have had to contend with increased water rates and higher public transportation costs. Indeed, Labour Day 2019 finds our workers struggling to keep their heads above water.

Almost daily, comrades, we hear about our people being victims of banditry, robbery, and other forms of crime. It appears that crime has been more pervasive, and those engaged in such acts have become more braCOMBAT May/June, 2019

zen. The increased criminality, we contend, cannot be disconnected from higher unemployment in our nation.

We have seen that several enterprises, in recent times, have been curtailing employment, while others have shut their doors permanently. This is not a healthy development, and does not augur well for our people, who are generally terrified.

On this Labour Day, it is lamentable that in the birthplace of Trade Unionism in the British Colonial Empire, the Ministry of Labour no longer exists. The workers ministry is now relegated to a Department after more than 60 years of existence. Comrades, it is dismaying that despite the calls by the Trade Union Movement, the Government used its 33-seat majority, notwithstanding the compelling and rational reasons, to disagree with the Opposition-sponsored motion to re-establish the Labour Ministry.

Comrades, Collective Bargaining is another matter that has attracted concern, but continues to receive scant attention. Comrades, in 2015, no less than then Presidential candidate, now His Excellency President David Granger, undertook at the GTUC Rally that “…that unions can sit down with employers and restore collective bargaining…”. Today, that undertaking remains unfulfilled, and workers’ rights are ignored in this regard. The Finance Minister, in his 2019 Budget address, did say “… the wages and salaries of public servants will be increased in 2019, after discussions with the respective unions”.

But comrades, we heard this before, and to date we are awaiting the fulfillment. We urge, though, that the Government honour its commitment and respect our laws which have made Collective Bargaining a right, and not a concession. For too long companies and institutions have been allowed to ride roughshod, and trample on the rights of Guyanese workers along their journey Labour Day 2019, we recognise, finds our country experiencing some degree of uncertainty. In a few days, we should be receiving the fateful decision from the Caribbean Court of Justice that will, one way or another, impact our politics. The FITUG recognizes that several views have emerged on the matters now engaging the attention of our country’s paramount court. Here, we have seen what seems to be selective compliance with

our Constitution. We hold the view that piecemeal application is not in our interest, and neither does it set a good precedent.

Another matter which hangs over our collective head is the several concerns regarding our democratic culture. These sentiments are of deep concern, recognizing that it was the working-people who played a significant role in bringing about the restoration of democracy in Guyana. Today, faced with new challenges to our still growing democracy, we need to raise our voices loudly against attempts to undermine our democratic systems, and for those who are charged with upholding our democratic system to ensure there are proper safeguards to strengthen citizens’ protections.

Labour Day 2019 will also be the last time we gather before our country enters the ranks of the commercial oil producers. We continue to hear large sums that would flow our way, and the many concerns that have emerged cannot be discounted. We are of the strong view that a better deal could have been secured, taking into account what has transpired in other parts of the world.

As extraction is heightened and investments recovered, significant sums could very well reach our coffers. However, we see there is no clearly defined plan regarding the use of our oil revenues to ensure that they benefit our people even after the resource is exhausted. The talk of a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) appears to be good on the surface, but such policies require strong institutional safeguards if we are going to avoid the pitfalls that many countries have faced and are facing.

As we consider oil, we have seen several foreign-owned enterprises setting up shop, obviously to take advantage of the sector. In this vein, in recent times, we have also seen the actions of some foreign enterprises towards workers. We well recognise that their actions are largely no different from what occurred elsewhere as well. We are not averse to investment, be it foreign or local, but it must not come at the expense of workers’ rights and conditions. In such circumstances, a Ministry of Labour is even more missed.

Continued in next edition PAGE FOUR

GAWU engages GFC taskforce

– urges impartial and fair process in an atmosphere of respect and cordiality

The Union, on April 29, engaged the taskforce established by the Government of Guyana to examine the operations of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

The two-hour meeting saw GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine; Assistant General Secretary Aslim Singh; Organising Officer Porandatt Narine; Executive Committee member Gordon Thomas, and GFC GAWU General Council member Monica Jacobs engaging taskforce members: Clayton Hall, Dr David Singh, Simone Benn, Rickey Jagroop, and Jacy Archibald.

The taskforce explained that the Forestry Commission was established in its current form in 1979, and has been generally concerned with logging and sawmilling.

In more recent times, advancements in

technology and concerns about ecological protection have seen the role and work of the Commission being expanded, which has resulted in higher expenditure.

The taskforce did point out that it recognized the Commission as continuing to be managed well and having done a good job in fulfilling the new obligations put on its plate. With the now new roles of the Commission, the taskforce is looking ensure that the GFC remains on a sustainable footing, and an examination of additional revenue streams or alteration of existing streams would be considered.

Our Union did draw to the taskforce that it had written Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman on April 12, pointing out its more than abiding interest in the work of the taskforce. Our Union

did note, too, that several commentaries have appeared in the media about the taskforce, and urged that the sentiments expressed be considered. Our Union shared that the Commission’s employees were very much concerned as to whether the exercise would serve to reduce the staffing levels of the GFC. Here, the taskforce assured it had no preconceived notions, and that it would merely make recommendations which may or may not be accepted by the Administration.

Notwithstanding, we emphasised that the valid views of the GFC workforce be considered, as ultimately, they would be charged with the implementation of the taskforce’s recommendations that may be accepted.

The GAWU did tell the taskforce that it recognized from the GFC Act that the Commission has many functions and that its employees have manifold responsibilities. On that score, we shared our concern about the financial standing of the Commission. Regarding finances, the GAWU noted that the National Budget Estimates indicated that the surpluses of the Commission declined from $213M in 2013 to an expected $2.2M in 2019.

In the same period, revenues rose from $711M in 2013 to an expected $1.435B in 2019 - a 101 per cent rise, whereas expenditure went up from $498M to $1.432B, a 187 per cent rise. The rapid rise in expenditure vis-à-vis revenue, we contended, must be a matter that should not escape

the taskforce’s attention.

On the possible re-structuring of the Commission, the GAWU noted that this is not a matter that should be treated with lightly, bearing in mind the nuances of the organization. On this score, we urged that there be close examination and study, and expressed hope that it is treated with utmost sincerity, bearing in mind the anxieties that have surfaced.

Our Union sees the taskforce’s success as linked to a process that is seen as fair and impartial, and that its recommendations being responsive to the circumstances of the Commission; and above all, withstand scrutiny. We contended that an open and transparent approach is necessary, and the need for inclusion among the stakeholders, most significantly the Commission’s hard-working and dedicated workers, should be underscored. Of course, we added, that such engagements must be facilitated in an atmosphere of respect and cordiality, and with an open mind.

The taskforce expressed its appreciation of the Union’s views, and committed to keeping our concerns in its deliberations and thoughts. The body also assured the GAWU that it would be kept abreast of its progress, and that it would be consulted on relevant matters as well. Our Union wished the taskforce well in discharging in mandate, and shared that it was willing to share its ideas, thoughts and suggestions if requested.

What happened to plans to operated closed estates?

The GAWU saw in the May 15 Stabroek News, Mr Earl John’s letter, titled “Progress report needed on investors’ interest in closed sugar estates”. In his letter, Mr John queried about the would-be investors for the closed estates. While we recall, some time ago, the NICIL-SPU announcing that bidders were being short-listed, nothing has been heard since. That apparent troubling stateof-affairs undoubtedly will become even more complicated, depending on the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) verdict on matters currently engaging its attention.

COMBAT May/June, 2019

Moreover, the NICIL-SPU had boldly, and we say proudly, announced that in the intervening period it would have operated the estates directly under its aegis. The March 15, 2018 Kaieteur News had reported that“[t]he SPU is banking on re-opening three of the closed estates – Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore – to utilize millions of dollars in cane still in the ground”. We recollect too, that Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, in a February 28, 2018 report in the Jamaica Gleaner, was quoted in relation to the estates identified for divestment as saying “[w]e cannot keep them closed and mothballed, because when the buyers come they would probably not be as impressed as if they were working…”

For the thousands who were put on the breadline following the closure of Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara Estates, the announcement was greeted with optimism. However, that reality sent their aspirations crashing down. East Demerara Estate operated briefly in the first half of 2018, and Skeldon operated for a short period in the second half of 2018. Rose Hall Estate, apart from canes which are harvested for processing at Albion, remains inoperable since it shut its doors at the end

of 2017.

The non-operation of those estates will see their fields being taken over by vines, weeds, and grass and the standing canes would have hardly if any value. It would be an almost, if not altogether, herculean task to put the fields right. Moreover, like any piece of machinery, the idle state of the factories will present many challenges on start-up and would require great maintenance. Those factors aside, the workers, their families and the villages which depend on those estates are, in several respects, continuing to face tremendous suffering while the proverbial grass is growing. Of course, this hardship of the situation is compounded when we see, at Skeldon for instance, unconscionable demands being made of workers who traverse the backdams to catch fish for their families’ sustenance.

This approach to the handling of the sugar industry by the current Government is just another aspect of its disastrous sugar policy. That policy, as we well know, has dwarfed the industry and put thousands out of work. At the same time, billions have been borrowed, but no plan regarding expenditure has been released, as far as we are aware. Clearly, as we have said before, the Administration is out at sea when it comes to the sugar industry, and indeed, many other aspects of national life and people’s well-being.

PAGE FIVE

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War begets war...and nothing else

By Robert Koehler Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran.

Thanks, John McCain! Let’s mix a little humour in with war. It’s so much easier to take when we do. By the way, have you noticed that we’re always on the verge of war?

“The bombing will be massive, but will be limited to a specific target.” So said a U.N. diplomat recently, according to the Jerusalem Post. Guess which country he was referring to?

An act of war is how we “send messages.” So the Trump hawks (this term may or may not include Trump himself) are thinking — if the paper’s sources have any credibility — of bombing an Iranian nuclear facility as an act of punishment, because Iran “has announced that it intends to deviate from the nuclear agreement signed in 2015, and will enrich uranium at a higher level than the maximum it has committed to within the framework of the nuclear deal.”

This is all hush-hush, of course; war has to be planned in secret. The public’s role is definitely not to be part of the debate in the lead-up process, or to question the facts that justify taking action. Its role is to cheer loudly when the hostilities begin, fervently hating the specified enemy, and embracing the new war as a necessary last-resort action to protect all that we hold dear.

Its role is definitely not to question war itself, or to bring up the inevitability of unintended consequences, whether that be the death of babies or the poisoning of the environment. Its role is not to suggest that creating peace is essentially the opposite of waging war, or to cry out: “War-making must be renounced. It is past time for the paradigm shift. We have one COMBAT May/June, 2019

planet, and we must see ourselves as one, and we must take a stand.”

These are the words of Dud Hendrick of Veterans for Peace, and I pause here to let the words settle — in all their complexity — into the collective consciousness.

Perhaps what is most stunning about them is their complete absence from the corridors and smoke-filled rooms of American government. Instead, in virtually every story I read about one aspect or another of national security, what I hear is the echo of John McCain’s humorous chant. National security is always seen in the corridors of power as a matter of striking back against some enemy or other, an attitude that strikes me as both stupid and cowardly.

I’m not saying security — either national or personal — is in any way a simple concept, or that acknowledging “we are one planet” leads to some obvious course of action. Indeed, the opposite is the case.

Striking back is the simple course of action, and jumping on its bandwagon requires ignoring the absolute certainty of unintended consequences that will result from a bombing campaign or an invasion, or a cyberwar or the imposition of sanctions.

The absence of “we are one planet” voices at the highest levels of government guarantees the government will pretty much always make simple, impulsive — wrong — decisions about national security. The absence of such voices in the mainstream media, at least in its geopolitical reportage, guarantees that there will be no longterm accountability for such decisions, or any memory of the resulting consequences.

Thus: “Over the past few months,” Politico reports, “senior Trump aides have made the case in public and private that

the administration already has the legal authority to take military action against Iran, citing a law nearly two decades old that was originally intended to authorize the war in Afghanistan.”

The law in question is AUMF: the Authorization for Use of Military Force, passed in 2001 in the wake of 9/11, which gave the Bush administration permission to go on a hunting spree for terrorists without the need for ongoing congressional approval.

Critics at the time argued this gave dangerous leeway to the executive branch to wage war whenever it felt like doing so, without any sort of accountability to the requirements of democracy.

And so the Politico story quotes Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., whoin May, upon leaving a closed-door briefing held by acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, noted: “What I heard in there makes it clear that this administration feels that they do not have to come back and talk to Congress in regards to any action they do in Iran.”

As Medea Benjamin, and Nicolas J. S. Davies point out: “Whether in Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, North Korea, or one of the

20 countries under the boot of U.S. sanctions, the Trump administration is using its economic weight to try to exact regime change or major policy changes in countries around the globe.”

And the New York Times informs us that the United States and Russia are currently fighting a “daily digital Cold War” — each country playing nasty little games with the other’s power grid — and it’s getting more aggressive.

“But now the American strategy has shifted more toward offense, officials say, with the placement of potentially crippling malware inside the Russian system at a depth and with an aggressiveness that had never been tried before. It is intended partly as a warning, and partly to be poised to conduct cyber strikes if a major conflict broke out between Washington and Moscow.”

Somehow the existence of this crazy game doesn’t make me feel safer. And the president, the story points out, doesn’t even know about it: “Pentagon and intelligence officials described broad hesitation to go into detail with Mr. Trump about operations against Russia, for concern over his reaction and the possibility that he might countermand it or discuss it with foreign officials, as he did in 2017 when he mentioned a sensitive operation in Syria to the Russian foreign minister.”

The U.S. Government, I fear, contains a terrible void where it ought to have sanity.

A United Nations report has warned that the world is hurtling toward a “climate apartheid scenario” in which the wealthiest members of society will be able to buy their way to safety while hundreds of millions suffer from environmental catastrophe.

“Perversely, while people in poverty are responsible for just a fraction of global emissions, they will bear the brunt of climate change, and have the least capacity to protect themselves,” U.N. special rapporteur Philip Alston, author of the new report, said in a statement.

To prevent this nightmare scenario, the report calls for “a fundamental shift in the global economy”, aimed at protecting vulnerable populations from climate impacts while dramatically slashing carbon emissions.

“Maintaining the current course is a recipe for economic catastrophe,” Alston said in a statement. “Economic prosperity and environmental sustainability are fully compatible, but require decoupling economic well-being and poverty reduction

from fossil fuel emissions.”

“Climate change... could push more than 120 million more people into poverty by 2030 and will have the most severe impact in poor countries, regions, and the places poor people live and work,” Alston added. “We risk a ‘climate apartheid’ scenario where the wealthy pay to escape overheating, hunger, and conflict while the rest of the world is left to suffer.”

The report specifically calls for a “robust social safety net and a well-managed transition to a green economy”. But there is alarming evidence that many countries are moving in the wrong direction. The report highlights U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to roll back environmental regulations and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s deforestation in the Amazon as two prominent examples.

“Time is running out to limit global warming,” the report warns, “and states are failing to meet even their current inadequate commitments.”

UN report issues urgent call for global economic justice

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Sorting out reality from fiction about Venezuela

By Nino Pagllica Last April marked a special anniversary for Cuba, but one that we should all reflect upon, given the current events in Latin America, particularly in Venezuela.

In mid-April 1961, three cities in Cuba were bombed at the same time from the air. Immediately, the US Government claimed that Cuban defectors carried out the action with Cuban planes and pilots. The media quickly “confirmed the actions”. These were false flag attacks organized by the US. In a large mass rally in Havana the next day, Fidel Castro pronounced a very important speech wherein he called John Kennedy and the media liars. That was the speech where Fidel declared the “socialist character” of the Cuban revolution.

Fast-forward to the 21st Century, pan quickly over the Middle East, and zoom into our Western Hemisphere today and you will see Venezuela. Not the country that most Venezuelans want you to see, but the country that the US Government and its allies – Canada at the forefront – want you to see. Reportedly, one that needs a regime change.

The level of disinformation about Venezuela has been widely exposed by political analysts like Dan Kovalik and media groups like Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR), which indicated that corporate media in the United States have undertaken “a full-scale marketing campaign for regime change in Venezuela”.

In an article last April, Time magazine said, “Venezuelans are starving for information”. To which VenezuelaAnalysis. com responded that, “Creative reporting about Venezuela is ‘the world’s most lucrative fictional genre’”, and it goes on to show how there are three private TV channels, a satellite provider that covers FOX News, CNN and BBC. Anti-government print media are also widely accessible as well as online outlets.

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The truth is that people outside Venezuela are starving for reliable information.

The New York Time printed, “Venezuela’s Collapse Is the Worst Outside of War in Decades” with barely a reference to the impact of US sanctions and the billions of dollars stolen from Venezuela, as if irrelevant.

Perhaps there is no conventional war in Venezuela, but there is a devastating economic war imposed by unilateral coercive measures, media warfare or infowar.

Venezuelans call it guerra mediática. In 2009, Chavez even spoke of “media dictatorship.”

When it comes to Venezuela, papers like the Washington Post, the NYT, the Globe and Mail, and others are no different from Tabloids. How else would you interpret the NYT information that Hezbollah is in Venezuela? It is a dangerous insinuation just because the Minister of Industry of Venezuela is of Lebanese descent and his great-uncle allegedly was associated with the Ba’athist Party of Iraq. The NYT would never make such an outlandish insinuation that the neo-Fascists are in Canada because Chrystia Freeland had a distant relative associated with Nazism in the Ukraine.

If we skip over the most obvious media lies, the bulk of disinformation can be reduced to two main categories of accusations laid against Nicolas Maduro: 1) Maduro is not a legitimate president; and 2) Maduro has broken the constitutional order of Venezuela.

Let’s remember that Maduro obtained irrefutably almost 68% of the valid votes on May 20th, and that Juan Guaidó appointed himself as “interim” president in a street rally.

Further, an analysis of the electoral process based on the established international standards shows that all the recommended elements for a legitimate election were followed in Venezuela, and

this was confirmed by many international observers.

More importantly, five candidates participated in the elections, representing different ideologies. One of them, Henri Falcon, was even threatened with sanctions by the US if he decided to participate. The most radical rightwing opposition did not participate in the elections, and did so by their own free will, boycotting the process.

Did Maduro break the constitutional order? Former Canadian ambassador to Venezuela, Ben Rowswell (20142017), recently lied in an interview with CTV, stating that Maduro “suspended” the constitution. That never happened, as it has been widely documented.

We cannot deny the economic crisis in Venezuela caused by the “guerra económica” (economic warfare) waged by the US. The last conservative figure for the cost of US sanctions to Venezuela is US$130 billion. But the US Government and the corporate media want you to believe that the economic crisis in Venezuela is due to the Maduro government mismanagement, totally disregarding the impact of the unilateral coercive measures.

The reality is that the Government of Venezuela is responding with full commitment to the constitution, and the international commitment to its “responsibility to protect” for the well being of the population, maintaining its social programs under harsh circumstances. The people are at the centre of all programs.

Perhaps the most important government program is the Local Supply and Production Committee (CLAP-Comité Local de Abastecimiento y Producción) that guarantees delivery of boxes of food and other items in order to cover the basic needs. The program covers about 6 million families.

The US is currently threatening with sanctions the Venezuelan CLAP programme alleging that it finances or is a cover up for drug trade. This is the vilest deceit at the cost of starving Venezuelans.

Not even in time of war is such a callous crime allowed.

It is obvious that the US Government is after the control of Venezuela’s oil resources based on its unfounded claim over its “backyard”. Canada has joined with its own claim to protect its mining sector corporations with interests in Venezuela. Neither country has any interest in the people of Venezuela, despite their rhetoric.

It is also quite obvious that the Bolivarian revolution in Venezuela centres on the protection of its people and on preventing any pillage of its resources based on

its legitimate claim on sovereignty, independence and self-determination, supported by the majority of people.

There lies the true nature of the US/Canada attacks against Venezuela. However, that is the pragmatic reason. The more political and ideological reason is that the US corporate interests that govern the country will never allow any other ideology that hints or resembles any form of socialism, even in its embryonic form.

Canada’s foreign policy today is quite attuned with US foreign policy.

It is interesting to note that the constitution promoted by Chavez does not have a single mention of the word “socialism”.

It speaks frequently of “social democracy”, but never of socialism.

Chavez coined the phrase “Socialism for the 21st Century” in 2005, six years after the new constitution was approved. And yet he was already slated for a US-sponsored coup in 2002. The coup failed, but that must have made Chavez’s anti-imperialism discourse much more urgent. His speeches rejecting capitalism, imperialism and neo-liberalism, as causing oppression of the population, became much more open, explicit and forceful.

The policies of his government also became much more progressive, as indicated by the law passed in 2006 establishing Communal Councils as units of direct democratic self-government and the law of 2010, establishing the creation of Communes as institutions that would bring together the Communal Councils with local productive units. These laws were in compliance with Article 184 of the Constitution.

It would not be totally surprising to see a more prominent place for the “21st Century Socialism” in the new Constitution.

Perhaps, we may witness a formal Venezuelan declaration of the “socialist character” of the Bolivarian Revolution.

Today we can infer that the corporate media war is not just against Maduro, but against Chavismo as the living ideology of the Bolivarian Revolution.

We are currently witnessing a race between two forces in our hemisphere: 1) the US and Canada imperial forces that support the Venezuelan rightwing opposition in order to produce a regime change, and 2) Venezuela’s popular majority forces, determined to build an independent socialist path.

This is not a race for which we can stand at the margin and say, may the best win.

This is a race in which we are all involved.

We must be involved. Today’s geopolitical reality makes us all vulnerable. Sorting out reality from fiction is the essential task.

PAGE SEVEN

GAWU’s 30-year struggle for recognition - a proud chapter of Guyana’s rich Trade Union history

Protesting the closure of Rose Hall Estate in May, 2017

Continued from last edition Post-recognition The SPA subsequently ended its relationship with the MPCA and after negotiations, the GAWU and the SPA on February 27, 1976 signed the Recognition and Avoidance and Settlement of Dispute Agreement, which officially saw the Union becoming the representative on behalf of the field and factory workers in the sugar industry. The inking of the agreement was the culmination of 30 years of struggle and sacrifice by thousands of sugar workers. It was a fitting tribute to the Enmore Martyrs and Kowsilla, whose heroic sacrifices were not in vain.

Since our recognition, the Union has advanced representation for improving the pay levels of its members, supported actions to bring about improvement in conditions of work, and obtained greater benefits for the workers. The Union’s outlook expanded, and workers from other sectors – fishing, distilling, forestry, rice, clerical, transportation, manufacturing, etc – have joined the Union. This prompted the Union in 1978 to change its name to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).

The GAWU has also recognized that improvements in the workers’ lot cannot be secured only at the bargaining table.

The Union, in that regard, has advocated and championed improvements in the rights of workers at the national level. To that end, the Union has made representations for improvements and enactment of legislation; stronger enforcement; a favourable taxation system; assistance from the State, among other things. The Union has also recognized that education is key to ensuring that workers are able to COMBAT May/June, 2019

be aware of their rights and benefits, as well as to understand their role as a class in society. The GAWU is therefore proud that it was able to construct, with its own finances, a college adjacent to its headquarters. The GAWU Labour College is a tangible manifestation of its commitment to educating not only Union members, but workers generally. The Union, over the years, with support of friendly overseas unions, has managed to receive financial support to pursue various educational projects.

Contemporary situation As GAWU takes stock as to what is now a 73-year history, through its various incarnations, it recognizes that the spirit of struggle and militancy remains very much alive. That spirit was once again manifested in recent times, as sugar workers raised their voices to express their displeasure with those who threatened their and their family’s well-being. As is now well-known, the current Coalition Government, without a studied approach, decided to close four (4) sugar estates, namely:-Skeldon, Rose Hall, East Demerara and Wales estates. Though several convincing and rational arguments were advanced against the Administration’s policy; and the workers, their families and their communities came out in their numbers, the Government remained unmoved. The Coalition heartlessly, in the year-end holiday season, closed the estates and put 7,000 workers on the breadline. Given the estate’s import to their communities, it has been estimated that tens of thousands of Guyanese have been gravely affected by the closure decisions.

The seriousness of the situation showed itself when, in latter days of 2017, two (2) sugar workers took their lives as they,

from all appearances, could not contend with a jobless existence. The closure of the estates has taken a heavy toll, with many persons crying out about the misery and difficulty that filled the void created since the estates closed. Several media reports have been published about the troubles that workers and their families have and are facing. It is indeed depressing to read the stories of trial and tribulation our ordinary people must face. It seems that there is no remorse on the part of the decision-makers. Worse yet, they have not even once ventured from their air-conditioned, bountifully filled, ivory towers to visit the workers and their communities to see how they are coping since they put them on the breadline. It was therefore heart-rending to learn that, at Skeldon Estate, workers who are catching fish or picking wildly-grown vegetables to feed their families or to sell to sustain themselves were being asked to pay to traverse the estate’s cultivation. It was a most heartless policy, recognizing that the people are at literally their wits’ end and yet payment is demanded of them.

For the workers who remain employed in the operable estates – Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt – they continue to demonstrate a fighting spirit as they press their demand to be awarded a pay rise.

The sugar workers remain the only group of the State’s employees to have not gotten a blind cent in pay rise since the Government took office in May, 2015. Today while their colleagues in other sectors of State lament they are barely able to stay afloat though they benefitted from increases in pay, the sugar workers, in 2019, are receiving pay rates last improved in

2014. The workers continue, through protest and picketing exercises, to call on the Government to remove the ignominy from their face and to treat them equally with their peers in the other sectors of the State. Those calls and cries have not elicited a response from the powers-that-be.

But the situation is becoming more and more dire, with average pay per worker declining by $284,000 between 2014 and 2017. The state-owned Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo), during meetings with the Union, has informed about the difficulties it has to recruit and retain staffers. This situation, the GAWU has pointed out, is a natural repercussion of successive year of pay rise denial.

Today, as the sugar workers continue, inspite of the difficulties and challenges, to fight for what they rightfully deserve, the GAWU stands with them to provide support, leadership and guidance. The circumstances of today, as the Union’s long battle for recognition demonstrated, tell us that it is only through consistent and united struggles that we will win our reasonable demands for equity, fairness and social justice. Indeed, the workers’ cries have not been unheard, as the main opposition party – the PPP/C – has indicated that should it win the National and Regional elections, which expectedly will be held in 2019, it will re-open the sugar estates and treat workers fairly. This indeed is welcome news in the tough times the workers have faced and are facing. The GAWU is indeed proud of its actions to bring justice to the workers. We staunchly uphold the principles of Dr Jagan, who believed in pro-worker, pro-people agitation. This is our guiding light, and underpins our actions and decisions.

CRML sells out operations The Management of the Caricom Rice Mills Limited (CRML) recently informed the GAWU that it has struck a deal with a local company to purchase its operations. While the new owners are not yet known, the CRML has began the process of winding-up its operations and, at this time, the Company’s 60-odd person workforce have been issued with letters of termination.

The Company by letter of May 31, had informed the Union that it was engaged in discussions regarding the possible sale of its operations. In its letter, CRML had indicated that were the sale to come to fruition, all employees would

be deemed redundant and benefit from their appropiate terminal benefits. The GAWU, in response to CRML’s correspondence, reminded the Company that the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act sets out certain obligations the Company must follow before it commences the termination of its workforce.

The Union has communicated the news to the workforce of CRML, who are obviously disheartened at this time.

The GAWU has committed to standing with them to ensure they receive their benefits.

PAGE EIGHT

Sugar Dipsute another manifestation of the Administration’s misadventure in sugar ress has been seen. We recall that the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, had previously expressed concern about the lag between implementation and the securing of the funds, and the heavy interest costs that would have to be borne in the intervening period. From all appearances, the Opposition Leader was right, as NICIL, according to the media, will channel to bondholders several hundred million dollars in interest while the specific capital works to secure the industry’s viability, it An overhead view of Uitvlugt Estate, currently one of the three (3) operable sugar estates. Uitvlugt, Albion seems, appear nowhere on and Blairmont estates were slated to benefit from certain investments funded by a $30B (US$150M) bond the horizon. Concerns, we secured to recapitalise the industry. So far, hardly any work has commenced as GuySuCo and the NICIL, see too, were expressed by which issued the bond, are engaged in consistent bickering NICIL regarding the probThe GAWU saw in several sections of would finally be spent. To that end, we the media reports regarding the status urged NICIL-SPU and the GuySuCo to of the $30B bond that was secured by collaborate to working out the finer dethe National Industrial and Commercial tails of that plan. We even went as far as Investments Limited (NICIL) to re-cap- offering views to allow for a more rounditalise the estates under the stewardship ed and well-thought-out road map. of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc Notwithstanding what we felt was a During recent interactions between (GuySuCo). The bond came to being valuable suggestion, the bodies charged the GAWU and the workers of the Deafter the seemingly clandestine transfer with managing the affairs of the sugar inmerara Harbour Bridge Corporation of the Corporation’s shares, among oth- dustry have apparently not worked out a (DHBC), the workers continue to exer things, to the Government’s holding proper and workable plan. That suggespress their anxieties regarding the yetcompany. The March 29, 2018 Stabroek tion, we must add, the GAWU has reitto-be completed job evaluation exercise.

News reported that the Special Purpose erated on many occasions. We should The workers shared with the Union offiUnit (SPU) of NICIL, which apparently not fail to add that Minister of Finance, cials present that it appears that there is was instrumental in the bond’s birthing, Winston Jordan, responding to questions some foot-dragging taking place on the said it would “…provide a much-needed posed to him in Parliament by the Oppart of the Corporation. capital injection, support infrastructure position, did say that a plan was worked maintenance… and develop new co-gener- out. We, sadly, have to say that we take The GAWU, on June 05, in a letter to ation capacity to support estate operations the Minister’s utterances with a pinch of DHBC General Manager Rawlston Adand sell to the national power grid”. salt, as, if such a plan does really exist, it ams, expressed the workers concerns must be the most closely-guarded secret and urged that every effort be made to Our Union, as a concerned stakehold- in the history of Guyana. Moreover, had bring the exercise to finality. In our leter, after learning about the bond through such a plan really been a reality, the lamter, we reminded the General Manager media reports, sought an audience with entations by NICIL’s Head (a.g.), Mr Colthat the exercise was approved during NICIL-SPU and the GuySuCo regarding vin Heath-London, and the responses by collective bargaining engagements in its plans for the large sum it was intent the Corporation’s CEO, Dr Harold Davis 2016. We shared with the Corporation, at that time to borrow. At an April 19, Junior, we believe, would not have been that the agreement of the Union’s re2018 meeting with officials of the sug- heard. Undoubtedly, the plan, among quest of conduct the exercise was, in all ar corporation and the SPU, the GAWU other things, would have clearly set out likelihood, linked to the DHBC’s recoglearnt that monies were earmarked to- the parameters for disbursements and nition to the value of the results of the wards improving cane production and accountability. Rather than ironing out exercise. Moreover, it also ensured that productivity, as well as enhancing factory these matters very early on, we see the the Corporation would remain competoperations. Sums, we were told too, were apparent chasms rising to the surface and itive in the labour market. identified for ventures into electricity complaints and disagreements between Through our letter, we expressed that generation and plantation white sugar. NICIL-SPU and GuySuCo appearing the Union, together with the ManageThe GAWU, at that time, while welcom- ever so often. ment of the DHBC and the Human Reing the ideas, did express concern that it Also of concern to us is that, so far, sources Consultant, spent many hours appeared there was no firm plan to guide though roughly a quarter of the bond to examine carefully each job of the Corhow the monies that would be secured has been disbursed, no tangible progporation. In that process, broad agree-

ability of default. This is something that is not in our interest, especially considering that the bond has essentially mortgaged the assets of the Guyanese people.

For the current and future generations of Guyanese, this would be an unwelcome disaster.

The entire imbroglio that is unfolding we see as yet another manifestation of the Administration’s misadventure and, undoubtedly, poor policy making regarding the sugar industry, and which will further negatively impact national interests. As we well know, the Government’s actions and/or inaction regarding the industry has been one of the more difficult times of our nation’s recent history. It is a period, which has seen the largest retrenchment exercise in Guyana’s history, and has brought about tremendous hardship and grave difficulty for thousands of Guyanese people of varying walks of life.

DHBC workers agitated over job evaluation

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ment was reached on job requirements, responsiblities and other important aspects. That process, we lamented, was completed many months ago, but since then no further progress was made in bring the exercise closer to completion.

We reminded the Manager too that the workers petitioned the Management to conclude the exercise, and committments to fast tracking it remains partly unfulfilled.

The seemingly stalemated exercise, we expressed, has served to agitate the workforce, who are rightly anxious to have it completed. Certainly, given the length of time that has elapsed, the workers’ apprehensions are not without considerable merit.

We urged the Management, in our correspondence, to work together with the Union in pursuing every and all effort to have the exercise completed.

Our letter, was also shared with Minister of Public Infrasturture, David Patterson. Minister Patterson has ministerial responsiblity for the Corporation.

So far, the Union is yet to hear from the Corporation and the Minister, and we will soon engage the workers on the way forward.

PAGE NINE

We need actions not nice words from President Granger on sugar industry

The GAWU has considered several media reports about His Excellency, President David Granger’s visit on June 07 to Albion Estate. The visit, which was described by the June 09 Kaieteur News as a “surprise”, we noted, saw His Excellency saying quite a lot apart from the commitments he made. Notably, it was the first time that the President set foot on a sugar estate since he took office over four (4) years ago.

According to a statement of June 07, published on the Ministry of the Presidency’s website, President Granger is quoted to have said, “I am here to find out what your problems are. I have come to fix things”.

The rational mind would have thought that the President and his colleagues who collectively occupy the decision-making chairs of the nation would have been well aware of the industry’s problems and how to go about fixing them. It appears, if President Granger’s utterances are anything to go by, that this was not the case.

It undoubtedly brings into question what factor/s influenced the Administration’s policy towards the industry?

The President went on to say that he wants the “…industry not just sustainable, but profitable…” and that is must “thrive”.

On the surface, it seems the President is saying the right things, but we hasten to wonder why if the President and his Administration were so interested in the industry thriving, as he says, why were the worthwhile suggestions that were advanced by the Sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI), among others, ignored apparently. Many suggestions, had they been implemented, would have helped to put the industry on firmer ground, and well on the path to profitability.

President Granger also said he wants “… to guarantee employees’ livelihoods… to guarantee sugar’s position in the national economy… to safeguard the rural econoCOMBAT May/June, 2019

my”. Again, these are lofty sentiments, but they come after sugar workers remain the only group of employees covered by the State’s umbrella to have effectively had their wages stagnated at 2014 levels though we now live in 2019, when circumstances of life are vastly different. It came after 7,000 ordinary, hard-working, decent, honest workers lost their jobs following their several expressions to draw attention to their plight. It came after the President’s men and women ignored the credible suggestions of the unions and the political opposition, to conduct a socio-economic impact assessment regarding its sugar policy. It came, too, after the IMF advised the Government to put in place adequate safety nets for displaced workers. It came after the aspirations of thousands have been shattered. It came after entire communities have been thrown into disarray. And, it came after millions of dollars in foreign currency receipts have been effectively lost.

We also saw the President reportedly saying, his Government “…since 2015, has been doing everything humanly possible to ensure the industry thrives”. Can we really take this statement at face value?

We ask:- how can we? We recollect that the Administration recruited a certain ‘expert’, who had a long-held position, to significantly reduce the scope of the industry. Or, how can we not remember that there was a sustained attack to reduce workers’ long-standing and hardwon benefits. Or, what about the billions channelled to the industry but we see sliding production? Certainly, if the President was serious, in our view, much of what has played out in the industry, during his time at the helm ought not to have occurred in the first place.

His Excellency is also quoted to say “[w] e are in the business of sugar, and we will produce sugar; we will not produce re-

trenched workers…”. Again, we see the boisterous pronouncements by the President. While we are in the business of sugar, we cannot ignore that the President’s Government closed the Enmore Packaging Plant which output attracted the highest prices, according to the Sugar CoI. Or that the Skeldon Co-Generation plant, which raked in nearly $10B in revenues in 2016, is also suffering now-a-days from a lack of bio-mass arising from the Skeldon estate’s closure. Or that the thousands retrenched by the Administration’s policy had their severance entitlements unduly and illegally withheld. Even at this time, there is a certain segment of the displaced workers who, notwithstanding a Court Order, are having an aspect of their severance payments withheld.

The President was also quoted by the statement to have said “…that Government is going to put the relationship between NICIL and the Corporation on a firm footing”. Again, the obvious question that pops up: is why did the President allow the relations between the two bodies to descend to the acrimonious expressions that have played out in the full view of the public? Why wasn’t the discord arrested earlier, rather than be allowed to fester and explode into a raging war of words? We nevertheless are hopeful that, indeed, the President, late than never, could bring the bodies to see eye-to-eye.

Our Union was perplexed, too, when we saw President Granger being quoted as saying he “…met with the sugar unions on December 31, 2016 and February 3, 2017, and again with the unions on January 19 2018, because I am interested in working out with them how this industry will survive… I want them to understand our plans for the industry”. Our Union did meet representatives of the Government, not the President, on December

31, 2016 and February 03 and 17, 2017 regarding what was said to us was a ‘consultative’ exercise regarding the plans to divest Skeldon Estate and close Rose Hall and Enmore Estates. While we harboured fears about the genuineness of those engagements, our Union approached them with an open mind, but it appeared that the proverbial door was already shut on the other side. Nevertheless, the GAWU as well as the NAACIE did engage President Granger and leading members of his Administration for the first and only time on January 19 last year. A statement, by the Department of Public Information, about the engagement quoted His Excellency as saying “[t]he Government and the Unions should engage until the issue is resolved”. Though the GAWU engaged in good faith, and put several suggestions to the Government at the meeting, we have since not heard from the President or his Administration about further engagements.

While the President’s interest in securing the remaining state-owned sugar estates is a welcome sign, it is not a time for nice speeches, good words and photo opportunities. Whether the President’s apparent new-found interest is connected to other national happenings is left to be seen. However, we require serious and concerted action. There must be, in our view, collective discussions and the sharing of ideas and thoughts. The workers, an important segment in the industry’s turnaround, success and sustainability, can no longer be alienated or treated with scorn or derision, but they must be included and treated with respect. We will look in the coming times to see if the President’s utterances are reflected in actions and deeds.

GAWU submits claims to NPC

The GAWU, on May 03, submitted its claims to the Management of the National Parks Commission (NPC) regarding pay rise and other improvements in conditions-of-work. Through our submission, the workers and the Union are seeking a thirteen (13) per cent rise in pay. Increases in the rates of meals, bicycle, and risk allowances were also requested. The GAWU has also sought the implementation of an incentive for those workers who are required to prepare certain meals for animals at the Zoo. We also sought an improvement in the

severance/redundancy allowance, as well as the establishment of a pension and medical scheme. Our proposals, also seek increased Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) issues as well.

The GAWU has been representing the workers of the NPC for several years now, following a long struggle to gain union recognition. We continue to enjoy generally amicable relations with the Commission. The NPC, which employs some 100-persons, is charged with the Management of the National Park, the Zoological Park and the Botanical Gardens.

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Sellout of sugar assets seems highly improper

The Skeldon sugar factory, which was commissioned just about a decade ago, stands closed since the end of 2017, and is up for sale

The GAWU could not ignore the many media reports that have appeared over recent times regarding what appears to be the wanton sell-out of assets linked to the sugar industry. From the media, we have learnt, dismayingly, for the first time, about what appears to be a fire sale of the industry’s assets. It should be recalled that, not too long ago, the GAWU had drawn attention to quick and cheap sell out of several movable assets from the now shuttered estates. At that time, our Union pointed out - given the then and now apparent unconstitutional status of Government - the assets in question should be released to the GuySuCo with a view to accelerate and further rehabilitation works at the operable sugar estates.

It appears, if the media reports are indeed accurate - and we have little reason to doubt their authenticity - that the programme to dispose of the sugar industry’s assets has accelerated in recent weeks.

What is even more worrying for us is that the masses appear none the wiser regarding what seems to be the wholesale sellout of valuable items that still have value to the sugar industry and its operations.

It did not miss us, too, that the situation is unfolding when President David Granger is saying he wants the sugar industry to thrive. Certainly, moving in that direction requires the industry to be supported, and not having items it requires being sold at what appears to be basement prices. It should not be forgotten, too, that Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, in responding to questions regarding the sale of the Skeldon factory, is quoted in the August 15, 2017 Guyana Times as saying, “[t]his (sale) has to be done in a very transparent process, because this Government prides itself on accountability and transparency”. We also recollect that former Minister of State, now Director-General of the Ministry of the PresiCOMBAT May/June, 2019

dency, Joseph Harmon, is reported in the July 24, 2018 Kaieteur News as saying, with respect to the divestment of sugar assets, that “…Government will not sacrifice accountability and transparency in the process”. We hasten to ask what has happened to those commitments. Dishearteningly, we are reminded yet again that actions indeed speak louder than words.

As we consider the divestment policy regarding the sugar industry’s assets, as well as utterances by the Finance Minister, we could not help but notice a Demerara Waves report of June 19, titled, “Investors walking away from ‘scrap iron’ sugar estates - Finance Minister”.

According to the report, Minister Jordan told a meeting he had in Bartica that the estates up for sale were scrap iron. The goodly Minister told his audience “[t} hey have been there since the early 20th century or before…”. It appears to us that the Minister is not really acquainted with what he was saying. While all the sugar factories, save and except Skeldon, were built many years ago, their components, over time, were rehabilitated or changed altogether in keeping with advancements in technology. It is, for us, hard to believe that the Minister really believed that all the original equipment installed whenever the factories were constructed are the same equipment being used on to now.

The Minister also charged that “[v]ery little maintenance has been done over the last fifteen to twenty years…”. This statement seems absurd, in our view, considering that in the period 1999 to 2019, the Minister referred to as seeing the sugar industry on several occasions saw its production rising over 300,000 tonnes per annum. Moreover, it was those same factories that saw the industry producing over 230,000 tonnes in 2015, which the Minister and his colleagues patted themselves on the back for a job ostensibly well

done. Moreover, even the Sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI), which comprised several persons with factory knowledge, did not choose the phrases the Minister chose to employ. In fact, the Sugar CoI, though recognizing that the factories had difficulties, pointed out that with certain investment they could generally be put right. The CoI’s conclusions are a far way from Minister Jordan’s who reportedly told his audience, “the investors… would have to ‘rip up’ the existing equipment and construct new factories”.

What’s even more disconcerting is that the Minister’s statement comes just days after the National Commercial and Industrial Investments Limited (NICIL) announced it was about to close a deal with a consortium of investors regarding Rose Hall Estate. A June 03 Demerara Waves report informed that Managing Director of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) said, “…the investors plan to continue sugar production and manufacture inputs for cosmetics and liquid sugar”. It

would seem to the rational mind that the investors, whoever they may be, would have considered all the factors and thereafter submitted their proposal. That submission, in our view, would have logically taken account of the equipment and its potential, in keeping with the plans of the interested party. It appears to us that the Minister did not really and fully consider what he was telling his audience; or was it a case of petty politicking? Generally, that the Minister did not really think through his remarks at the meeting as another aspect has landed him, it seems, in hot water.

Obviously, the Minister had decided to blow hot air and vent at Bartica about his Government’s ill-considered decisions in the first place. Had the factories remained operable, rather than being shut down, the decision to sell would have seen a better response in our view.

Similar views, we recollected, were also expressed in a report which appeared in the October 01, 2018 Guyana Chronicle.

There, we saw PwC Chief Mr Baghaloo apparently telling prospective investors, “I fully understand your concerns re: buying a factory that is not a going concern and, most importantly, a factory that has been closed for a long period of time”.

The divestment process, like the Government’s all-round sugar policy, is filled with obvious holes, and it seems was not well thought out. Such a situation is not in the interest of the Guyanese people, as it is their assets, purchased after the hard work and efforts of past and present generations of sugar workers, that is being sold, from all appearances, for next to nothing. Nevertheless, in view of the recent decision of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), it is our firm belief that any decision regarding the sale of sugar assets, and in fact any national asset, cannot be deemed proper.

DDL workers express concerns about plant conditions

Workers attached to the new bottling plant of Demerara Distilliers Limited (DDL) at its Plantation Diamond location brought to the Union’s attention their concerns regarding an accumulation of waste water in the plant. Our Union, through a letter to the Company, expressed on the workers behalf that the drainage outlets of the plant were apparently blocked, leading to a backup of water. Such a situation, we pointed out, had obvious health and safety implications.

In our letter, we shared that the workers had raised the issue recently, during a meeting with senior officials of the

Company, but it appeared remidial works were not pursued. The Company subsequently responded to the GAWU, pointing out that it had previously executed works in an effort to remedy the situation.

The GAWU shared the Company’s response with the workers, who expressed alarm at the contentions raised. They shared that, to the best of their knowledge, no works were pursued until after the Union’s correspondence was sent.

We have since drawn this to the Company’s attention. The workers, in the meantime, have expressed appreciation to the Union for its intervention.

PAGE ELEVEN

Crime situation reaching disconcerting proportions – FITUG The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) through engagements with affiliates and reports in the media, as well as posts on social media, cannot help at this time but be concerned by what appears to be a rising spate of criminality in our society.

We have seen also media reports which illustrate, from police statistics that crime is on the decline. Those conclusions, it seems, do not corroborate with the reality on the ground. Whether all crimes are actually reported is something that should be verified. If it is the case that our people have decided not to report such acts, it says a lot, in our view, about the confidence in those charged with maintenance of public order and security.

The FITUG has seen in practically all corners of our country reports about people being the victims of crime. Some incidents, we note too, have resulted in the untimely deaths of victims. This is a situation we can neither condone nor be happy about. At this time, we well recognize that our people are genuinely afraid about whether they will be the next victim. This is not the state-of-mind that our people should ever have to contend with.

The brazenness and means used by those involved in criminality have also evoked our concerns as well. On this note, we have seen several instances of surveil-

lance footage appearing in the media and elsewhere, which in some cases clearly depict the aggressors. Notwithstanding such exposure, it seems to us that those engaged in criminal acts are not deterred.

This, again, is another cause for concern.

Is it a case that those involved in such acts, though apparently known, are not afraid of the repercussions of their acts?

If this is indeed the case, we ask: why?

The Federation has also seen pronouncements from the Minister of Public Security on the situation. From the Minister’s utterances, we cannot help but conclude that he is at sea when it comes to grasping the gravamen of the situation at hand. It appears that the Minister may need assistance from his colleagues who have experience in the security sector.

Moreover, we believe there is need for a concerted plan to address the situation at hand, and bring reprieve to our people ,who must contend with various criminal activities. The need for a safe and secure society cannot be underscored. The need for our people to have peace of mind is important on so many fronts. We look to the Government, obviously, to provide an environment wherein our people can feel confident that they can be in their homes, or go about their business with the least of fear.

FITUG says:

PM and Finance Minister’s utterances concerning The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has seen a number of media reports concerning remarks made by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Finance Minister Winston Jordan during a recent meeting held in the town of Bartica.

The remarks, which among other things included a call for “war”, we could not fail to recognize have been deemed by some as inciting hostilities in our society. Indeed, we share the view that the utterances by leaders of our nation have no place in our contemporary times, and could very well serve to ratchet up tensions among our peoples. We also noticed that the remarks were made during a Government outreach exercise to the mining town. That outreach, like others held in recent times, was funded wholly by the Guyanese taxpayers. From all appearances, it seems that State funds are being utilized to further political activities. This, we contend, should not be the case.

Regarding the statements by the senior Government functionaries, they are totally unacceptable and cannot be coun-

tenanced, regardless of the circumstances. The connotation of a call to war, as it were, evokes naturally strong sentiments and causes undoubtedly heightened anxieties. Moreover, the remarks, it seems, go against the Government’s, and more so President David Granger’s, call for our people to live in cohesion.

In considering the remarks by the two (2) high-ranking gentlemen, the FITUG was reminded that a similar call was sounded not too long ago on a video recording which appeared on social media.

That video, it may be recalled, saw an official of the senior Coalition partnership also chanting statements similar to the Prime Minister’s and Finance Minister’s.

While the jury is out on whether the two (2) incidents are connected, the striking similarities are, for us, too close for comfort.

At this time, as is the case all the time, we urge our leaders to consider their words and statements, especially taking into account the lasting impression they can have on our people.

GAWU concerns about sugar policy shared with IMF

GAWU, on June 10, met with a team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) currently visiting Guyana to undertake the Fund’s annual Article IV consultation. The GAWU team, which engaged the six-person team for over an hour, was led by its Assistant General Secretary Aslim Singh, and included the Union’s Organising Officer Porandatt Narine and Executive Committee member Gordon Thomas.

The main focus of the discussion regarded the structural changes of the sugar industry. The Union, on this matter, expressed concern regarded what it termed the two-pronged approach adopted by the Government of Guyana. The GAWU team explained that one prong concerned the divestment of three of the closed estates, namely Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara Estates; and the other aspect regarded the re-capitalization of the estates under the control of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

With respect to the divestment approach, the GAWU expressed concern that the process appeared to lack transparency. We pointed out that the divestment would possibly be the largest in the nation’s history, yet the Guyanese people were none the wiser about the value of the assets being put up for sale. Moreover, we reminded the IMF that its 2017 Article IV Report on Guyana had urged the Government to ensure that displaced sugar workers be protected by appropriate safety nets. This suggestion, we hastened to point out, was not considered, as apart from the statutory severance payments made to workers, which we reminded were illegally withheld and corrected following the intervention of the Courts, there is hardly, if any, tangible expression of the State’s assistance to the workers and communities affected.

We pointed out that since the estate closures, many affected remain hard pressed and finding themselves in difficult and miserable situations. We shared that, in

some instances, children’s schooling has been truncated and families have disintegrated. Moreover, the opportunities for employment remain almost non-existent.

Turning to the plans to recapitalize the operable estates, the GAWU reiterated its concerns about the apparent absence of a plan to guide the large sum secured. We shared that on several occasions we had asked the GuySuCo about its, plan, only to receive deafening silence. The GAWU expressed that it recognized President David Granger has recently referred to a plan. We noted that the President had said, according to media reports we saw, that the Corporation was not operating by guesswork or hunches. Nevertheless, we shared our apprehensions, that despite what we believe are our good intentioned best efforts, we remain shut out from being knowledgeable about the Corporation’s plans.

During our engagement, the team also sought our views about the happenings in other areas of the agricultural sector. On that score, we expressed views regarding the rice, poultry and fishing industries. Of course, the oil and gas industry also attracted attention during our discussion as well. On that matter, the GAWU shared its view that it appeared we were least prepared at this time to effectively deal with the industry and what it could bring to the proverbial table. We also shared view about the possibility of inequality between the oil and non-oil sectors of the economy, and its ramifications for wider societal issues.

The team welcomed our forthright expressions, and committed to examining our suggestions in finer detail. The GAWU, for many years now, has been interacting with the IMF during its annual country visits . We have found those interactions worthwhile, and providing us yet another opportunity to represent our members and the workers of Guyana generally.

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