Combat - October - December, 2020

Issue #4 Volume #41

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

Editorial

A new year beckons!

2020 was bound to be a history-making year for our nation and its people. Indeed, the year that is nearing its sunset made history in many more ways than we expected. At the dawn of 2020, Guyana was expected to take off, as oil production was slated to push economic progress to dizzying heights and there were high expectations that the collective dreams of the Guyanese people were closer to realization. At the same time, there were heightened anxieties, as elections were a few weeks away and elections’ campaigning was expected to get underway. The path to the elections had been paved with a great deal of animosity, and with the management of the country’s oil riches, it was deemed the Mother of All Elections.

In the weeks and months that elapsed, 2020 surpassed probably the wildest expectations of many Guyanese.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in Wuhan, China towards the end of 2019, began its global spread.

Millions have been infected, and nearly two (2) million persons have lost their battle with the dreaded virus. The virus brought modern life to a screeching halt, and almost overnight society became anxious as panic spread.

The pictures of what was taking place in other countries heightened fears, as attempts were made to staunch the virus locally. The policy of the former Coalition Government came in for severe criticism, as their actions demonstrated little seriousness to controlling the spread of COVID-19. While several best practices had been developed in other countries, the former Government bucked the trend as they engaged in practices that really had no rhyme nor reason.

Arguably, it could have been said that the Coalition were preoccupied with other issues notwithstanding the devastating effects of COVID-19. For five (5) months following the March 02, 2020 National and Regional Elections, Guyanese endured and watched horrifyingly a barefaced attempt to hijack the elections. The unveiled attack to thwart the will of the people represents one of the most reprehensible actions taken by any Government against the Guyanese people. The apparent compromising of leading officials of the elections machinery only served to enhance the Guyanese people’s distrust of the elections body. Prior to the elections, many persons had expressed deep reservations over the impartiality of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Those worries became reality as the clearly spelt out practices and policies of the elections commission were disregarded, obviously with one sinister motivation in mind. The threat to democracy held out the real possibility that the advancements scored since the restoration of democracy in 1992 could be derailed and push the country and people into pauperization.

Continued on page three (3) COMBAT Oct-Dec, 2020

October - December, 2020

2020 sugar production a reflection of successive years of mismanagement of sugar industry

This year’s production will in all likelihood eclipse 2019’s production as the worst production in GuySuCo’s history. Our Union a few weeks ago had warned of this possibility when we had considered the data we had received at that time. As we pointed out then and reiterate again, the output hardly surprises us. We say this cognizant of the terrible mis-management that plagued the industry over the last few years.

Not too long ago, the Union had cause to publicly disclose that canes adjacent to the residence of the Blairmont Estate Manager were overrun by bushes and weeds. We had cause then, as we have now, to sound an alarm, as we have to wonder what would be the state of canes that are out of the eyesight of the manager. This situation is rather not the exception but is too often the norm. This is simply disappointing and poses a serious cause for concern.

Sugar production as at December 13, 2020 stood at 87,875 tonnes, with sugar production at the respective estates being as follows:Estate Albion

F/Crop 16,802

S/Crop 24,908

Total 41,710

Blairmont Uitvlugt Total

11,867 8,344 37,013

15,548 10,406 50,862

27,415 18,750 87,875

The 2020 production demonstrates the enormity of tasks that are before the new Board and Management of the Corporation. We have seen recently the GuySuCo announcing that it anticipates to realise 97,000 tonnes sugar next year. While it is an improvement from the disaster of 2020, and we are hopeful that the target can not only be realised, but surpassed, it is hardly a production to be ecstatic about.

The industry has much greater potential, and there is urgent need to graps with the challenges to bring about the desired return. These are matters we will continue to eagerly follow and, when necessary, comment upon. We have seen the disaster of estates’ closure and we neither need nor want that again.

PAGE ONE

GAWU membership expands:

GRDB Rice Research Station workers overwhelmingly support Union as bargaining agent

NIS injustices to contributors are heart-rending The GAWU was disheartened when it read Mr Rudolph Singh’s letter titled “Worked 35 years at Guysuco but got no NIS pension” which appeared in the November 23, 2020 Stabroek News.

to the Scheme with varying degrees of success. The injustices meted out to many contributors in their golden years after their working life is downright shameful and an indelible stain on the NIS.

The experience of Mr Frank Williams we must sadly share is not a new phenomenon. Many sugar workers and workers generally have and are experiencing similar situation arising from the poor recordkeeping of the NIS. The GAWU, over the years, has continually represented these matters

Our Union, as it has done for many workers who have approached us, is willing to provide further representation to the NIS. We urge Mr Williams or Mr Singh to contact us at telephone numbers 227-2091/2, 225-5321 or 223-6523.

GAWU awards bursaries to union members children who sat NGSA

The statement of poll which indicated that the GAWU had the substantial support of the workers of the GRDB Research Station to be their bargaining agent. The workers of the Research Centre had become disillusioned with the incumbent union and recognised that the GAWU was always in the forefront in defence of its members. They subsequently approached the GAWU, which made an application to become the bargaining agent.

A poll on December 11, 2020 confirmed the workers’ support for the GAWU

On December 11, 2020 a poll organised by the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURCB) saw the workers of the Burma Rice Research Station at Burma, East Coast Demerara deciding whether they wished the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) or the Union of Agricultural and Allied Workers Union (UAAW) to speak on their behalf.

The workers of the Center had approached the GAWU for our Union to become their bargaining agent.

The workers had become most disillusioned with the UAAW, which they shared had not been adequately advancing their cause.

cember 11, 2020, nearly all employees participated in the poll. Those who did not take part were either off-location or on annual or sick leave. Following the close of poll, the counting of the ballots revealed that the GAWU obtained 60 votes, whereas the UAAW received 16 votes. The votes confirmed that the GAWU indeed enjoyed the support of the majority of the workers.

At this time, the results of the elections have been endorsed by the TURCB, and Certificate of Recognition was issued to the GAWU. With this process now concluded, we are hopeful that we can soon begin to engage the GRDB soon thereafter. From our interactions with the workers, During the poll, which took place there are several matters which rebetween 08:00h and 16:00h on De- quire immediate attention.

COMBAT Oct-Dec, 2020

Bursary awardees with their parents and union officials take a group photo following the presentation activity. The GAWU for many years has been offering bursary awards to children of union members who write the NGSA examinations. It is one of the several benefits the union offers to its membership

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) on November 06, 2020 organized a simple activity to present bursary awards to children of union members from the Demerara branches who wrote the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) earlier this year. The activity, which was held under strict COVID-19 precautions, is one that the Union is proud to organise and is one of the benefits of being a union member.

Delivering brief remarks, GAWU’s General Secretary Seepaul Narine congratulated the students on their achievement. He shared that, like their parents, the Union was also proud of

them. He encouraged them to work diligently as they enter high school, and noted that learning has become more difficult with COVID-19, but encouraged the students not to become daunted but continue dedicatedly in their school work.

Altogether the union distributed sixteen (16) bursaries. At the Georgetown activity, six (6) were handed out, and at a similar activity held on November 09, 2020 in Berbice, the remaining ten (10) were distributed. Additionally, the GAWU Credit Union awarded bursaries to three (3) members of the society.

PAGE TWO

GAWU Credit Union shares millions to members as AGM is concluded approved the payment of a 1.75 dividend to all members who had ordinary savings balances at the end of 2018. Apart from that, the meeting approved a 21 per cent rebate of interest payments paid by members during 2019. These two (2) measures will see members benefitting from nearly five million dollars ($5,000,000) in their accounts. This is testament to the commitment of the GAWU Credit Union to give back to its members.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Cooperative Credit Union Society Limited, known more popularly as the GAWU Credit Union, concluded its 26th and 27th Annual General meetings on (Saturday) December 12, 2020. The meeting saw a small number of members gathering, in keeping with the COVID-19 guidelines, at the Society’s registered office, 59 High Street and Wights Lane, Kingston, Georgetown. However, other members were able to participate in the meeting virtually.

The Chairperson of the Society’s Management Committee, Gaietri Baron, who chaired the meetings, touted the successes of the Credit Union, which faced a massive loss in membership after four (4) sugar estates were indiscriminately closed in recent years, resulting in the loss of thousands of members. She noted that despite the setback, the Society was steadily gaining membership as more and more workers are encouraged by the benefits and opportunities offered by the Society. She noted that while this is pleasing, there was still more work that could be done, and encouraged members to be ambassadors of the Society and to assist in furthering the membership drive. She reminded those gathered that the Society continues to be prudently managed, and every effort is being made to maximise benefits offered.

The Society’s Secretary, Sattie Basdeo, reported on the work and activities of the Credit Union. She noted that while there have been challenges there is optimism, as the re-opening of estates will offer the opportunity for increased membership.

She noted too that despite the difficulties, the Credit Union remained financially sound, though she pointed out that remittances from the GuySuCo to the Society are delayed. She shared with members that the Society is actively enCOMBAT Oct-Dec, 2020

gaging GuySuCo on the matter, and the Corporation’s indebtedness had declined.

She pointed out that despite the GuySuCo was not promptly making payments, members are able to conduct their transactions and receive their savings.

The Society’s Treasurer, Seepaul Narine, shared with those present that for the years 2018 and 2019, the Society recorded surpluses of $4,918,076 and $2,355,663 respectively. He informed the meeting that, in both years, the Co-operatives Department of the Ministry of Labour had sought to have the Society pay one (1) per cent of its working capital as Audit and Supervision fees. The significant fees demanded would have left the Credit Union with little or nothing to distribute to members, and as a result representation was made to the Co-operatives Department to accept ten (10) per cent of the surplus as is outlined in the law. The Co-operative Societies Act requires Societies to pay either ten (10) per cent of their surplus or one (1) per cent of their working capital as Audit and Supervision Fees to the Co-operatives Division. Following the demand of the Co-operatives Division, the Society represented diligently for ten (10) per cent of the surplus to be paid, to allow an appropriate sum to be available for distribution to members.

After some consideration, the Co-operatives Division approved our request. On this matter, the GAWU had represented to Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, that the act should be amended to require Credit Unions to pay ten (10) per cent of their surplus as Audit and Supervision Fees.

Apart from Audit and Supervision fees, statutorily, the Society is obligated to set aside twenty (20) per cent of its surplus towards its Statutory Reserve, allowing the remainder to be distributed as the AGM approves. To that end, the AGM

The meeting also elected a nine (9)-person Committee of Management comprising:- Gaietri Baron, Seepaul Narine, Aslim Singh, Harvey Tambron, Julius Nurse, Bhikram Singh, Sattie Basdeo,

Lochan Khandai, and Orison Walcott. A three-(3)-person Supervisory Committee comprising Kavita Bishun, Poorandatt Narine, and Jennifer Persaud. The Management Committee, at its first meeting, will approve the election of Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer of the Society.

The GAWU Credit Union, in existence for nearly three (3) decades, continues to be an important avenue for workers to set aside money for savings. It has enabled many members to acquire items for their homes, to assist in rainy days, or even to set aside for their older days. We are proud to have continued to provide this valued and valuable service, as we recognise we are making a marked difference in the lives of many members and their families.

A new year beckons!

Continued on page three (3) The Guyanese people, however, were not cowered, and stood up to defend democracy and undoubtedly uphold their way of life. Many credible voices emerged to denounce the hijacking of democracy.

Their voices were bolstered by the united stance of the international community which urged respect for the will of the people and for free, fair and transparent elections. The entire dark period also was revealing as well, as it served to expose the true character of some who held themselves to be fighters for the people and defenders of democracy. The period was punctuated by several court battles as well. Many of the nation’s brightest attorneys demonstrated their tenacity as they defended the rights of Guyanese. Many brave souls as well stood watch over the ballot boxes, as there were fears of untoward actions to destroy them. They all deserve the collective commendation of Guyanese as they prevented the retrogression of Guyana to a dark period that we had overcome through the struggles of our people.

Today, Guyana is firmly on the road of progress. In the last few months, investments continue to pour in and opportunities abound. While heartened by such developments, we emphasize that our people’s wellbeing must be paramount and that our nation must be protected.

These are pivotal to the realization of the aspirations of our dear land. We believe too that concerted efforts must be given to our working people, who continue to play a pivotal role and who, together with their families, represent the largest and most critical component of our people.

While we see efforts being made to lighten their burdens, there are still many issues to be addressed. Our working people deserve better healthcare, greater opportunities for education, protection and advancement of their rights, and improved infrastructure. The onus is undoubtedly on the Government to answer the call and ensure that our people can live happy and contented lives wherein they can realise their life’s dreams. This is our hope for 2021 and we are optimistic that our collective efforts could bring this aspiration to reality.

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India: largest strike in world history : over 200 million workers and farmers protest against poverty and unemployment triggered by COVID lockdown To stand up against these attacks — many of which began even before the pandemic — farmers and rural workers have been protesting for several months. They joined the national strike this week, staging actions across the country.

Small farmers from three major agriculture-based states in India marched all the way to Delhi to protest laws passed by Modi’s government that would allow for larger corporate freedom and industrial farming.

They were met with tear gas and brutal repression by the police upon entering Delhi.

Women played a prominent role in the national strike in India on November 26, 2020 which saw the partcipation of some 200 million persons

by Maria Aurelio On November 26, 2020, some 200 million workers held a one day general strike in India. This massive day of action was called by 10 trade unions and over 250 farmers organizations and was accompanied by massive protests and a near total shutdown of some Indian states. According to the call put out by unions, the general strike was organized against “the anti-people, anti-worker, anti-national and destructive policies of the BJP government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Their demands included: 1. The withdrawal of all “anti-farmer laws and anti-worker labour codes” 2. The payment of 7,500 rupees in the accounts of each non-tax paying family 3. Monthly supply of 10 kg of food to needy families 4. The expansion of the MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act of 2005) to include 200 workdays each year, higher wages, and the Act’s extension to urban industries 5. Stop the “privatisation of the public sector, including the financial sector, and stop corporatisation of government-run manufacturing and service entities like railways, ordnance factoCOMBAT Oct-Dec, 2020

ries, ports, etc.”

6. The withdrawal of the “draconian forced premature retirement of government and PSU (public sector) employees” 7. Pensions for all, the scrapping of the National Pension System and the reimposition of the earlier pension plan with amendments 8. Workers in nearly all of India’s major industries — including steel, coal, telecommunications, engineering, transportation, ports, and banking — joined the strike. Students, domestic workers, taxi drivers, and other sectors also participated in the nationwide day of action.

In addition to the demands of the nationwide strike, certain sectors made industry-specific demands to fight back against the government’s attacks to their industries that affect the entire working class in India. For example, bank employees are fighting against bank privatization, outsourcing, and for a reduction in service charges and action against big corporate defaults.

Other industries framed their demands in the context of the government’s appalling response to the pandemic and economic crisis hitting India. As the Bombay University and College Teachers’ Union’s statement stated: This strike is against the devastating health and economic crisis

unleashed by COVID-19 and the lockdown on the working people of the country. This has been further aggravated by a series of anti-people legislations on agriculture and the labour code enacted by the central government. Along with these measures, the National Education Policy (NEP) imposed on the nation during the pandemic will further cause irreparable harm to the equity of and access to education.

The general strike occurred in the context of the devastation brought about by the coronavirus pandemic in India. India has more than 9.2 million people infected with Covid-19, the second highest count in the world. Since the pandemic began, nearly 135,000 have died, according to official data. It is likely the numbers are much higher. Added to this are the millions of people who have lost income and who now face increased poverty and hunger, in a country where even before the pandemic 50 percent of all children suffered malnourishment.

The pandemic has spread from major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and other urban centers to rural areas where public health care is scarce or non-existent. The Modi government has handled the pandemic by prioritizing the profits of big business and protecting the fortunes of billionaires over protecting the lives and livelihoods of workers.

The nationalist and right-wing government has used the pandemic to intensify its persecution of Muslims and migrant workers. In New Delhi in April, migrant workers returning home after being stranded by the nation-wide lockdown were brutally hosed down with bleach used to disinfect buses.

Modi has also escalated his nationalist rhetoric, especially against China, in an effort to capitalize on the trade war between the U.S. and China and deepen its strategic and military cooperation with the United States.

In the midst of the misery created by decades of neoliberalism and exacerbated by the pandemic, union leaders called the strike to allow workers to express discontent against the government. This one day strike demonstrated the anger of the working class and unity of farmers, workers and students. However, a one day general strike is not enough to impose all of the ambitious demands put forward by workers and farmers. The working class of India must fight to expand the strike, against the Stalinist-led union leaders of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the All-India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), who try to reign in the anger of the working class with merely symbolic demonstrations.

Without a doubt, this massive coordinated action shows the great potential for unity in action of the Indian working class and farmers. It serves as an inspiration for workers all over the world to use one of our greatest tools against the capitalists: the strike.

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Bolivarian Social Democracy triumphs in Venezuelan National Assembly Elections election continues without sweeping victory” in the National Assem-

By Stephen Lendman On December 06, 2020, Venezuelans voted to elect 277 National Assembly members for five-year terms from January 5, 2021 to January 5, 2026. An unprecedented total of 14,400 candidates from 107 political parties ran for office. Two Bolivarian blocs were heavy favorites to win a majority of seats — the ruling United Socialist Party (PSUV) and PPT Homeland for All Party/together with the Communist Party of Venezuela (PCV).

For the first time, the Popular Revolutionary Alternative (APR) competed for seats. The PPT Homeland for All Party called APR “a historic necessity which has come out of the coming together of all of us

who struggle to defend the victories of the revolution.”

The above parties support Bolivarian social democracy, wanting it preserved.

US-designated puppet/usurper in waiting Guaido and many opposition parties boycotted Sunday’s process because of no chance to win a controlling majority. On January 5, his time in office ends when polls show his support is a rock-bottom 3%.

Bolivarian social democracy is the world’s gold standard of how governments should operate — serving all Venezuelans, not just the privileged few as in the US, West and most other countries.

US war by other means on Venezuela since Hugo Chavez’s December 1998

letup. Harsh Trump regime policies imposed on the country exceeded the worst of its predecessors since the Clinton co-presidency.

Much of the same will surely continue under Biden/Harris — how the US punishes all nations unwilling to subordinate their sovereign rights to a higher power in Washington. Unlike elections in the US and West, Venezuela’s process is open, free, and fair, international monitors observing things.

Representatives from the UN, CARICOM, African Union, Council of Latin American Electoral Experts (CEELA), Russia, Iran, and other countries were in Venezuela. Former regional presidents Evo Morales, Rafael Correa, and Manuel Zelaya were involved as observers. In deference to US imperial interests, the EU rejected an invitation to send monitors.

Venezuela’s Bolivarian National Electoral Council (CNE) handled things smoothly and efficiently whenever Venezuelan elections are held. The Trump regime, Biden/Harris, and Brussels only recognize governments that are subservient to Western interests — at the expense of their own people, targeting independent ones for regime change. On December 07, 2020, AP News reported the following: “Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s political alliance claimed a

bly elections, adding that: The US and other Western countries called the results fraudulent (sic) — because Bolivarianism triumphed overwhelmingly over fascist dark forces.

In a nationally televised address, Maduro said “(w)e have recovered the National Assembly with the majority vote of the Venezuelan people.” “It’s a great victory without a doubt for democracy.” “Starting today, a new era is born in Venezuela, and we are giving ourselves the opportunity to start a truly democratic process for the recovery of our beloved homeland.” “I call on all the opposition to abandon the extremist route.” “We ask in one voice for the new United States government to lift all sanctions.” “We restore all national dialogue mechanisms and are preparing an electoral agenda.” “Today’s vote is a vote of rebellion, of independence, to tell the world that Venezuela is nobody’s colony, that Venezuela is a free, sovereign and independent country.”

Telesur called the process “orderly and calm.” Maduro’s PSUV coalition won 67% of National Assembly seats, Telesur reported — voter turnout light at around 31%. In response to the process, Pompeo reacted as expected. Turning truth on its head, he tweeted the following: “Venezuela’s electoral fraud has already been committed (sic).” “The results announced by the illegitimate Maduro regime will not reflect the will of the Venezuelan people (sic).” “What’s happening today is a fraud and a sham, not an election (sic).”

The above remarks reflect reality about US fantasy democracy. Venezuelans have the real thing.

UN says 233,000 killed in Yemen war in last 6 years reached a critical point and there is an urgent need for a cease-fire now.

Yemen has been beset by violence and chaos since 2014, when Houthi rebels overran much of the country, including the capital, Sanaa.

By Bassel Barakat The UN has said the conflict in Yemen has claimed 233,000 lives over the last six years. In a report, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the conflict in Yemen has so far claimed the lives of COMBAT Oct-Dec, 2020

233,000 people, adding that “this large number is unfortunate and unacceptable.”

It stressed that these people have lost their lives since the start of the war in Yemen either directly due to the conflict or for reasons related to it.

According to the OCHA, Yemen has

The crisis escalated in 2015 when a Saudi-led military coalition launched a devastating air campaign aimed at rolling back Houthi territorial gains. Tens of thousands of Yemenis, including civilians, are believed to have been killed in the conflict, which has led to the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, as millions face the risk of starvation.

Human Rights Watch has documented at least 90 apparently unlawful Saudi-led coalition airstrikes, including deadly attacks on Yemeni fishing boats that have killed dozens and appeared to be deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian ob-

jects in violation of the laws of war. At time of writing, according to the Yemen Data Project, the Saudi-led coalition has conducted more than 20,100 airstrikes on Yemen since the war began, an average of 12 attacks a day. The coalition has bombed hospitals, school buses, markets, mosques, farms, bridges, factories, and detention centers.

In August 2019, the Saudi-led coalition carried out multiple airstrikes on a Houthi detention center, killing and wounding at least 200 people. The attack was the single deadliest attack since the war began in 2015. Human Rights Watch has documented at least five deadly attacks by Saudi-led coalition naval forces on Yemeni fishing boats since 2018, killing at least 47 Yemeni fishermen, including seven children.

PAGE FIVE

FITUG calls on Minister Hamilton to approve National Minimum Wage increase

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), which speaks on behalf of thousands of workers, recognises there has apparently been an attempt to stall an improvement in the National Minimum Wage. We have seen recently some utterances from the business community following the announcement by Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton that he intended to soon append an order paving the way for an increase in the National Minimum Wage.

The FITUG has long championed an improvement in the minimum wage, recognising that it was last revised in 2017 when it was set at $44,200 per month. Our Federation was therefore more heartened when the National Tripartite Committee, comprising representatives of the State, the trade unions and the business community, in April, 2019 unanimously approved an increase of the minimum wage to $60,000 monthly. Unfortunately, though having a legitimate mandate, the

former Coalition Government never implemented the agreed improvement. Our attempts to follow up the matter got no further than platitudes, as it appeared the former Administration did not want to improve the minimum wage. Our suspicion heightened after the Tripartite Committee ceased to function, and therefore no meeting has been convened now for more than a year and a half.

The issue was therefore high on the agenda of the Federation when it engaged the new Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, soon after his entry into office. The Minister assured that he would address this issue, and it was most pleasing when we saw Minister Hamilton recently informing that he was ready to implement the approved increase. While welcoming the actions of the Honourable Minister, we recognise that some elements in the business community have expressed disagreement with the move, though admitting that the current minimum wage was not livable. In effect, those spokespersons are admitting they are paying their workers insufficiently, and are unwilling, for the time being, to alleviate the hardships those workers face. We find the statements most disheartening, and we are very much disappointed.

We recognise, however, that this is a matter of which the business community is apparently not united. Some employers, it seems, have recognised that difficulty workers have to cope with $44,200 per month. While we are encouraged by such sentiments, it must be recognised that even the approved $60,000 is not sufficient, but seeks to close the wide gap that is steadily growing. We see the rationale of COVID-19 has been invoked to stymie the implementation are is the threats of layoffs should the new wage be implemented. We find such apparent threats disturbing though it is not a new ploy. The Federation considers it as an attempt to dissuade the Minister from implementing an approved decision. We have to wonder aloud after COVID-19 what will be the next rationale used to deny the workers a due hike in their pay.

At this time, the FITUG calls on Minister Hamilton to move swiftly to address this matter, and to append the appropriate order to bring the new minimum wage into force. It has long been outstanding, and the excuses will always be many though hardly sufficient. At this time of year, it will be a welcome gift to the many burdened and hard-pressed workers of our country.

GAWU disheartened by AFC’s continued vindictiveness towards sugar workers The attention of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) was drawn to a Capitol News report regarding a press conference by the Alliance for Change (AFC) which appeared on the November 27, 2020 newscast. In that report, the AFC continued to spew its venom and spite against the sugar industry, and more so the tens of thousands who depend on the industry.

The waning political grouping deemed the monies invested by the Irfaan Ali Administration into resuscitating the sugar industry as a massive misspending to create jobs. The oxymoron aside, we are hardly surprised by the now fringe political party. We contend that it is this misguided thought process that has it sitting in the opposition benches. While the AFC has labelled the support to the industry as “bad economics”, it hardly appears that the party really understands economics. Had the party had a real understanding of economics it would probably know that support of the State to industries which provide significant employment is not unusual. It would know that economics, apart from recognizing profit and loss, takes into account COMBAT Oct-Dec, 2020

opportunity costs. Indeed, when opportunity costs are accounted for, the support of the State is more than worthwhile.

The AFC has chosen, dishonourably in our view, to label the support to the industry as “sectarian”. In our multi-ethnic society, the terms chosen by the Party are most irresponsible if not reckless.

But, moreover, it is sad that the party has chosen to see the support through such a warped lens. The reality, however, disputes the AFC’s maligned contentions.

The truth of the matter is GuySuCo has employees from all walks of life and backgrounds. Therefore, we find the remarks must unfortunate and a gross distortion.

Unbelievably the party’s leader, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan who spoke on this matter on the AFC’s behalf disowned and disavowed any responsibility regarding the situation of the sugar industry. This for us is a downright shame and an ignorance of the truth. The truth of the matter is that it was an AFC Minister which who has responsibility of the sugar industry during the Coalition’s stint in office.

Moreover, it was Mr Ramjattan himself who led the Government’s delegation when the Administration closed its eyes, ears and mind to any rational or reason-

ably recommendation to turnaround to fortunes of the sugar industry. So now for Mr Ramjattan, who in March, 2015 at Whim exclaimed at a Coalition rally that the APNU+AFC if elected into office would not “…in anyway close the sugar industry…”, is downright shameful. But the fact that the AFC ignominiously has chosen to ignore its destructive period in the industry says a lot about the character of the party.

Mr Ramjattan, at the virtual press conference said that the industry was right sized so that his Government could save money. So it appears Mr Ramjattan’s view of saving money regards making jobless 7,000 Guyanese and pushing into a papuerised state tens of thousands more. But even with Mr Ramjattan’s Government ‘right-sizing’, the industry floundered.

The proof is in the pudding as the industry cannot this year realise its production target as the Coalition, when in office, starved the industry of funds for recapitalization which it borrowed. It starved the industry to the point that GuySuCo’s former chairman, Mr John Dow, in desperation wrote former President David Granger in May this year to appeal for

the Government to release funds else the industry would have to padlock its gates. So while Mr Ramjattan may wish to engage in all the hullaballoo he wants, but the facts aren’t on his side.

Mr Ramjattan contended that the support to the sugar industry was “…shovelling resources down a black hole…”.

Again, such talk from the AFC leader is not surprising. Moreover, it again exposes the party’s attitude towards the sugar industry. It also demonstrates that it really cannot be taken at face value. For the thousands of sugar workers and the thousands who are anxiously awaiting re-employment as works advance towards the re-opening of the closed estates, they are heartened that they now have allies and not enemies in the Government. They recognise that the country’s leaders have demonstrated their commitment not only to the industry but ensuring that they can live contented lives. While we know the road ahead will not be easy and challenges would undoubtedly seek to upset progress, we believe that collaborative efforts could play a meaningful role and enhance the advancement of the sugar industry.

PAGE SIX

Sugar industry has several avenues for success but initiatives must be thoroughly considered this into account.

We did see that Mr Vieira did not confine himself to Guyana and argued a ready market was available in the US, for instance. Again, these and other factors have to be taken into account in deciding the way forward.

The GAWU noted Mr Tony Vieira’s letter which appeared in the November 01, 2020, Stabroek News. Mr Vieira contended that the Guyanese sugar industry would be better served by producing ethanol instead of sugar. This is, for us, not a new position coming from Mr Vieira and we have heard it from him on several occasions in the past. Our Union, for its part, remains supportive of initiatives that will allow the sugar industry to not only strive, but thrive. And we are a strong proponent of sugar diversification, and believe that the success of the industry is contingent upon a diversified product base.

On the issue of ethanol, the GAWU is aware that this matter was considered several times in the past. We are aware that those studies had indicated that ethanol was not viable. The most recent work that we are aware of was done by the Sugar CoI. The CoI pointed out whether ethanol was fermented from cane juice or from molasses, it was simply not feasible vis-à-vis the cost of fossil fuels. In fact the CoI noted that ethanol would have only been a worthwhile measure if sugar prices had fallen to US$170 per tonne, currently sugar is being sold at US$320 per tonne.

Moreover, that examination was conducted when the cost of a barrel of oil stood at US$45. At the time of preparing this response, oil prices hovered around US$35 per barrel further eroding the attractiveness of ethanol. Nonetheless, the GAWU does not wish to throw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater COMBAT Oct-Dec, 2020

and maybe it is that Mr Vieira is recognizing something that no one else is seeing. Therefore, an updated study may be useful since Mr Vieira’s advocacy for the ethanol business is based on ethanol yields of 22 gallons per tonne cane. While we cannot confirm or dispute this quoted yield, there is no evidence to confirm that one tonne of GuySuCo’s cane will yield 22 gallons of ethanol. We therefore urge that the industry’s demonstration ethanol plant at Albion be used to study ethanol yields from GuySuCo’s cane to provide first hand data and associated cost/benefit.

In further support of his position on ethanol, Mr Vieira argues that ethanol production requires less power, which will result in bagasse being available for other purposes. At first glance, this comes over as very convincing; however, Mr Vieira deliberately omits the fact that a number of processes identical to sugar manufacture are required to make cane juice available for ethanol production.

These prerequisite processes are major energy users, and have to be employed in ethanol or sugar production. Therefore, there is no major reduction in energy demand, since the big energy users are still required. We urge Mr Vieira to provide an energy balance for sugar versus ethanol from juice to support the energy reduction claim.

In considering ethanol, we must consider our nascent oil sector which is expected to grow from strength to strength in the coming years. This could be the cause of even further declines in fuel prices locally, and GuySuCo ought to take

Mr Vieira also urges that GuySuCo and/or the Government pursue ventures into aquaculture. This, again, is something the gentleman has been urging for some time. We recall that Mr Vieira advocated that the Corporation pursue this venture at Wales following the sudden decision to close the estate at the end of 2016. We are aware too that the Corporation did commission a study and Mr Vieira himself, in a different dispensation, was involved in seeking to get the venture off the ground. Of course we are not aware of the reason/s for the failure to launch, given the seeming attractiveness of the proposal.

It seems that aquaculture is an idea that Mr Vieira is deeply committed to and, from his letter is very passionate about.

We should not forget, though, that the Corporation did experiment with aquaculture in the past, with miserable results.

Certainly, these are pains the Corporation can ill-afford at this time. It therefore may be prudent for Mr Vieira, given his strong beliefs, to approach the Agriculture Ministry to pursue a trial of his idea at the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station, for instance. The lessons learnt may be useful for expansion of the initiative.

Nevertheless, we believe we have sufficient land for both the sugar industry and the aquaculture industry to coexist.

Mr Vieira’s letter came in response to letter written by former President Donald Ramotar, which we also considered as well intentioned. Indeed much of what was written by the former President aligns with the GAWU’s views, and we agree with him that there are several worthwhile possibilities. In his letter, Comrade Donald also spoke about the union’s unwillingness to become involved in the management of the industry. While

we are unsure of what he really means, the GAWU has never shied away from expressing its willingness to work collaboratively with the management towards the success of the industry. We hold the view that it is through the collective efforts of all stakeholders – the Government, the management and the workers/ union – that the industry will succeed.

Also, the former President apparently expressed a dim view of the union seeking pay rises for workers. We hope that is not really the case. But our union has no qualms in seeking workers’ benefit from a rise in pay. Comrade Donald, who emerged from the GAWU, is very much aware of our union’s proud stance in standing with and advocating for the sugar workers and all union members for that matter.

But, the former President also knows of the treatment sugar workers received over the last five (5) years. He certainly would be aware that the workers got not a single cent in pay increase. He knows too that many of their benefits were simply taken away by an uncaring and unkind cabal who hadn’t a sliver of sympathy for sugar workers and their families. And, he is knowledgeable of the sustained struggles by the workers to be treated fairly and justly. Certainly, the workers have not abandoned their just struggles and the union will not abandon them. Comrade Donald is aware of the GAWU’s commitment to its members, and we want to assure him that our union has not departed from the principles it upheld when he was a senior leader of the union.

The letters of Mr Vieira and former President Ramotar we see are yet another part of the continued active interest paid to the sugar industry, and the several opportunities for viability. The GAWU also believes that a successful future awaits the industry and we are heartened by the commitment of Government and the level of support that the industry is receiving.

We sincerely hold that the industry can turnaround and play an even more meaningful role in Guyana. These are views also shared by Messrs Vieira and Ramotar, albeit from different perspectives.

What is most reassuring is that we have a political administration that undertook to bring the industry out of the doldrums and restore it to its rightful place. We of the GAWU are ready to play our part and stand with the workers, who will also play a critical role.

PAGE SEVEN

2020 in pictures

As we celebrate Christmas 2020, we recognise brighter days ahead

The Christmas Season is one that is most eagerly anticipated. The season commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ whom it is written laid down the fundamental tenets of Christianity. That religion, which is embraced by a large section of the world’s people, has survived many challenges, espouses peace, empathy for the poor, and goodwill towards men. Today as Christmas is once again celebrated it is almost ironic that Christianity’s birth place has been caught in the throes of conflict and violence.

Of course, we cannot fail to recognise that this year’s Christmas Season has been unlike any in the recent past. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc globally, and has significantly curtailed contemporary life. While mankind continues to face up to these challenges, we see, too, Christianity’s principles of piety, charity and assistance to the less fortunate shining through the dark clouds that have hovered over our world. This, like the birth of the Jesus Christ, gives us hope that better days and times are ahead

and that mankind, confronted by adversity, will rise to the challenge.

At the local level, Christmas has grown into a national observance, with Guyanese from all walks of life participating. This, we hold, speaks to the tolerance and unity of our people, which have been tested in recent times.

Though challenges to national unity abound, we know that our people will not be led astray by those who seek to divide for their own ends.

This Christmas Season sees greater optimism among the Guyanese people. Already several of their burdens have been lifted, and efforts to lift them out of the hardships placed on them are continuing. It is this hopefulness that is synonymous with the Christmas Season. It is a reminder that there is light at the end of the dark tunnel. And, it reaffirms that the people’s struggles were not in vain, and they have won out in the end.

It is with such thoughts in mind that the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) extends greetings to the Christian community and all Guyanese as we celebrate Christmas 2020. The Christmas Season signals that the history-making 2020 is nearing an end. It also tells us that better and brighter days are ahead as we see sustained efforts to advance development.

The celebration of Christmas 2020 embraced by so many, presents the opportunity for togetherness to prevail over selfishness, political high-handedness and set our nation on the path to harmony and striving to ensure that peace and goodwill among men and women prevail.

A joyful Christmas and a New Year of hope from GAWU to all Guyana!

FEBRUARY, 2020: Sugar workers picketing the Ministry of the Presidency calling on then President David Granger to end the Government’s discrimination towards them, their families and their communities. Sugar workers at the time had not received any improvement in pay since the former Coalition Government had taken office in May, 2015

MAY, 2020: Sugar workers staged picketing exercises outside of Uitvlugt Estate for several days demanding that certain work arrangements be upheld. On more that one occasion, the Guyana Police Force sought to end the workers’ actions, but they remained committed to their struggle.

JULY, 2020: GAWU bid farewell to its long-standing Union President, Cde Komal Chand. Cde Komal who passed away in April, 2020 in Cuba where he went for medical treatment, was associated with the GAWU for 45 years of his life. During that time, he played a critical role in consolidating the GAWU and seeing it grow from strength to strength. His association with the workers and their struggles earned him the respect and admiration of many and his contribution to the advancement of the working-people remains a vivid reminder of his life’s efforts and work.