Issue#: 5 Volume#: 30
Combat Voice of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)
September/October, 2009
It all happened at Congress 2009
Discourses, Discussions, Resolutions and Decisions
The Guyana Agricultural; and General Workers Union (GAWU) 19th Delegates’ Congress opened at an historic session at the Guyana International Conference Centre on the afternoon (1:00pm) of Saturday, August 15, 2009. “Historic” because it was the first time that a Congress Opening Session was convened at a venue (Liliendaal), far removed from where the other Business Sessions were held (Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice). And what a scintillating and provocative Opening Session it was! Under the Congress Theme, “Advancing Social Development through Greater Workers Democracy” the Conference Opening was attended by Government Ministers and other officials, the Diplomatic Corps and other foreign guests and dignitaries, members of the Guyana Trade Union fraternity and the Private Sector and, of course, the hundreds of official delegates. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports performed the duties of Chairman and succeeded, largely, in moving the packed programme along. The arrival of His Excellency COMBAT: September/October, 2009
the President, Hon Bharrat Jagdeo raised expectations as the GAWU union song was sung and a minutes silence observed for GAWU’s stalwarts who had passed on since the last Congress. General Secretary Seepaul Narine introduced the foreign delegates and guests. This item by itself epitomized GAWU’s international affiliations and qualitative global outreach.
These guests included Dr Freek Schiphorst, Guest Speaker from the Netherlands, Dr Roodal Moonial, representing the All Trinidad General Workers Union of Trinidad and Tobago, Lambert Brown, representing the University and Allied Workers Union of Jamaica, Jorge Chullen, representing the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF) of Switzerland, Carmen Cedeno, representing the Cuban Workers Trade Union Central (CTC) of Cuba and Shirlyn Mitchell, representing the Technical and Allied Workers Union of Grenada. These distinguished guests delivered sterling commen-
taries which will find their way into a special Congress Digest, now being prepared for early publication. GAWU President, Komal Chand’s remarks, as seems to be the “norm” these days. drew specific responses from President Jagdeo. These remarks are published elsewhere in this edition. Twenty three (23) comrades were receipents of GAWU honours and special awards.
GAWU’s appreciation and promotion of our cultural performing arts found varied expressions as song from Rev Faye Clarke were supplemented by African and Tassa Drummings and other songs. Business Session After a day’s break, the Business Sessions at Port Mourant were no less stimulating and productive. The four sessions featured the wide ranging General Council Report by General Secretary Seepaul Narine, discussions Continued on page six Page One
THE AGRICULTURAL AND THE SPIRTUAL GAWU’s Diwali Message 2009
Two things strike us forcefully as we prepare these messages in observance of religious events such as Diwali: the apparent swiftness of the return of the annual event and the consistent elements of the human conditions they depict every time we essay to pay tribute to them.
That is why, in participating, through these sentiments, in the Diwali celebrations of 2009, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) will focus on just two dimensions of Diwali this year. Simple basic research would reveal that the more physical and material of Diwali has to do with the culmination of a season, of a harvest and an agricultural pursuit. Diwali, it is said, marks the end of the harvesting of crops in most of India and Nepal. Farmers are thankful for the plentiful bounty of the year just ended and pray for a good or better harvest in the year to come. Traditionally too, we are told that Diwali marks the period for closing accounts
for businesses dependent on the agrarian cycle and the last major festivity before Asian winters. As a union representing the majority of Guyana’s agricult u r a l workers, GAWU can relate to these origins. We wish that our members reflect on Diwali’s symbolism of successful conclusions and hopeful beginnings.
But perhaps equally or more powerful is Diwali spiritual dimensions. While Diwali is popularly known as the “festival of lights”, t h e m o s t s i g nificant spirit u a l meaning is “the awareness of inner light”. Central to Hindu philosophy is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite and eternal called the Atma. Just as we
celebrate the birth of your physical being, Diwali is the celebration of this inner light, in particular the knowing of which outshines all darkness (removes all obstacles and dispels all ignorance), awakening the individual to one’s true nature, not as the body but as the unchanging infinite, immanent and transcending reality. With the realization of the Atma comes universal compassions, love and the awareness of the oneness of all things (higher knowledge). This brings Ananda (inner joy or peace). GAWU appreciates that all Guyanese are not Hindus- and need not be, but the messages implicit in the mythology of Diwali are universal and apply to all of us. May the Light and Divine Energy of Lakshmi shine on all Guyanese and infuse them with the love to live, work and produce together.
Happy Diwali to all Hindus and all Guyanese.
GAWU attends IUF Meetings grown. According to Fairtrade, the prices paid ensure that producers cover their average costs of sustainable production while at the same time meeting Fairtrade standards.
Partcipants attending the meeting From September 14 to 19, 2009, Cde Aslim Singh, the Union’s Research Officer and General Council Member, represented GAWU at an IUF sponsored Workshop for Agricultural Workers in the Windward Islands. The workshop, which was held in St Vincent and the Grenadines, dealt with the impact of the Fairtrade mechanism on the production of Bananas in the Windward Islands.
It was attended by representatives from the Commercial and Technical Workers Union (CTAWU) from St Vincent, the Waterfront and Allied Workers Union (WAWU) from Dominica, the COMBAT: September/October, 2009
Grenada Technical and Allied Workers Union (GTAWU) from Grenada and the National Workers Union (NWU) from St Lucia. Delegates visited a few banana plantations in St Vincent where they met with farmers and workers and observed aspects of the working conditions. Delegates updated participants on the status of their countries banana industries and the impact of Fairtrade on their industries. Under the Fairtrade mechanism producers receive a fair price for their produce while a social premium is made available to enhance the social, economic and environmental conditions where bananas are
There are two distinct sets of Fairtrade standards which acknowledge different types of disadvantaged producers. One set of standards applies to smallholders that are working together in co-operatives or other organizations with a democratic structure. The other set applies to workers, whose employers are required to pay decent wages, guarantee the right to join trade unions, ensure health and safety standards and provide adequate housing where relevant.
The industry in the Windward Islands is comprised of many small-scale producers operating independently, hiring labour as the need arises. This has posed significant challenges for Unions operating in the industry to organize workers. It is compounded by the reluctance of many farmers in recognising unions although Fairtrade standards provide for trade union representation. This situation has redounded negatively on workers with many lacking basic safety wear and workers employed on a casual basis, being paid the minimum wage of EC$25 per day (G$1,873.00), notwithstanding the required higher pay.
GAWU’s representative provided participants with an insight of the developments in the sugar industry visà-vis the European Union (EU) Sugar Reform and the impact of the IUF Sugar Programme in the region. He spoke tothe role of the Union’s involvement and role in the reform of the EU Sugar Regime, the picketing exercises organised by the Union outside of the offices of the EU delegation in Georgetown and other activities organised by the Union with the support of the IUF. He also touched on some of the measures which are being implemented in order to alleviate the negative impact of the 36% cut in price during 2006 – 2009 of sugar exported to the European Union (EU). The meeting also reaffirmed IUF’s general objectives in having more women in leadership structures of Unions and other related bodies; the need to develop their skills, and boost their morale and self esteem. Finally, it was also agreed that the IUF sugar and bananas projects will provide information materials on issues such as Workers’ Rights, Maternity protection, Discrimination, Occupation Health & Safety and Equality. The series of IUF sponsored activities were deemed most successful and the participating unions benefited from the visits, interactions, discussions and decisions. Page Two
It all happened at Congress 2009
Excerpts of President Jagdeo’s Remarks
that the market itself and private capital itself could be the ultimate distributor, not just the generator of wealth but the fair distributor of wealth and that is flawed. That position was flawed and if we now seek solutions in another extreme, we may find that at another point in time we will suffer a similar implosion at the Global level. I’ve always believed that the solution lies somewhere in the middle and which, what is very interesting now, when you listen to the debates and all the people who were strong advocates of the neo-liberal model are now, have now made a 180 degree turn around and they are advocating models of good governance.
President Bharrat Jagdeo “I’ve wish to first of all congratulate GAWU on this occasion and to say that it is great opportunity for the workers of this country, particularly the vanguard workers in GAWU meeting at this critical time in our history and a time when there is significant global turbulence as has been pointed out by many of the speakers who preceded me. GAWU can help to chart the way forward for our country and to work at this partnership across sectors and across stake holders and that will be enduring and that will lead us to greater prosperity for all Guyana.
Much has been said about the Global Crisis and much has been said about its origin and impact and we all just need to turn on the television or read the newspapers or speak to our relatives abroad to get a greater appreciation of how pernicious, how devastating this crisis has been, whatever its origin on ordinary people. Many of them have lost all of their savings, their pensions, their homes, many are unemployed and whilst we can engage in a series of rhetoric about the origin of the crisis, we must concern ourselves more in addressing its impact, particularly its impact on poor people. We have to be careful that we don’t succumb to something that is very tempting, that we too engage in extremes, extremes as part of the solution because the crisis emerged as a consequence of extremism and what is the extremism I am speaking about? It’s the extremism of market fundamentalism, the belief that the market could solve every problem in the world, the belief COMBAT: September/October, 2009
But for a very long time, countries like ours had been advocating, the same thing, without the world paying attention. Now the same countries are speaking about these things and paying attention. We have argued that the United Nations and the Security Council of the United Nations represent a different era, that is, is undemocratic and until the United Nations, in particular the Security Council, is reformed, there would be no major improvement in global relations because the developing countries of the world don’t have a voice there and the five that have veto power there can practically determine or veto any position of major significance. We’re going to continue to have wars, pestilence and so many more issues unless we reform the United Nations.
Secondly, we were talking about reforms of the International Financial Institutions for ages. In fact several of us, long before the crisis hit, we went to the United Kingdom and we advocated many of the changes that are being advocated today. A group of ten commonwealth leaders arguing for greater global oversight and new global institutions to ensure that the world has financial stability because in stability in the world, particularly financial instability has a way of, of punishing those who practice good policies as well as bad policies because of the inter related nature of the world but again, that fell on deaf ears. We argued that the conditionalities at the IMF routinely imposed on countries like ours for transparency in the financial sectors and those are conditonalities that I think are good conditionalities, frankly speaking, but they must be adhered to by everyone, the small countries and the large countries and if the United States of America was complying with those conditionalities, then this global problem would not have arisen because they would have recognized the risks involved in investing in the sub prime instruments, so too, we’ve advocated significantly for climate change. Our investment, greater investment in the food security of our planet but when I hear today the same practitioners, the reform ones, the born again practitioners of neoliberalism arguing for good governance, my feeling is that we just have to stick with the middle road position, that position
that has always characterized many of the views of the developing world and if we do that without getting to extremes again, I think we can have a just world, we can have a world that will create a greater space for addressing the concerns of its people.
How are we responding too? Komal spoke about the Latin leaders who were progressive, but we have as a matter of our foreign policy, we are not just engaged in rhetoric anymore, to talk about Latin leaders or the leaders who are progressive. As a matter of our foreign policy, we have decided to strengthen ties with Latin America, we are a member of UNASOR, now the, the South American Integration Movement. Next year we will take over the chairmanship of that group and all of those leaders are within, UNASOR and we are trying to create greater opportunities for our people within this region in addition to, of being part of Caricom so that we don’t have to take policy directions from the north or the developed countries of the world which always felt they had a monopoly over which countries and what should go and what decisions they should make. We have strengthen relations with Brazil, China, India, the new emerging economies in the world.” “I’ve heard our sister from Grenada and she spoke about the Caribbean and the problems the OECS countries face. As you know, I head a task force of Caricom Heads to look at the crisis – Jamaica 124% of its revenue to service debt, I spoke with Baldwin Spencer, he can’t pay wages/salaries in the public sector and defaulted on debt. There are several other financial institutions that are on the verge of collapse, Antigua and Barbuda is 25% of the the currency union. If Antigua and Barbuda were to face a collapse because they lost some 35% of their revenue what will happen to the rest of the countries in the currency union. When you look at the debt figures for most of these countries they have an average debt GDP ratio of about 80%, they’re using an average 50 to 60 per cent of revenue to service debt, a huge problem in our region. So why, in Guyana, have we not seen some of these excesses? Because we were prepared to walk the rough road in the past! We were prepared to make the sacrifices when time warranted them. So many people look at the last decade and if, they speak to me about the achievements of the PPP and they list all of the things like Frank did. But I’ve argued that our biggest achievement in Government is by taking a bankrupt country and returning it to financial viability, not the many hospitals that we have built, as important as they are, not the many schools that we’ve built or rehabilitated, as important as they are, or the roads or the bridges or, the housing program, as important as that is to the realization of the dreams of thousands of our people, but the only way we could have done all of these things is because we, we took the tough decisions at the right time. So when we’re not using like Jamaica some 94% of revenue to service debt, we’re using 4% today, lower than most countries in the world.” Continued in next edition
Page Three
It all happened Allow me to join our distinguished Chairman, in extending a hearty and sincere welcome to you on the occasion of the Opening Session of our Union’s 19th Delegates’ Congress. Our Congress is being held under the theme GAWU President Komal Chand “Advancing Social Development through Greater Workers’ Democracy.” Comrades, today we face many challenges locally, despite the strides and achievements we have made. We recall immediately following our last Congress, National and Regional Elections were held. The people’s will insisted that the incumbent PPP/Civic be returned to office to continue the work of national development and, since, there were indeed several things we can be proud of. In these past three years, we can boast of a spanking new cricket stadium which hosted Super Eight matches of the ICC World Cup in 2007; we then proved ourselves as an international conference venue – replete with adequate accommodation and Conference Centres – by hosting the Rio Summit of Latin American Heads, the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Conferences and Carifesta Ten. The end of last year, saw a Berbician National Dream come true – the Berbice River Bridge; the UN Tribunal on the Law of the Sea awarding Guyana the confirmation that the disputed portion of the River Corentyne, was indeed ours! And just a fortnight ago, the Brazil-Guyana Takatu Bridge was opened to traffic. We also appreciate the several pieces of legislations from Parliament which are largely positive and progressive and aimed at addressing relevant issues that have emerged in our midst. These recent additions to our development only serve to increase our expectations for more and greater achievements. Such is the human factor; such is the way of politics; continuous growth and development is a constant of social life. However, our successes cannot overshadow the many challenges still around us. The tasks before our government and people are manifold with quite a bit of range too. They concern village life, maintenance works in the regions, greater firmness in dealing with industrialization, protection and safeguarding of the peasant, small scale agriculture which has sustained us for hundreds of years and protection of our national assets and resources from predators, both foreign and local. At the working class level, a satisfactory and adequate wage level still eludes the majority of workers. There is a need to address the growing income inequality and regular employment, especially in the sugar industry, which, remains a distant goal. Conditions of work, while improving, do so, at snail’s pace; in some instances there are COMBAT: September/October, 2009
attempts to even reverse gains already made. Workers’ pensions must not be forgotten either. In today’s circumstances, what is received by several categories can only be described as a pittance and needs to be lifted to conditions enjoyed by other higher categories of wage earners. Workers play a key and crucial role in running and making industries viable and profitable. Yet, for very many, their lot falls short in keeping with their role. In this context, the private and state sectors must make adjustments for workers to have a bigger voice in the decision-making process. Added to these challenges which need to be addressed nationally, there are other issues of concern which may impact on our nation’s well-being and its future prospects. We must always focus on the need to strengthen national unity; we need to examine the question of alienation in society and work-out measures for greater involvement of the citizens in all aspects of life. We need to initiate discussions and debates on the directions we are treading and what is the vision for our country. We need to staunch the drain of our human resources – the country’s most precious asset. We must break-out of the dependency syndrome, difficult as that is proving. And, there are other tasks too. Clearly, those who will take on the mantle of the nation’s political leadership at the next general and regional elections, have their tasks cut out for them. We are fully aware that the tasks before us will receive committed and principled leadership which will be guided by public service, the nation’s independence and interests, as well as the people’s well-being and not self-promotion and selfaggrandizement. We are aware too, that such leadership is called for at the various levels of the government structure, from the political leaders on the whole, from other social, economic and community organizations. Word that Local Government has been delayed again is a disappointment and certainly not in keeping with our country’s democratic thrust. For much too long, we have had a delay in these elections which has affected, essentially work in our various communities. These elections have a direct bearing on our membership which is largely rural based and whose living conditions depend on these organs functioning and functioning properly. GAWU, therefore, is peeved at such a delay considering the time that has elapsed in considering reform, the completion of the house to house registration and the vast sums expended. Trade Union Unity Comrades, unity among workers and their unions is also imperative, especially if the working class is to confront the global challenges facing our country. It is with great concern that I note that the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), have been unable to reconcile their differences, so far. FITUG has been very supportive and co-operative to have the two bodies united. It has given full support to Sir Leroy Trotman, General Secretary of the powerful Barbados Workers Union (BWU), who acted as a mediator towards reuniting the movement; unfortunately, his efforts have not been fruitful. The mediation process faces one major stumbling block, the GTUC contends that it does not recognize the existence of FITUG, hence there can be no meeting with this body. The main actors of the GTUC remain vehement in their position. This intransigence by the GTUC is unfortunate. It does not help in healing our divisions and does not strengthen the workers hand to take up successfully the struggles that life’s conditions have put on their doorsteps. In passing, allow me to note that the unions in FITUG represent
34,000 workers in strategic sectors of our economy, while those in the TUC, represent merely 15,000. Our Sugar Industry Comrades, there was a time, not so long ago, when sugar was referred to as ‘King Sugar,’ owing to its strategic importance to our economy. Today, the industry for all its trials, remains the mainstay of the economy and plays no small role in Guyana’s social and economic development. The industry, to this day, remains our country’s largest employer with over 20,000 workers. Further, there are 1,500 cane farmers who sell cane to the industry representing seven per cent of the Corporation’s total production. It has been estimated that around 125,000 persons rely on our thirty five billion dollars revenue earning sugar industry for their livelihoods, whether as Guysuco employees, private cane growers, suppliers or service providers, as well as their respective dependents. This is equivalent to a sixth of the population, a figure that underlines the central importance of the sugar industry in the economy and society of Guyana as a whole. However, the performance of the industry since the great flood in 2005, has not been encouraging. The poor production last year of 226,267 tonnes of sugar was the lowest in eighteen (18) years. It must be noted that last year’s sugar production could have been significantly higher had the Skeldon factory been commissioned last August/September as indicated by Booker-Tate and had there been an adequate cane supply for the factory to perform at its rated capacity. The poor performance of the industry cannot be delinked from Booker-Tate’s questionable management of the industry from 1990 to March, this year. Booker-Tate which took much for the credit of the recovery of the industry from its parlous state eighteen (18) years ago to a production of 325,317 tonnes in 2004 with production averaging 310,809 tonnes during the years 2001 – 2004, needs also to take responsibility and full blame for the state of the industry from 2005 when the industry’s production began to decline, reaching 226,267 tonnes in 2008 and averaging 249,594 tonnes between 2005 – 2008. It is a case of mis-management, in the Union’s view, and it can be traced perhaps to the depletion of expertise within the industry’s former management contractor. The quality of expertise in the services of Booker-Tate, seemingly, began to decline for some years, particularly when the Company changed from a British to a South African entity. It is recalled that a Commission of Inquiry, appointed by the Minister of Agriculture last October to examine the Field Operations of East Demerara Estates, found poor management of the cultivation which resulted in the low production seen at that Estate. The Report noted that “in some areas the Team was surprised to see some fields overgrown with bush rather than sugar cane” and “weeds were seen everywhere, including in drains, fields and dam beds in the post harvest areas.” The report also noted that land preparation “was observed to vary in quality with much substandard work being done” and that “overall management of the cane cultivation on this estate has been problematic.” Guysuco alluded repeatedly to climate change, industrial action and worker-absenteeism as the reasons given, for the woes facing the industry over the past few years. Work stoppages and absenteeism are not new phenomena. Against a similar background, the industry produced an average of almost 311,000 tonnes in the years 20022004. During the period, the industry also faced challenges from outside in the continuation of implementation of the thirty six per cent (36%) cut in the price for our sugar exported to the European Union (EU). The full cut which will be implemented in just under two (2) months will result Page Four
at Congress 2009
GAWU’s President Komal Chand Address
in the industry losing approximately G$9B or twenty five per cent (25%) of its revenue. We also witnessed in September, 2007, the denunciation of the Sugar Protocol with the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, effective October 01, 2009 by the EU. In other words, from 1st October, this year, the Sugar Protocol after thirty four (34) years of providing preferential access to the EU market for imports of ACP sugar, will no longer exist. While the protocol no longer exists from October, this year, the EU sugar regime enters a Transitional Phase until October, 2015, at which time the arrangements made under the respective Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) will govern the trading of sugar. Notwithstanding, it is heartening to note that the industry is currently receiving significant government support in overcoming its challenges. Reference is made to the recently completed state of the art factory and the current expansion at Skeldon and the new packaging plant to be constructed at Enmore. We express our appreciation for Government’s continued support and call on it to channel no less than seventy six per cent (76%) of the total compensation received from the European Union, to the sugar industry’s capital investment, noting that seventy six per cent (76%) of the measures outlined in the Guyana National Action Plan are sugar oriented. I wish to emphasize that the sugar industry ought not to be seen only from a bottom line dollar position, but from a comprehensive, macro and holistic position of what it contributes to our nation. Just imagine if the Industry is to be done away with what will be its replacement to avoid the social consequences that will certainly attend its closure. The sugar industry remains an intrinsic component of the economy. Many developed and developing countries continue to maintain their vital agricultural industries through appropriate interventions and support. These interventions are not premised on solely narrow financial factors, but they also take into account economics generally and the social and national relevance of the industries. International Comrades, our Congress is meeting in times, as they say, that try men’s souls. A crisis lies at every turn and dangers lurk all around. The capitalist system is shaking at its foundations and its latest neo-liberal development model has lost its creditability. Many who preached the language of the free market ideology have now fallen silent. And, the apologists who still do so are having a hard time in convincing people that the discredited system, still, has the answers to the problems that affect tens of millions of workers from the developed and developing countries of world with few exceptions. The world, at this time, is in the grip of the financial/ economic crisis which emanated largely from the USA, the world’s sole superpower, the wealthiest and most powerful country in existence. We are seeing another side to globalization, which some people are so fond of respecting COMBAT: September/October, 2009
without bothering to examine the risks and weaknesses that that notion involved. Now, we are trapped. One way or another, countries will be affected. Economists, those who presented themselves as knowing it all, are scrambling to give explanations, making forecasts and predictions, offering justifications and trying to come up with solutions so often, one senses, they have contradicting views. Groups within the ruling class are even engaged in finger-pointing as to who are adopting or advocating socialist measures and solutions and who are still the genuine guardians of capitalism. All of this, would really be funny, if the crisis consequences of the crisis are not so grave. As in all times and instances, whenever a crisis descends on a country the workers and their families are the first to suffer. Karl Marx pointed this out more than 150 years ago. We still see its occurrence in the form of this on-going crisis considered the worst since the Great Depression that lasted from 1929 to 1939. At the turn of the 19th Century, Lenin warned of the appearance of financial oligarchy whose greed and untrammeled expansion lies at the root of today’s world tragedy.
The financial/economic crisis has morphed with other major crises that threaten our planet’s existence and detrimental to world peace, to development and to the end of poverty which is bloated up by millions more joining the ranks of the poor, especially in the developing countries but increasing in the developed world also. In addition to the capitalist economic problems which have left millions of our fellow workers jobless and homeless, there are other major problems confronting mankind. We saw the horrors of a ‘food crisis’ that left peoples of some 30 countries hungry and in Haiti, we read about hunger driving people to bake cakes from mud to survive. There is the frightening problem of climate change and degradation of the environment and global warming that we are no strangers to. There is growing militarism, manifested in unjust wars and military occupation and untold destruction in Asia and Africa, threats to others, missile systems in Europe, expansion of NATO’s role and jurisdiction, other countries joining the nuclear club, resuscitation of AFRICOM, and the growth of military expenditure. We need to note that, military expenditure of the US increased by four per cent. And, there is poverty; degrading and inhuman where it exists and hundreds of millions of the world’s peoples are strickened by it. The richest countries within the G-8 pay lip service to its existence; their promises, seemingly,
just a public relations ploy, with literally crumbs actually spent in addressing it. Indeed, comrades, the world we live is in bad shape. A deeper look bring us, unavoidably to the conclusion that capitalism/imperialism, its surrogates, its apologists is largely responsible for the state of affairs. The hopes that the end of the Cold War nourished have been dashed. We do not want to experience another Cold War, but we firmly believe that there is a strong case for respect of the rules governing international relations and for a new global order. We subscribe to the view that an alternative world order is possible, indeed, necessary. Even as we condemn those leaders who misled us into these dead-end avenues, even as we feel a sense of being betrayed by several world leaders; at the same time, we welcome the fight-back of millions of workers and resistance fighters from the USA itself, from Europe, from many developing countries. The spirit of resistance, struggles and solidarity have not been crushed. The very fact that we are a workers organization, makes us understand and appreciate the just demands made by workers throughout the world. Essentially, their anxieties, tensions, hopes and dreams are similar to ours. We empathize and extend our solidarity in their struggles. Likewise, we must give encouragement to those leaders and government, particularly from Latin America who have shown the will and courage to follow a new path with policies that are benefitting the poor and working people. As Cuba, with its courageous leadership as an example and has earned our gratitude; as Cheddi Jagan, former Honorary President of GAWU, was exemplary in his advocacy and commitment to lofty principles; so too, we now recognize that leaders of similar stature have emerged on our continent who are showing fortitude, in standing by their peoples and countries interests, and facing all sorts of destabilization attempts for so doing. We see leaders like Hugo Chavez, Evo Morales, Daniel Ortega and others as part of the fight back of today and forerunners of a new tomorrow. We wish them every success. In these challenging times, we must not give in to complacency and despair. If anything characterizes the GAWU, it is its fighting spirit. It is the spirit that should infect other sectors of our working class. It is that spirit that is the best guarantee of a brighter and prosperous future. Comrades, as I conclude my remarks, I would like to thank members and to commend leaders and activists of all the Branches of the Union for their support, contribution and commitment in making GAWU one of the most important pillars of the working class movement. I look forward to the contributions by delegates during the Business Sessions of our Congress, particularly during the discussions on the General Council Report. Undoubtedly, as in the past, in the spirit of collective and democratic deliberations, I am sure the conclusions and decisions will contribute to strengthening of our Union and hence, a better and stronger worker organization, as the struggles of tomorrow unfolds. Page Five
New Skeldon Factory Commissioned lated Guysuco on the commissioning of the factory and thanked the Government for its role and support in bringing the project to fruition. He noted that the factory “is one of the dreams of Dr Cheddi Jagan, Honorary President of GAWU for many years, who had envisaged our sugar industry being transformed from a producer of raw sugar to a diversified industry within sugar.” He also noted that the “Skeldon II Project serves to renew hope in the workers that they have a future within the industry.” He called on the Corporation to ensure that all the components in the factory are properly functioning especially the punt dumper as well as urgently addressing the land expansion work towards having the factory, processing 1.2 million tonnes of cane per annum.
The US$189M Skeldon Sugar Factory was commissioned on August 22, 2009 with an impressive programme which was attended by hundreds of persons. The programme featured addresses from among others, President Bharrat Jagdeo, Minister Robert Persaud, GAWU President Komal Chand and cultural items from the Guyana Police Force Band, the Chinese Association of Guyana, in addition to others. GAWU President Komal Chand, in his remarks congratu-
Discourses, Discussions, Resolutions and Decisions
Continued from page one on it, Elections of the new General Council, the Working Commissions, the Treasurers Report, Motions, Amendment to Rules, Cultural Presentations and a final Charge from President Komal Chand.
Congress 2009 was a genuine success, worthy of all testimony to the detailed preparatory work put into its planning. The Motions and Resolutions were especially relevant and significant to the operations and future of the Union as well as to the future of the sugar industry, especially. For even as Congress concluded, sugar workers around the Sugar Belt were using their democratic right to protest managerial lapses – real or perceived.
The Congress, however, was truly the highest formal forum for airing of concerns, proposals and commitments to the Union, the industries its members represent and to the nation at large. COMBAT: September/October, 2009
Minister Persaud noted that the Skeldon sugar factory is one component of the grand Skeldon Sugar Modernization Project (SSMP), a project whose fruition would change the face of the 300-year old industry, catapulting sugar production and refinement through a new level, and making clean energy generation possible. He went on to state that through the Skeldon factory and other initiatives under the Sugar Restructuring and Modernization Plan, we propose to make Guyana’s sugar globally competitive by reducing the cost of production while increasing output. Operations at Skeldon are an important cog in this plan and today we are taking an important step in demonstrating what can be achieved if we go for the best that technology offers.”
President Bharat Jagdeo in his address stated that very early, his administration recognized that it had to modernize sugar, bauxite and rice to make them globally competitive. He noted that “this is the largest investment in financial terms in the history of this country; there has been an even larger investment, it is the blood, sweat and tears that our people have invested in this industry from slavery to indentureship.” He indicated that field production of cane has to be increased to the 1.2 million tonnes needed for the factory as soon as possible, and he instructed the management and the Minister of Agriculture to ensure that this is achieved by 2010. The President underscored the crucial role of workers to the industry’s success and stated that “workers have a right to fair compensation but they have to understand that they have a critical role to play in the industry.”
The factory incorporates some of the best technologies from the world of sugar manufacturing. These technologies are applied to provide a high efficiency manufacturing process that makes the best recovery of the sucrose and the energy in the raw sugar cane. This energy is harnessed to power the factory in converting the sucrose to sugar crystals and the surplus energy is used in the national grid. The new factory features a fully automated continuous process, rather than the traditional intermittent batch process. The use of high steam pressures and temperatures (54 bar and 485 degrees Celsius) allows a high thermal efficiency to be achieved which makes it possible to consistently produce a high quality product and is essential in the cogeneration context. Also, the use of diffusion technology, in place of traditional
milling extraction, improves sucrose recovery and reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs. Other advanced technologies that characterize the factory include: • • • • • • • • • • •
An improved, automated punt dumper for offloading cane; A cane shredder to increase extraction; Air supported belt conveyors throughout the factory; All-electric drives to reduce energy consumption; Self cleaning, single pass, high efficiency boilers; Pollution controls to World Bank standards, including electrostatic precipitators; Continuous vacuum pans; Continuous crystallizers; Central control room with PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) based factory automation; Condensing turbine for power generation during off season; and Independent power station with automatic load following capability
The factory with a capacity to produce about 120,000 tonnes of raw sugar, and will require about 1.2 million tonnes of cane annually, about three times the requirement of the old sugar mill. The additional canes will be produced from about 4,700 hectares of new estate lands in Manarabisi (for a total of over 9,600 hectares) and about 4,200 hectares of new farmers’ lands being developed at locations near the estate and at Moleson Creek. It is expected that private farmers will supply around 30% of the total canes delivered to the mill. Future plans for the sugar mill include the conversion of the cane into ethanol, an alternative to fossil fuels. The ethanol would be exported mainly, although local use is also likely. On May 4, 2008 the Skeldon Sugar Modernization Project became the first project in Guyana to be registered with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol. Registration as a CDM project allows Guysuco to sell Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) that result from the generation of electrical energy generated from bagasse fuel.
The Skeldon sugar factory, and the wider sugar sector modernization project, have and will contribute significantly to Guyana’s economic well-being. Besides maintaining the viability of the sugar industry by reducing costs, other benefits to Guyana include: •
• • •
Sale of power to Guyana Power and Light Company since December 2007 – This has helped to stabilize the power supply in Berbice. When operating at full capacity this factory will provide most of the daily base load power requirement for Berbice Reduction of Guyana’s reliance on fossil fuels Ability to earn carbon credits The project has delivered two water conservancies with a combined area of 7,400 hectares, and a 12km link canal to provide irrigation and transport services to farmers in the Moleson Creek / Crabwood Creek area.
The Skeldon factory was constructed with a combination of self-generated funds and loans from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Guyana. The Project Engineer was Booker Tate, UK Ltd and the contractor was Chinese National Technical and Industrial Corporation (CNTIC) Ltd. Page Six
GAWU/Guysuco Negotiations Commence Negotiations on adjustments to certain fringe benefits and wage/salary hike for 2009 between the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) commenced on August 28, 2009. The Union tabled two sets of claims on March 24, 2009 and June 11, 2009 to the Corporation with respect to the field foremen/forewomen and the factory and field workers, respectively. The claims were formulated after consulting our Branches within the industry. We are seeking a wage/salary increase of 15 per cent across the board. For the field foremen/forewomen, we are also seeking to have changes in twelve (12) fringe matters and for the factory and field workers, eleven (11) fringe matters which include improvements on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The inaugural meeting which was attended by representatives of both GAWU and NAACIE, was addressed by the Corporation’s Chairman Dr. N.K. Gopaul and the Chief Executive, Errol Hanoman. The Chief Executive stated that the Corporation has planned to embark on a massive tillage and replanting programme with a view of increasing production next year. Guysuco would utilize private machines together with the Corporation’s to till thirty (30) per cent of the industry’s cultivation this year. He also announced that the Corporation decided to expand the cultivation of Blairmont Estate by 2,100 acres. It is planned he explained, to have the entire area developed and planted by next year (2010). The expansion of Blairmont’s cultivation will require an expansion of the factory capacity to facilitate the increased cane supply. He said that aggressive work would be done at Skeldon to have the expansion completed by next year, one year ahead of schedule. As a result of the plans, he said, cane supply would increase from about between 2.6M to 2.8M tonnes per annum to 4M tonnes by 2012, allowing the Corporation to produce in excess of 400,000 tonnes sugar by 2013. Dr Gopaul in his presentation noted that the Corporation has attached significant importance to the rehabilitation and development of the industry with a view to turning it around. He admitted that Management has to share in the blame for the state of the industry and stated that changes will be made to ensure that they are the right persons in the right places. He called on workers to play their role noting that next year the Corporation would need to produce over 300,000 tonnes of sugar. He asked workers to be understanding, noting the difficult circumstances the COMBAT: September/October, 2009
Corporation is facing and noted that with the active support of the workers, undoubtedly, the industry can regain a firm footing and redound positively to the workers. GAWU President, Cde Komal Chand noted that he welcomed the initiatives of the Corporation aimed at turning the industry around. He noted that the price of sugar on the world market is at a high. However, the Corporation due to its depressed state cannot take advantage of the situation. He went on to point out a number of shortcomings occurring at the estate and particularly highlighted the decline of production in the Demerara estates. He noted that Wales Estate production began to decline significantly during the past two (2) years from about sixty two (62) tonnes per hectare to forty two (42) tonnes per hectare and called for an audit which would reveal the status of the cultivation. He pointed out that the Corporation referred to the prospects of the industry next year, but pointed to the poor state of affairs currently. He referred to the long delay in having canes from the field delivered to the factory at Uitvlugt causing a significant loss of the sucrose content of the canes. He explained that the majority of the five machines which are used to load canes from the field at that location are not serviceable. He warned the Corporation that an increase in workers wages is crucial, should the industry retain its workforce an important stakeholder, without whom the grandiose plan to produce over 400,000 tonnes of sugar within the next two (2) years, would not materialize. Since then the Union and the Corporation have met on a number of occasions with respect to the two sets of fringe claims. The Corporation referred to its grave financial constraints in disapproving some of the claims and promised to respond on some others after its careful evaluation. In the meantime, negotiations on the Union’s proposal for a fifteen (15) per cent across-the-board commenced on October 01, 2009. At the meeting, the Corporation’s Finance Director provided an outline of the Corporation’s financial position and sought to provide answers to questions raised by the Union with respect to the Corporation’s finances after which the Corporation’s Head of Industrial Relations advised that he would provide the Corporation’s initial offer at the following meeting scheduled for October 06, 2009.
GAWU in LCDS Consultations
Affiliates of the Federation of the Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) particularly the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) participated in a series of consultations on the Government of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) organized by the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG). The consultations were held in Georgetown on July 30, 2009 at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, in Berbice on August 31, 2009 at the University of Guyana, Tain Campus Auditorium and in Essequibo on September 02, 2009, at the Regional Democratic Council Board Room attracted 120 persons, 72 persons and 68 persons, respectively. The participants who were welcomed by leaders of FITUG saw presentations on the LCDS by representatives from the Office of the Climate Change. Following the presentations, participants were involved in an interactive session during which they sought clarifications and further information on the strategy. FITUG views Climate Change as a major threat to life on our planet. As emissions of greenhouse gases increase, the possibility of considerable damage to the planet’s ecosystems, coasts and water resources rise. Unless urgent action is taken, the consequences will be catastrophic. Sea levels could rise significantly and the global weather system, disrupted. There is increase in flooding, drought, loss of crops, famine and disease worldwide that is affecting communities and livelihoods. Here in Guyana, our coastland, lying below sea level will be particularly affected, as most of the country’s infrastructure, settlements and agriculture are situated on the coast. By the end of the 21st century, it has been estimated that the temperature in Guyana will rise by one to four degrees Celsius and
sea levels by one to three feet. To address the issue of climate change, Guyana on June 08, 2009, launched its Low Carbon Development Strategy. The Strategy sets out a new development path for the country which is based on Guyana deploying its forests to mitigate global climate change and in return receiving payments from the world for the carbon service our forests provide. Guyana’s proposals to preserve its forest, took into consideration the protection of its sovereignty and development prospects of the people. The Government has embarked on a generous programme, although Guyana like many poor countries, played no part in creating the problem, but because climate change is a global issue and affects everyone including Guyanese. For example, apart from its most immediate impact on the livelihood of Guyanese, it is estimated that one billion dollars need to be spent on infrastructure to deal with the impacts of rising sea levels and adverse weather conditions. This nationwide Strategy provides the framework to protect and maintain the forests to combat climate change and at the same time to attract financial resources for Guyana’s development. The resources garnered, will allow Guyana to implement a next generation of reforms that will transform the economy by investing in low carbon opportunities in agriculture, information technology, hydropower, tourism, education, health and for adaptation purposes. In this way, better livelihood opportunities will be provided for everyone in Guyana, particularly young people. This is a bold new approach to development, for which Guyana stands out in the forefront. It is a chance to offer to the world the needed reassurance that solving deforestation is possible and to provide a working model in this regard. Moreover, the Strategy can help secure the forests and at the same time provide a wealth of opportunities for everyone. It will outlast many Governments. Hence, support is needed from the people to ensure its success. Page Seven
It all happened at Congress 2009
Congress in Pictures
COMBAT is a publication of the Guyana Agricultural & General Workers Union (GAWU) 59 High Street & Wight’s Lane, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana, S.A. Tel: 592-227-2091/2; 225-5321 Fax: 592-227-2093 Email: gawu@bbgy.com Website: www.gawu.net