Workers enraged by Govt’s treatment – Rohee

Amidst heckling and booing during his address at the Labour Day celebrations on Sunday, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Clement Rohee expressed dissatisfaction at the treatment being meted out to Guyanese workers by government, saying Guyanese are embarrassed.

Rohee stated that despite the many promises made by government before, and even after taking office, Guyanese are yet to see them being implemented.
“Our country seems to be at the cross-roads,” he told the hundreds of workers gathered at the National Park, adding that development has been at a standstill.
“In the meantime, the working people wait in vain for the good life in the promised land whether these will be fulfilled in heaven or on earth. The country’s economy is at a tailspin. Foreign direct investments have dried up, exports are plummeting, and jobs for young people have become extremely difficult to come by. Guyanese are demanding good governance. They are embarrassed and enraged at the treatment being meted out to them… and treatment by whom? Treatment by the Government of Guyana,” he declared.
He related that on the occasion of Labour Day 2016, he has reflected on how far Guyana has come in terms of development. However, it is a somewhat mute celebration since recently a number of troubling developments have arisen:
“We are pleased to celebrate with Guyanese and all working people the holiday of workers. The Parliamentary Opposition participates in this May Day parade with mixed feelings.
On one hand, we are pleased to be in the midst of the Guyanese working people. Our party representing the parliamentary Opposition does all for the rights of the working people. We have travelled a long way since then, the distance we have travelled is the same distance the nation has travelled. Our past, present and future is inexplicably bound up with the Guyanese working people.
On the other hand, we participate in May Day 2016 at a time when the working people – be they in the service sector or productive sector – are confronted with so many troubles, so many worries and distresses, that they are finding it difficult to make ends meet. ‘Woe be unto us’ is the cry from many corners of Guyana.
Working families and single-parents have fallen on hard times, they are actually crying out for help.”
He urged government to deliver on its manifesto promises of increased salaries for government workers, especially to teachers, nurses and members of the disciplined services, as they are a vital part of the Guyanese work force.
He also reminded workers of the plight faced by the sugar workers of Wales and LBI Sugar estates which are scheduled to cease operations.
“Reverse the decisions to close Wales and LBI estates and enter immediate negotiations with GAWU [Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union] and its workers,” he urged, adding that it is vital that the economy be restored and revived.