Dear Editor,
Over the past two months, Guyana have been caught in the web of two important issues: the recently held General Elections debacle and COVID-19 pandemic.
Both issues are major concerns to every Guyanese at home and in the diaspora. It is now two months since Guyanese cast their votes for the political party of their choice, yet, to date, there has been no official announcement of the results. Instead, Guyana and the world continue to witness political bullyism perpetrated by a handful of miscreants, who are aided and abetted by their cohorts at GECOM.
This situation has created fear, doubt, and frustration in the minds and hearts of the populace, save and except those who are participants of this charade.
The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged into a global health crisis, yet, our illegal government administrators are yet to address this important health issue with any sense of urgency, clarity and resolution. Instead, COVID-19 is being used as a political tool at their whims and fancy to stall the requested recount of ballots cast on March 2, 2020 by GECOM at the behest of the illegal the David Granger cabal.
Today is May 1, Labour Day. There will not be the traditional May Day Parade and Rally, wherein workers across the country would march through the streets and later listen to the speeches of union leaders and representatives from the Government and the Opposition.
However, despite the political and health crisis that looms over our country, it would seem that the Trade Union leaders have gone into self-isolation at this critical time in our history. They have somewhat abandoned the cause that they usually chant about. Where are Lincoln Lewis, Coretta Mc Donald, Patrick Yard, Carvil Duncan and the acting President of GAWU? Have they fallen asleep, or have the bestowed national awards muzzled awardees such as Lincoln Lewis?
These two crises will — now and in the future — have dire consequences on our labour force. Many workers have been sent home, unsure if they will still have a job after all this would have passed. Government employees are worrying about the continued payments of salaries due to elections results debacle. Workers have families to take care of; bills to pay, including utilities, hire purchases, loans and mortgages. One would have felt that the Trade Union leaders would have sought to engage political leaders in seeking answers and a way forward.
The sons and daughters of the Founding Father Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, like some of our politicians, for reasons unknown, have been afflicted with selective amnesia. They have not only abandoned the cause and the organization, but the workers also.
Today, May 1, 2020, is a historical day. There will be no parades, no rallies, no speeches, no after-rally parties, no singing of Solidarity Forever and The International. Instead, there will be the sound of silence, and instead of singing Solidarity Forever, I suggest the workers sing “You Left Me Just When I Needed You Most”.
Yours sincerely,
Gillian Burton Persaud
