Over 170 female sugar workers, who were employed in the fields and factories of the now closed Wales, Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates, are to receive hampers from the Guyana Solidarity Movement–New York (GSM-NY).
Some of the dismissed sugar workers of the closed Enmore Estate with their hampers
The first distribution exercise was conducted for the workers of East Demerara Estate at the Enmore Community Centre on Friday, where 83 fired female workers received hampers. The workers related that the hampers, which comprised basic food items, will ease the burdens they now have to carry.The initiative materialised after many workers, whose services were terminated, voiced the despairs which they are now faced with after losing their jobs. Many related that they were single parents, who were working for meager earnings in light of their situations.
This latest support was made possible through the support of many Guyanese in the New York area who have been touched by the stories of sadness in the sugar belt.
Some of the fired workers shared that though they have managed to secure jobs, their rates-of-pay and conditions of work are far less from what they enjoyed in the sugar industry. Others said that given their age, they have great difficulties in obtaining employment. They lamented that they gave their best years to the sugar industry and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and now they have been shoved into the cold world of unemployment, seemingly without any consideration about their and their family’s well-being.
In the coming days, similar activities will be held at Wales, Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates.
