…contrast present efforts with ‘uncaring attitude’ of APNU/AFC
The Government was on Sunday endorsed by two of the largest Guyanese organisations representing the workers and farmers in the sugar and rice sectors respectively, with the leaders of these bodies praising the party’s efforts to grow their industries.
While at the annual celebration of the life of Dr Cheddi Jagan, at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), Seepaul Narine, head of the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU) took the stage.
GAWU is predominantly known for its representation of sugar workers, many of whom were placed on the breadlines when estates were closed under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government. As such, Narine fully endorsed the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government and referenced their track record as a major factor in his decision.
GAWU President Seepaul Narine
“Comrades, GAWU was born from Jagan’s unyielding belief, that unity is power. He rallied workers in this region, to demand fair wages, safe conditions and respect. Today, we inherit that legacy. Today, we are proud to celebrate a historic achievement. The first multi-year agreement, between GAWU and GuySuCo (Guyana Sugar Corporation).”
“This agreement is not merely ink on paper. It is a firm commitment of stability for thousands of workers, guaranteeing job security, improved wages and vital improvements in the sugar industry, which remains the lifeblood of communities across Berbice and beyond. This agreement could only have been possible under this Government,” Narine also said.
The aforementioned agreement was signed in December 2024, between GAWU and GuySuCo, after they finalised a transformative three-year Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) agreement that paved the way forward in ensuring fair compensation and financial security for thousands of sugar workers across the country.
The agreement, which retroactively took effect from January 1, 2024, provides a 10 per cent across-the-board salary increase for all sugar workers. This will be followed by an eight per cent rise in January 2025 and a further nine per cent in January 2026.
Additionally, the agreement guaranteed a minimum wage of $100,000 per month for all sugar workers by January 1, 2025—bringing vital financial relief by ensuring every worker below this threshold receive additional increases.
At the time, Narine had explained that the agreement, which is the first multi-year agreement since GAWU became the bargaining agent for sugar workers in 1976, will channel $5 billion directly into the hands of sugar workers. He had noted that this will reaffirm their central role in Guyana’s socio-economic fabric.
Head of the Rice Producers Association, Leakha Rambrich
Rice
Similarly, head of the Rice Producers Association, Leakha Rambrich, also threw his support behind the PPP/C. Rambrich referenced controversial statements made by the former APNU/AFC Government, as well as their lack of support for the sector and contrasted it with the PPP/C’s current support.
“When Granger and team were in opposition, they promised the farmers high paddy prices. Over $9000 a bag. And when he became the President, his Government and himself said that rice is a private business and they left the farmers on their own struggle,” Rambrich recounted.
“What Granger and his party didn’t understand, is that when the industry is in trouble, our people are also faced with challenges. When we are in trouble, jobs can be lost. Hard working people can be made to face the brunt of unemployment. This is because they don’t understand the rice industry. It shows clearly that the opposition never understood the rice industry.”
Rambrich attributed this lack of understanding to APNU/AFC not having experience in the rice sector. Now, however, he noted that there is a Government in place that does. According to Rambrich, not only has the quantity of rice improved with the support of the PPP/C Government, but so too has the quality.
Only recently, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had announced that Government is likely to spend approximately $2.7 billion to cushion the impact of falling prices on local rice farmers. Rice prices on the world market continue to show a downward trend, and millers everywhere are cutting back on the amount of money they can offer farmers for a bag of paddy.
In Guyana, the situation is no different. However, the Government of Guyana has stepped in to offer assistance to rice farmers. Through negotiations with millers, the Government of Guyana has been able to arrange for rice farmers to receive no less than $4000 for a 143-pound bag of paddy.
The rice sector in Guyana has seen tremendous growth last year, with a record 725,000 tonnes of rice was produced locally. This crop, with more acreage under rice cultivation, production is estimated at 804,000 tonnes of rice.
