Rose Hall Martyrs’ heroism remains ever-present – GAWU

Recognition and tribute have been paid to Rose Hall sugar estate martyrs, as today marks another anniversary since 15 workers were killed back in 1913 during an advocation for better conditions.
The Guyana Agriculture and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) in a statement noted that the sugar industry has been the centre of several infamous battles which have been documented for posterity. One of the infamous incidents occurred while workers were struggling for betterment and resisted the inhuman living conditions which were an integral part of plantation life.
On that March 13 day, their struggle ended in carnage when 15 workers were killed, including a woman who was shot, while 41 received serious injury.

“At the time, it was perhaps the deadliest indenture-era suppression of unrest in the Caribbean and elsewhere…Those incidents remind us of the wretched conditions and harsh measures imposed by the plantocracy on those who toiled the plantations. The flashpoints tell us of the heroism, selflessness and sacrifice made by our ancestors to better our lives and for which we should remain eternally grateful,” GAWU expressed.
It added that the fallen workers remind us that sugar’s history is enriched by the struggles and sacrifices of the working class. That spirit continues throughout the years and survives to this day in the industry.
“As we recall the Rose Hall martyrdom, we are reminded of the struggles of the estate in recent times. Like their ancestors, the modern-day Rose Hall workers stood up valiantly to defend their way of life, to protect their livelihoods and to stand up to those who sought without any rational reason to push them on to the breadline. Their struggles attracted allies from all walks of life and their story of tragedy and pain touched the conscience of many Guyanese. Today, those who shuttered Rose Hall Estate have been banished from power and a new day has dawned.”
The Union said at present, there is “newfound hope” at Rose Hall Estate under the leadership of the Irfaan Ali-led Government, which has hit the ground running and stayed true to its promise to revitalise the sugar industry.
“Today, the depression that had engulfed the communities following Rose Hall’s closure has lifted and optimism has now filled the air. We know of the deep appreciation of the people who are now being able to put their lives back together as the nightmare of joblessness has come to an end. As we recall the martyrs, we are aware that Rose Hall Estate is slated to be the first factory to resume operations. The estate is now a hive of activities,” the statement added.