Komal Chand hailed as “champion of workers’ rights” in final farewell

By Lakhram Bhagirat

Veteran trade unionist and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) stalwart Komal Chand was finally cremated at Kashi Dhaam at Rumzeight, West Coast Demerara, on Tuesday – almost four months after he died in Cuba where he was receiving medical attention.

He was hailed as a champion for workers’ rights in the many tributes that were paid to celebrate his legacy as one of the country’s foremost trade unionists. Chand served as President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) up until his death on April 8, 2020.
GAWU is the bargaining agent for Guyana’s thousands of sugar workers and Chand has been at the helm of the Union for a number of years. He joined in 1975 as the Union’s Organising Secretary at the time and was instrumental in securing the poll to have GAWU represent the interest of the sugar workers.

During the time he joined GAWU, it was almost the height of the three-decade struggle for the Union’s recognition to represent the interest of the field and factory workers in the sugar industry. It was on December 31, 1975, that the then Government held a poll for the representation. GAWU came out victorious, securing almost 90 per cent of the votes and Chand was among those who affixed his signature on the Recognition and the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes Agreement with the then Sugar Producers Association.

Outside of GAWU, Chand served as the Vice President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and was a member of the Presidential Council of the World Federation of Trade Unions. Chand was one of the most committed in GAWU and worked his way up the ranks and served in key positions at GAWU until he became President of the Union.

His commitment to the struggles of the working class saw him being conferred with the country’s third-highest national award – the Cacique Crown of Honour.
He displayed a sense of fearlessness in his representation and was never afraid to stand up to those in authority. He was always cognisant of the fact that in order for the workers to advance, they must have a seat at the table and be involved in the decision-making process. To have this seat at the table and be better able to represent the interest of the workers, Chand became even more involved in the political realm and became a Member of Parliament in 1992. He served until Parliament was prorogued in December 2019 to make way for the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

At his funeral, Chand was hailed by many as a staunch defender of social injustices and remembered for his grassroots connections and simplicity. He was honoured for his knack of separating politics from the fight for the betterment of the working class – especially the sugar workers.
In paying tribute to the veteran trade unionist, GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine noted that he was an exemplary leader and a staunch disciplinarian. He noted that Chand truly believed in the GAWU and its vision of better representation for the working class.
“This extraordinary figure for over 25 years stood with the workers and downtrodden in this country. We shared many anxious moments and was involved in campaigns on issues for the betterment of the working class… He truly believed in GAWU and the workers. He was outstanding in many fronts and it served him well during his lifetime. He believed that everyone could make a contribution and their efforts appreciated,” Narine noted.

He noted that Chand’s legacy is inextricably linked to the struggles of the sugar workers and their fight for betterment. He stood up and challenged the authorities without fear or favour to ensure that the plight of the workers he represented was addressed and even stood in solidarity with those he did not represent.
FITUG’s President and close friend to Chand, Carvil Duncan related that the challenges of the working class always occupied the mind of the late trade unionist. He noted that for Chand, the Union was always in distress when workers were in distress.
Meanwhile, PPP Executive Clement Rohee noted that Chand was an outspoken voice in the party, who was never afraid to make his opinions known. He remembered Chand for his expert negotiating skills and the ability to connect on various levels with every person he encountered. He said that Chand distinguished himself from others as one who led on the ground among the people.
“He was optimistic of the confidence of the sugar workers in their Union. He left a lasting legacy to the Union he led and to the trade unions in this country,” Rohee said.
Former President Donald Ramotar, who was also a close friend of Chand, also paid his tribute while reminiscing on the days they spent in Russia as students.
“He was multitalented…he was industrious…he lived a life of service…he was disciplined man,” Ramotar remembered.
Chand spent his last days in Cuba where he was being treated and after his death and restrictions to travel owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, getting his body back to Guyana was a hassle. The family, his Union and party worked closely with the Cuban authorities to get his body back home.
Honouring the friendship between Chand and the People of Cuba, the Cuban Ambassador to Guyana remembered him as someone who truly believed in defending just causes and condemning injustices.
Chand also served as a parliamentarian for the PPP for over 25 years and honouring his contributions to the House was Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs.
“A cordial relationship existed between Komal and myself until the time of his death. Normally, when I am being criticised by the papers, Komal will call me and say ‘Sherlock, have no fear. Don’t take it on, it will soon pass’ I would never forget those words.
“Mr Chand served in the National Assembly for 25 years, 11 months and 19 days and participated in 32 debates. He served in the following important parliamentary Committees – Economic Services Committee, the Public Accounts Committee, the Special Select Committee on the Trade Union Recognition Bill, Natural Resources Committee,” Isaacs noted.
He lauded Chand for his contribution to the overall development in Guyana.
The tributes at the funeral service were numerous and included General Secretary of the Rice Producers Association, Dharamkumar Seeraj and Region Three Chairman, Julius Faerber. Chand leaves to mourn his wife and three children.