Labour remains central to Guyana’s development, national progress – GTUC GS

General Secretary (GS) of the Guyana Trade Union (GTUC), Lincoln Lewis, has called on Guyanese to remember that Guyana was born out of labour, urging that the movement continues to play an integral role in fighting for the rights of workers.
According to him, this year’s theme calls on citizens to remember a defining chapter in the nation’s history – when workers, under the leadership of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, advanced the fight for universal adult suffrage and laid the foundation for internal self-Government and political self-determination.

“We assemble under a theme rooted in struggle, sacrifice, and the unfinished work of justice: ‘100 Years Fighting for One Man, One Vote (1926–2026) – Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow & The Workers.’ And as we mark that centenary struggle, we do so in a year that also commemorates 121 years since workers first organised in Guyana and approaches 60 years of political independence. These milestones are not separate chapters. They are connected by one enduring truth: the struggle for Guyana’s political and social advancement began with labour,” Lewis stated.”
He further added that labour has always been the organised movement fighting to secure rights, dignity, and justice for the people of this nation and that this truth must never be forgotten.
According to him, the foundation of the nation must be understood, respected, and permanently recorded in the ledger of its history. “Because without that foundation, the political architecture we stand on today would not exist.”
Meanwhile, he noted that this principle remains true even to this day. “That is why I say to all administrations – past and present: bring stakeholders to the table. Bring the trade union movement to the table. Bring the opposition to the table. Bring civil society to the table. Bring the people to the table. Because governance without consultation weakens democracy.”
According to him, Labour fought for freedom of association, fair wages, maternity protection, occupational safety, the National Insurance Scheme, housing, and due process while adding that it also fought for justice and for the people’s right to speak, to organise, and to challenge power. “Every right you exercise today carries the fingerprints of labour.”
He also highlighted the significance of the labour system, noting that “the fact that you can stand in public and question authority – labour fought for that.” The fact that you can participate in national discourse – labour fought for that. The fact that you can vote – labour fought for that. So, stop asking if labour is relevant. History answered that question long ago.”
He stated that the GTUC remains ready to engage in honest dialogue for the betterment of the working class and the nation.
“This nation belongs to all of us, and labour remains the one institution that fights for all people – regardless of race, political affiliation, class, or creed. Labour will continue to fight for people because its principles still stand: justice, rights, dignity, equality, fairness, and respect. These principles are permanent.
He also made it clear that labour will face tests, trials and tribulations; however, it will endure to resist them.
In closing, he reminded that as the country marks 121 years of worker organisation and 100 years of the fight for one man, one vote, citizens must remember this truth. “That is the truth. That is the history. That is the foundation. Protect it. Defend it. Honour it.