The Enmore Martyrs stand as a poignant symbol of labour rights, courage, and struggle against injustice under the plantocracy. Their story, etched in the collective memory of the nation, serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by ordinary people in pursuit of justice and dignity.
Sunday marked 76 years since the Enmore Martyrs – five sugar plantation workers – were tragically killed on June 16, 1948, during a peaceful protest for better working conditions and wages. At the time, Guyana, then British Guiana, was under colonial rule, and the sugar industry dominated the economy. The workers toiled under harsh conditions, facing low wages, long hours, and minimal rights.
History tells that the strike at the Enmore Sugar Estate was sparked by the workers’ demands for an increase in wages and improved working conditions. Led by the Manpower Citizens’ Association (MPCA), the labourers sought to address their grievances through non-violent means, advocating for their rights in a time of widespread inequality and exploitation.
On that fateful day, as the workers gathered peacefully to press for their demands, tensions escalated. British colonial police opened fire on the crowd, resulting in the deaths of Lallabagee Kissoon, Pooran, Rambarran, Surujbally, and Harry. These brave souls, whose names are forever etched in Guyanese history, became known as the Enmore Martyrs.
The sacrifice of the Enmore Martyrs galvanised the labour movement in Guyana. Their deaths served as a rallying cry for workers’ rights and spurred greater activism against colonial oppression. The tragedy forced a re-examination of labour laws and contributed to eventual improvements in working conditions across the sugar industry and beyond.
On Sunday at a memorial ceremony, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips reminded that the unity and solidarity displayed by the workers have been the key to Guyana’s progress.
To quote him: “Unity and solidarity among workers have always been the cornerstones of our progress. The Enmore Martyrs fight was not just for themselves but for the collective good of all workers. It is a powerful reminder that we can all achieve great things when we stand together. Their legacy calls on us to continue to work in unity to support one another, and to fight for the rights and dignity of every worker in Guyana… The impact of the Enmore Martyrs extends far beyond the labour movement. Their sacrifice has shaped our national consciousness and has become the symbol of resilience and determination. They have inspired generations to stand up against injustice and strive for a better future…I call upon all of us to draw inspiration from the Enmore Martyrs. Let their legacy guide us and guide our action as we continue to fight for justice, equality, and the protection of workers’ rights.”
Every year on June 16, Guyana commemorates the Enmore Martyrs and their memory is honoured not only as a reminder of the struggle for labour rights, but also as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Guyanese people in the face of adversity.
The legacy of the Enmore Martyrs extends beyond labour rights, as Prime Minister Phillips said, their courage and sacrifice have inspired generations of Guyanese to stand up against injustice and inequality in all forms. Their story continues to resonate with those who seek a more just and equitable society.
The Enmore Martyrs’ tragic sacrifice remains a pivotal moment in Guyanese history—a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring quest for justice. Their bravery serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that the fight for dignity and fairness is a struggle worth pursuing, no matter the odds. As Guyana moves forward, the spirit of the Enmore Martyrs lives on.
