– expresses concern State sliding back to days of repression
The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) is accusing Government of deliberately excluding it from participating in commemorative activities for the 70th death anniversaries of the Enmore Martyrs.
In a release on Friday, the trade union body lambasted the Social Cohesion Ministry for telling them “they would not be required to participate”.
It noted that prior to June 9, the Ministry had reached out to them to enquire into their participation. According to FITUG, they asked that the Ministry send them a formal invite. It is then that things started going downhill.
“The Ministry of Social Cohesion, which is responsible for the organisation of the
Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton
activities, contacted FITUG regarding its participation on June 9, 2018. At that time, we advised that we would require a formal invitation and never heard from the Ministry again.”
“In the meantime, FITUG was advancing its preparations towards its participation and, subsequently, contacted the Ministry about the requested invitation and arrangements for the activities. It was only at that time we were informed that we would not be required to participate.”
FITUG noted that it has participated, upon invitation, in consecutive Enmore Martyrs Day activities before and after the coalition Government assumed office. The Union’s involvement has involved wreath-laying and public addresses at the Le Repentir Cemetery and the monument itself.
While professing to be at a loss for the reason behind their exclusion, but noted that the incident contradicts both the Ministry’s mandate and FITUG’s consistent collaborations with the State through a number of bodies and forums. “This differing approach, on this occasion, is obviously a cause for concern to us. In the meantime, the FITUG has written Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton seeking an explanation for his Ministry’s decision and have pointed out that our exclusion runs counter to the objective of his Ministry.”
“We cannot help but wonder whether the decision to exclude our body is linked to our outspokenness on several matters of concern to the working-people and their families. The Federation, as a responsible body, cannot turn a blind eye nor a deaf ear to the steadily declining economic and social circumstances of our people. If this is indeed the case, the FITUG is not daunted but will continue to speak up, and speak out when cherished gains and freedoms of our people are threatened.”
FITUG also warned that it would inform its membership of the Government’s action. In addition, the Union spoke of the need for them to reconsider its relations with the coalition Government and future participation in activities and work of the State. “Our exclusion serves to indicate, from all appearances, that our country is
Relatives of the Enmore Martyrs lay their wreaths
quickly heading down a slippery slope and heading back to an era when dissenting views are not tolerated,” the Union lamented. “For us, this is saddening recognising that the Enmore Martyrs gave their life and our forbearers struggled to win us those very freedoms which, it seems, are being disregarded by our now-a-day leaders. As FITUG said a few weeks ago, our people find themselves in dangerous times. We cannot help but be saddened by what is taking place in our Dear Land of Guyana.”
Take stock
Meanwhile, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) sought to remind that even as the lives of the five workers – Rambarran, Lall, also known as “Pooran”, Lallabagee Kissoon; Surujballi; and Harry – are commemorated, the nation must remain cognisant of the struggles of the modern day sugar worker.
In a statement on Friday, GAWU recalled how the killings inspired late former President Dr Cheddi Jagan to form the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). The Union expressed dismay for the current state of affairs in the sugar belt.
“As we pay tribute to the Martyrs, we cannot fail to reflect on the sugar industry and the anxieties and despair that hover over the heads of workers throughout the sugar belt. It is disheartening for us in spite of the very good prospects for the industry’s viability, the Administration stubbornly pressed ahead, disregarding the dire consequences, with its plans to minimise the industry.” “The sad and disturbing reality, at this time, is that the Government has pushed thousands of ordinary, hardworking, decent Guyanese into a life of desperation and, possibly, depravity. The cutting down of the industry is not the direction that our country should be pursuing. This is a path that will lead to greater hardships for our people and country.” GAWU highlighted the importance of sugar and the workforce to the economy. According to the Union, history will record the actions of the Government and those who orchestrated the downsizing of the industry. And they will neither be forgotten nor forgiven.
