Unity, solidarity among workers have always been cornerstones of our progress – PM Phillips

…on 76th anniversary of Enmore Martyrs

Sunday marked 76 years since five sugar workers – the Enmore Martyrs – made the ultimate sacrifice in their fight for better working conditions under plantocracy and according to Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, such unity and solidarity displayed by the workers have been the key to Guyana’s progress.
PM Phillips made these remarks during the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Enmore Martyr’s Monument in Enmore, East Coast Demerara.
Faced with severe social and economic hardships, the oppressive “cut and load” cane harvesting system, and the denial of a representative union, sugar workers were compelled to protest under the plantocracy. During that protest, Rambarran, Pooran, Lallabagee, Surajballi, and Harry were shot dead on June 16, 1948 by police.

According to the prime minister, the five slain sugar workers left a proud legacy that teaches the power of collective action can ignite change and that every voice, no matter how small, contributes to the larger call for fairness and dignity.
“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 and another, and to fight for the rights and dignity of every worker in Guyana,” he said to the gathering at the annual commemoration ceremony.
In remembering the Enmore Martyrs, Phillips reminded that the struggle for a better life is continuous and must be carried forward by each generation.
“As we honour their memory, we must also reflect on our citizens’ responsibility to ensure their sacrifices were not in vain. This means advocating for fair labour practices, supporting workers’ rights and striving to create an environment where every citizen can thrive without fear of exploitation,” he noted.

Progress
The prime minister went onto highlight the progress made over the years in labour rights and improving working conditions, and more recently, under the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
Despite this progress, however, Phillips underscored the importance of also reflecting on the ongoing challenges that workers face today including harsh conditions and unfair treatment. He said the PPPP/C Government is committed to continuing the fight for justice and equality, ensuring that every worker is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
“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. Today, we honour their memory by renewing our commitment to these principles… 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,” the PM posited.

Struggles
Meanwhile, also making a tribute at Sunday’s commemoration was President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine, who said the brutal gunning down of five sugar workers ignited the consciousness of people to confront the exploitative and oppressive colonial system. He noted that those killings inspired several exciting chapters and successes that followed to protect workers’ rights in Guyana.
“The Enmore incident and the martyrdom served in many quarters as an awakening call… Unlike the past, the brutally of Enmore 1948 did not cower the workers nor dampen their spirit but rather awaken them that their struggles can bring a better tomorrow for other generations to enjoy,” he stated.
Narine recalled that foremost amongst the struggles was the call by the protesting workers to be represented by a union of their choice – a right was finally won in 1976. He said more than three-quarters of a century later, the sacrifices of those martyrs were not in vain as the sugar industry continues to make meaningful contributions to Guyana’s economy and its people.
He said GAWU, the leading union representing sugar workers, remains optimistic about efforts to revitalise the sugar industry.
“The GAWU remains firm in its belief that the sugar industry has brighter days ahead. The struggle of the Enmore Martyrs remains internalised from what it represented and the gains it brought to our people and country. Enmore 1948 represented a new beginning, a changing of the tide and the first step to our self-determination. Today, our country owes an eternal debt to the Enmore Five and their comrades who stood valiantly in defence of their self-worth and dignity… The enduring lessons of Enmore remain that in our togetherness, there is nothing we cannot achieve. Let us collectively work together, hand in hand to develop our great nation and ensure better days for this and future generation of Guyanese,” the union’s president urged. (G8)