Over the last few days several sections of the media have reported about redundancy letters being issued to some 400 workers of Rose Hall Estate. As the media pointed out, those workers are the first batch of several thousand who will receive similar letters. The issuance of the letters drove home in a cold manner, the heartlessness of the plans regarding the sugar industry. It is, therefore, heartening, on the other hand, to recognise that so many Guyanese have expressed their great concern about the workers and their families’ fate. We have seen and appreciate several letters in the press as well as a great lot of comments in social media denouncing the unkind actions by the GuySuCo and the Coalition Government of Guyana.
For the workers, the receipt of the letters caught them off-guard. They point out that just days ago Minister of State Joseph Harmon informed all Guyana that the plans for the industry’s miniaturization has been delayed until next year. That Minister, according to the press, had advised that the delay was occasioned after it was recognized that no alternatives were in place for the workers who would be affected. For them, it was then a great shock when they opened the letters to learn that they are no longer required in a few days’ time. And to add insult to injury, the sending home of the workers comes in the Christmas Season a time of joy, happiness and new beginnings. This year, for the workers, their families and their communities the season is filled with darkness and sadness.
While the workers now try to figure out their next steps, they undoubtedly require their severance entitlements for them to be able to cope at this unexpected, painful time in their lives. While these sums will not be able to support the affected workers for long periods, they, nor the Union, are aware when those sums would be payable. GAWU, on several occasions, has sought to have a definitive time from the GuySuCo only to receive uncommitted responses. Our Union understands that the Corporation, at this time, does not have the monies necessary to pay the workers. If what we heard is indeed true this is adding to the callousness shown to the workers.
What is most saddening is that the Government has been warned by several creditable individuals and organisations about the repercussions of the decision to close sugar estates. Furthermore, the Administration is certainly aware about the realities the people of Wales face. Yet, in spite of the compelling body of evidence and its own admissions the Government remained foolhardy and is closing down estates without any real and workable alternatives in sight. It really causes the workers and our Union to question the State’s sincerity in protecting the thousands that will be affected by its plans for sugar. Now it’s the sugar workers, the question is what workers heads will next be on the chopping block?
The displacement of so many poor, ordinary workers, in short, will be disastrous and will clearly push more people into an impoverished state. It is a matter which has quite rightly evoked a great deal of outpouring in our society and one that should touch our conscience.
