Christmas, as we know, is associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. His religion – Christianity – has survived many trials in his history and is known for many values humanity embraced. Among these are peace and empathy for the poor and vulnerable of the workers. Today, in the Middle Eastern lands where Jesus Christ was born and where he lived we see continuous conflict and turmoil. Thousands are losing their lives, losing their homes and meagre possessions and forced to contend with dire circumstances.
In our Guyana, at the present time, we are witnessing political intolerance and persecution whilst on the ground the stark fear of unemployment and high-handedness stalk many communities. In this season, we see the heartless measure whereby sugar workers have been handed dismissal notices without any accompanying intimation about how their new status will be mitigated. We are fully apprised of the critical condition among very many workers of Wales Estate who are still jobless following the closure of that estate. Really, this will be the most challenging Christmas for the Guyanese working-class.
The human spirit, however, knows how to overcome adversity. Ways and means – buttressed by the will to overcome– are found to deal with misfortunes brought about by some. However, this season of hope that Jesus inspires, there is greater resolve to never give up. Christ’s teachings provide us and all the downtrodden with optimism in the future.. It must be noted that the Jesus is regarded as a type of Religious rebel who confronted courageously the Roman rulers on behalf of the oppressed. Hope dwelt amongst them.
With the foregoing sentiments uppermost in our thoughts, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joins the Christian community in celebration yet again this season of Christmas. We wish the Christian community, indeed all Guyanese, a joyous season. This season now transcends its origins as all Guyanese seem to be caught up in some aspect of the twelve-day celebration whether in church, home or community. Christmas signals the closure of 2017 a year of severe challenges for the masses of Guyanese. It also brings us to the threshold of a New year, which if it is to be a better year requires our united struggles by the will to triumph over our evildoers as Christianity embraces.
The celebration of Christmas 2017 embraced by so many, presents the opportunity for togetherness to prevail over selfishness political high-handedness and discrimination and set out nation for the path to harmony and goodwill among men and women.
A joyful Christmas and a New Year of Hope from GAWU – to all Guyana!
