Yesterday (January 24, 2018) at a meeting of the East Demerara Estate GAWU Branch, apart from discussing the agenda items, branch members expressed their upset and dismay by the contents of an article which appeared in the January 23, 2018 of Guyana Times which expressed critical views of the GAWU and more so the Union’s President. Having collectively discussed the Guyana Times article, the Branch unanimously approved a resolution disassociating itself from the sentiments that were reportedly expressed by four (4) workers of East Demerara Estate and expressed its full support for the Union’s work and actions in opposing the plans of the Guyana Sugar Corporations Inc. minimizing the industry.
The text of the resolution is as follows:-
“We present here at this East Demerara GAWU Branch meeting being held on January 24, 2018 at Cde Rampersaud Prasad’s residence were very disturbed to have read and learnt about an article titled “Sugar workers call for Komal Chand to resign” which was published in the January 23, 2018 Guyana Times. We recognized from the article that reportedly four (4) workers of East Demerara Estate expressed certain views about the Union, more particularly about the Union’s President, Cde Komal Chand. We of the East Demerara GAWU Branch hereby disassociate ourselves from the sentiments that were therein expressed. Workers are generally supportive of the GAWU work and actions in standing-up and opposing plans to close and sellout sugar estates. They have expressed their satisfaction that the Union has worked and is working in their interest at this difficult time for them and are supportive of the Union’s multiple approach.
We note that this recent article has followed several articles and letters that emanated from Government-oriented sources. We are aware also that the Union has satisfyingly answered the criticisms that have been levelled against the workers and the GAWU. Moreover, we are not unaware that some persons purposefully, a few unconsciously, have sought to divide the unity and solidarity among the workers at this critical time. This is not now or was ever in our interest particularly as we seek to protect and safeguard our jobs and well-being. The East Demerara GAWU Branch pledges to continue to support our Union and recognize the need to work in the interest of the thousands of sugar workers and their families who have been affected and are bearing the painful effects of closure of estates and dismissals.”
