Yesterday (March 06, 2018) marked 54 years since Kowsilla was crushed to death by a scab-driven tractor at Leonora Estate. Kowsilla a.k Alice, a member of the Leonora WPO Group, was giving solidarity with striking workers of Leonora Estate as they protested the Manager’s denial of work to them and heightened their call for the recognition of GAWU. Our Union together with the WPO since Kowsilla’s death has been organising annual activities to commemorate her heroic sacrifice.
This year’s activity featured a march from the Leonora Primary School to the Anna Catherina cemetery where Kowsilla is interred. At the cemetery, there was laying of wreaths on Kowsill’a tomb. Tributes were made by GAWU General Secretary, Seepaul Narine; PPP Executive Committee member, Irfaan Ally; WPO General Secretary, Shelia Veerasammy; FITUG General Secretary (a.g.), Dawchan Nagasar; PYO representative; Ronald Harsawack, and Region #3 Chairman, Julius Faerber. All the speakers in paying tribute reflected on Kowsilla’s heroism and the solidarity of her times. They said the need for such collaboration and co-operation is needed in these days as they took stock of the all-round and many-sided challenges which confront our country and our citizens. The situation in the sugar industry did not escape focus as all the speakers were critical of the ill-conceived decisions in the industry.
The activity by all accounts was a success and served as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those before us and inspiration for a better tomorrow.
