The Federation of Independent Trades Union of Guyana (FITUG) wishes to draw to the nation’s attention that the Government of Guyana has decided this year to exclude our body from participating in the State’s activities to commemorate the 70th Death Anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs. Our organization since the Coalition Government assumed office, and even before, had been participating in the Enmore Martyrs Day activities whereby we are invited to lay a wreath and to deliver an address to the activities that are held at the Le Repentir Cemetery and at the Enmore Martyrs Monument.
The Ministry of Social Cohesion, which is responsible for the organization of the activities, contacted FITUG regarding its participation on June 09, 2018. At that time, we advised that we would require a formal invitation and never heard from the Ministry again. In the meantime, FITUG was advancing its preparations towards its participation and, subsequently, contacted the Ministry about the requested invitation and arrangements for the activities. It was only at that time we were informed that we would not be required to participate.
We are at a loss for the reason/s for our exclusion on this occasion. Nevertheless, we recognise it as a new approach to our body. In recent times, FITUG, together with the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), has been afforded an opportunity to participate, through a number of bodies and forums, in the work and activities of the State. This differing approach, on this occasion, is obviously a cause for concern to us.
In the meantime, the FITUG has written Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton seeking an explanation for his Ministry’s decision and have pointed out that our exclusion runs counter to the objective of his Ministry. We cannot help but wonder whether the decision to exclude our body is linked to our outspokenness on several matters of concern to the working-people and their families. The Federation, as a responsible body, cannot turn a blind eye nor a deaf ear to the steadily declining economic and social circumstances of our people. If this is indeed the case, the FITUG is not daunted but will continue to speak up, and speak out when cherished gains and freedoms of our people are threatened.
At this time, the FITUG is informing its membership of the Government’s sad decision. We are, undoubtedly now forced, to take stock of our relations with the Administration and to consider carefully our participation in future activities and work of the State. Our exclusion serves to indicate, from all appearances, that our country is quickly heading down a slippery slope and heading back to an era when dissenting views are not tolerated. For us this is saddening recognizing that the Enmore Martyrs gave their life and our forbearers struggled to win us those very freedoms which, it seems, are being disregarded by our now-a-day leaders. As FITUG said a few weeks ago, our people find themselves in dangerous times. We cannot help but be saddened by what is taking place in our “Dear Land of Guyana”.
