June 16, 2019 brings us to seventy-one (71) years since the brutal killing of five (5) sugar workers at Plantation Enmore. The massacring of Rambarran, Lall known as Pooran, Lallabagee Kissoon, Surujballi and Harry represented yet another tragic episode of domination by the Sugar overlords who were dominant at the time. They have, in the course of time, received national recognition and today they are known as the Enmore Martyrs. Since 1976, they have been celebrated nationally in honour of their struggles, selfless sacrifice and the impact that the 1948 struggle of sugar workers have had on our fight for freedom apart from its subsequent positive outcome for workers in the industry. They occupy, and rightly so, a place in the revered hall of our national heroes.
The Martyrs and their colleagues were engaged in strike which was fifty-one (51) days old when the fateful incident occurred. Senior Counsel Cde Ashton Chase in his renowned book – A History of Trade Unionism in Guyana: 1900 to 1960 – pointed out that the strike began on April 22, 1948 at Non Pariel over the arbitrary imposition by the planters of ‘cut and load’ over the ‘cut and drop’ system. He wrote:-“The origin of the strike was first of all general expression of dissatisfaction by the workers with their miserable conditions of work and life, notwithstanding the existence of recognised unions. Secondly, the failure of the recognised unions (MPCA and BG Workers League) over the years to really alleviate the harsh conditions under which they worked or to secure even a fair improvement in their real wages. Thirdly, dissatisfaction with the new system of work for cane cutters, to wit, cut and load. Fourthly, frustration with the machinery set up with the approval of the recognised unions for resolving differences at estate level. And last but not least, the demand for recognition of a new trade union under a militant leadership to represent their interests.”
The Enmore incident occurred against a backdrop of workers’ militancy which was erupting in several enterprises in that period. A strike lasting sixty-four (64) days by bauxite workers at Mackenzie and Ituni in April, 1947 took place and which highlighted the racial discrimination and segregation perpetuated by the owners and management of the Demerara Bauxite Company. In late February, 1948, the Transport Workers Union reacted to the arbitrary transfer of its leaders from Georgetown to different parts of Guyana with an effective strike. Not only were the transfers stayed but Colonel Teare who dictatorially ordered the transfers was hurriedly recalled by the Colonial Office to London. The decade between the mid-40’s and mid-50’s was an eventful time in our past. Apart from the direct workers struggles there were also significant political developments.An influencing factor at the time was the formation of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) by Dr Cheddi Jagan and others in 1946. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) was founded out of this Committee on January 01, 1950. It was a new political party that differed immensely from the traditional political parties. Immediately, it began to champion the cause of universal adult suffrage and boldly challenged the arbitrary rule of the colonial masters and their local handmaidens. Dr Jagan winning a seat in the Legislative Council in 1947 gave him an opportunity to advocate for many pro-people and particularly pro-workers measures and thus he was able to lift people’s political awareness and class consciousness.
It turned out that the death of the Enmore Five was an awakening call in many quarters and especially to workers in other sectors. Cde Cheddi saw to that. Cde Janet Jagan, former President of Guyana opined that the death of the five martyrs sent a “thunderbolt” through the society, invigorating the liberation struggle which followed.
The brutal repression of 1948, did not daunt the workers nor dampen their spirit. Indeed, militancy in the industry grew and political awareness and activities expanded. Sugar workers’ right to be represented by a Union of their choice was won in 1976. Sugar workers, under the aegis of GAWU, have taken part, along with other working people in the struggles for political independence, they championed the nationalization of the sugar industry; they stood up and fought for the restoration of democratic elections. These struggles took place side by side with other struggles to improve wages and working conditions throughout the industry and for other workers.
Once again, GAWU is pleased to honour the Enmore Martyrs and acknowledge their abiding role in Guyana’s more recent history.
