GAWU tells PPP-organised Enmore Martyrs Rally
I am indeed pleased, on behalf of the GAWU, to have this opportunity to speak to you this afternoon. Today, comrades we, once again, pay tribute and recall the heroism of Cdes Harry, Lallabajee, Pooran, Rambarran and Surujballi now known as the Enmore Martyrs and rightly deemed National Heroes.
The fallen Enmore heroes certainly impacted the many economic, social and political struggles that followed in our country for social and economic justice and all-round betterment. The struggles of 1948, importantly, exposed the callous colonial state and the anti-workers’ nature of the plantocracy. It forced the Colonial Office to promptly appoint a Commission of Inquiry, known as the Venn Commission, to enquire into wage levels, working conditions at the plantation, and other relevant matters. The Commission made a number of recommendations, among which were:- the supply of potable water at convenient points on estates; the clearance of ranges or logies and the re-housing of occupants; the establishment of community centres, crèches and sports grounds with suitable facilities; the appointment of Welfare Offices to each Estate, among other things.
In the final analysis, the 1948 struggle left a legacy of militancy and activism for workers to follow. Following Enmore, 1948, the sugar industry has seen numerous struggles, and many episodes that showed workers’ fighting spirit in defence of their interests.
As we recall the Martyrs, we also cannot ignore the sad situation in the sugar industry. The sending home of some 7,000 workers clearly without any plan to address their welfare and loss of their livelihood has to be among the most callous of decisions ever made by any Government in our country in our over half a century of independence. This is a crime of today just as the shooting of workers 71 years ago was a heinous crime. The Government, by its very actions, has affected communities; have shattered the hopes of many youth; and have pushed thousands of Guyanese into misery-filled lives.
Comrade Chairman, today the now jobless ex-sugar workers of Enmore, like those of Wales, of Rose Hall and of Skeldon remain hard-pressed, and in some instances depressed. They are having grave difficulty in adjusting their lives. They have very serious troubles in securing decent employment. They are forced to abandon their plans for life; some have had the difficult task of telling their children that they cannot afford to send them to school; some have the real trouble of finding adequate food to put on the table; some have difficulties to meet life’s basic expenditure. Comrade Chairman, this is the cold reality of what the Government decision has meant for the sugar workers.
Today, the now jobless workers have been forgotten by the authorities. We see no concern or any plan being advanced to take care of them and their families at this distressing point in their lives. The talk about lands for farming; monies for business; new careers and new jobs have all but died down. Even the workers right to severance pay had been disrespected, Comrade Chairman. It must be asked whether these people are a different set of Guyanese not deserving of the State’s support when they face difficulties and hardships.
Today, Comrade Chairman, we cannot fail also to recognise what seems to be a great deal of confusion and indecision further afflicting the sugar industry. This, Comrade Chairman, the GAWU strongly contends cannot be condoned nor be encouraged. Its continuation, in our sincere view, could very well have lasting repercussions and the consequences will be a bitter-most pill to swallow. Too much is at stake, inclusive of the livelihood of thousands of workers; the well-being of tens of thousands of Guyanese and billions of dollars of the Guyanese peoples assets. The GAWU reiterates that this situation must be brought to an immediate halt and that the task of overcoming the difficulties in the industry be proceeded on with a capable, competent and experienced leadership and management of the sugar industry.
Comrades, at this time, the plight that has befallen so many sugar workers cannot be forgotten. We are sure that those who so heartlessly brought untold hardships to their lives will not be forgiven now or in history. Comrades, the sugar industry and its workforce have a pivotal place in our country’s economic life. We urge the authorities not to disregard this. We urge them not to continue letting down the working people.
As we face new challenges today, new workers struggles are taking place. It is fitting, therefore, in such circumstances, to reflect on and draw inspiration from the 1948 Enmore workers struggles.
Long live the Enmore Martyrs!
Long live the Working Class!
The struggle continues!
