The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has seen a number of media reports concerning remarks made by Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and Finance Minister, Winston Jordan during a recent meeting held in the town of Bartica.
The remarks which, among other things, included a call for “war” we could not fail to recognize have been deemed by some as inciting hostilities in our society. Indeed, we share the view, that the utterances by leaders of our nation have no place in our contemporary times and could, very well, serve to ratchet up tensions among our peoples. We also noticed that the remarks were made during a Government outreach exercise to the mining town. That outreach, like others held in recent times, are funded wholly by the Guyanese taxpayers. From all appearances, it seems that State funds are being utilized to further political activities. This, we contend, should not be the case
Regarding, the statements by the senior Government functionaries are totally unacceptable and cannot be countenanced, whatsoever be the circumstances. The connotation of a call to war, as it were, evokes, naturally, strong sentiments and causes, undoubtedly, heightened anxieties. Moreover the remarks, it seems, goes against the Government, and more so President David Granger’s call, for our people to live in cohesion.
In considering the remarks by the two (2) high-ranking gentlemen, the FITUG was reminded that a similar call was sounded, not too long ago, on a video recording which appeared on social media. That video, it may be recalled, saw an official of the senior Coalition partner also chanting similarly to the Prime Minister and Finance Minister. While the jury is out on whether the two (2) incidents are connected, the striking similarities are, for us, too close for comfort.
At this time, as is the case all the time, we urge our leaders to consider their words and statements especially taking into account the lasting impression they can have on our people.
