Of course as we end the year, we cannot turn a Nelson’s Eye to the plight of some 7,000 sugar workers who lost their jobs following the closure of Wales, East Demerara, Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates. That process is still ongoing as twelve (12) workers retained at Wales were recently sent home and the GuySuCo has indicated to us during next year more workers will join the ranks of the unemployed.
Today, for tens of thousands in the communities of the closed estates, life has become difficult. Stories and challenges of hardship have become the norm rather than the exception. The workers and their families are staring impoverishment in the eyes and those who put them there do not have even the scantest of concerns for their well-being.
For those affected, they have been literally left to fend for themselves. It is saddening and upsetting to know that, so far, no Governmental official has found even the time to venture into the communities to know what life has become for these Guyanese. These Guyanese, it appears to us, have been forgotten by the powers-that-be and left at the mercy of the Good Lord. Several officials of the Government have shared that a lot of workers have been re-employed. We cannot help but wonder where that information emanated from. We accept that some have secured employment but for many they are at their wits end securing just odd jobs lasting for a day or two. The job security they once enjoyed has been shattered and their working conditions now-a-days are far inferior.
