GAWU May Day 2020 message
Introduction
My fellow workers of Guyana, comrades all, I am pleased on behalf of the GAWU to extend greetings and best wishes to all Guyanese, and more so to our working-people on this occasion of May Day 2020.
Comrades, let us recall that this day is etched in militant struggles and courageous actions. It is linked to the struggle of Chicago of 1886 when thousands of workers marched calling for an eight hour work day. For their justifiable struggle, those workers faced police brutality; hails of bullets, and even the gallows for their main leaders. But they were not daunted.
The harshness that was meted out only served to steel the workers into further action that realized the call of Chicago 1886 and inspired a rich chapter in the history of the working-class. It was one that left an indelible mark, and led to workers leaders in 1887 resolving that May 1st be deemed International Workers Day.
In our country, May Day celebrations commenced in then British Guiana during the 1930s under the leadership of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow and his British Guiana Labour Union (BGLU), and in 1958, May 1st was declared a National Holiday by then Minister of Labour, Janet Jagan. Since that time, workers in Guyana have celebrated this red-letter day with marches through the streets of Georgetown and elsewhere, along with rallies addressed mainly by union leaders and others.
This year, however, there will be no such celebration as our nation, and indeed the entire world, is caught in the throes of the deadly coronavirus pandemic. At this time, millions have been infected worldwide and thousands have lost their lives. Here in Guyana, scores have been afflicted and a few have succumbed. We, at this time, extend our sympathies to the relatives and friends of those who have passed on and wish those affected a speedy and full recovery. We urge that all Guyanese take every precaution, adhere to the warnings and practice social distancing and sanitization. We need everyone to stay safe if we are to defeat this scourge facing humanity.
Democracy challenged
Comrades, the arrival of the coronavirus on our shores could not have come at a worse juncture in our nation’s history. It is now two (2) months since the conclusion of the 2020 National and Regional elections and yet there is no declaration of the victor. This disturbing reality comes against the background of forces seeking, at all costs, to thwart the will of the Guyanese people as they are determined to impose fabricated results to satisfy their own devious, misguided ends. Their ignominious attempts have played out in front of the entire world and have been captured for posterity.
The actions by those who held themselves out as honest and decent and the purveyors of integrity are yet another bitter reminder that actions really do speak louder than words. Several international bodies and States; a cross-section of foreign and local civil society bodies, and many influential and noteworthy Guyanese have raised their voices in protest and concern. They have collectively warned those furthering these machinations of the consequences that would befall them yet they carry on, seemingly, unconcerned, about the nation’s well-being as they push the country and our people to the edge. Comrades, let us remember them on this May Day 2020 with their false promises, and their commitments of having our interests at heart. Remember they who said they will give us all the ‘Good Life’ but have really taken us to the precipice.
Today they now appear like false prophets, read and heard about. They come speaking about divinity yet seek to stir division. We see them, at every turn, seeking to erect obstacles and to find every conceivable excuse and ploy to perpetuate their grip on power. Just as abhorrent we see in their ranks, those who sell themselves as crusaders of democracy, fighters against dictatorship, and upholders of the rule of law. These individuals who are well known are singing lustily in the defence of the indefensible. Some of them talk of destroying our votes as they ask us all to hold hands together. We have to wonder whether they believe the Guyanese people are really asinine. Comrades, it appears to us that some of these former comrades have sold out their integrity for less than a few pieces of silver or copper.
But, comrades, let us not be despondent for we are confident that time is the ultimate arbiter. Let us on this May Day take inspiration from previous struggles and know that the forces standing on the right side of history have always won out. We of the GAWU remain firmly convinced that history, as it tends to do, will repeat itself and the democratic-minded and right-thinking majority of Guyanese will triumph and succeed. And, let us all take solace that history can never be kind to those persons and organisations that seek to defile the will of the Guyanese people.
The burgeoning health crisis and an uncompassionate Government
As we consider, comrades, our own locally-made crisis, we must contend with the international health crisis brought about by COVID-19. As we confront this challenge, we hail the courage and dedicated service of our health professionals, our police and defence officers and others in the frontline who are risking their lives to staunch the spread of the deadly virus. We recognize too the efforts of those who keep the lights on, the water running and the phones ringing. We see too the media workers who, at great risk, continue to keep the society informed and updated. Indeed, they all deserve our highest commendation and we of the GAWU on this May Day salute them.
While we recognize the efforts of so many, we also cannot ignore the faltering leadership of those who now masquerade themselves as Government. One of the sad consequences of the crisis has resulted in many Guyanese being pushed out of work, unsure when or where their next pay cheque will come from. Those affected do not know how they will feed their families or meet their obligations. But their plight is, from all appearances, being ignored by the authorities who speak about databases when starvation appears on the horizon for thousands.
Comrades as much as we are saddened by the uncompassionate response, we must admit we are hardly surprised as we have seen, over the last five (5) years, the anti-working-class and uncaring attitude of the Coalition Government. We all have seen them putting thousands of sugar workers on the breadline and leaving them right there. They froze sugar workers pay since they took office and called our teachers, who mould the nation, selfish when the teachers asked for fair pay. We remember the Coalition undertaking to give public servants big pay increases but turned around and gave themselves a 50 per cent pay rise with big perks too. And then they had the temerity to tell public servants they were broke and gave them just a few crumbs. Can we really expect a snake to change its characteristics? History and experiences have not given us such practical examples. It is our considered view, that this illegal Government is incapable of addressing the public health crisis, but rather, seems to be focused on perpetuating its stay in office.
There is, no doubt, a need for an urgent comprehensive economic and social welfare package but the Administration remains mum. We, on this May Day, demand such a package be urgently formulated and must include no worker suffering any loss in pay; support for the self-employed; a waiver of taxes to alleviate the cost-of-living; suspension of utilities payments and obligations to hire purchase and lending institutions; distribution of hampers to every household, and appropriate protective equipment, transportation and hazard mitigation to all frontline workers.
These actions are needed now as tomorrow is already too late. This crisis cannot be solved by Governmental leaders hiding in their offices and homes but with proactive decision making and leadership, qualities that sorely lacking at this time. Of course, we cannot ignore importantly that they must be pursued by a legitimate Administration making it even more important for the electoral shenanigans to come to an end.
All employers, including the Government, must play their role too. Now is not the time to turn your backs and pretend to be unaware that your workers are facing starvation and rough times. Now is the time your workers need help to feed their families. We urge that you do all you can at this time for them as they have given their best of efforts to you. This appeal is also directed to the Private Sector employers as well.
A willful neglect of sugar and the working-class
As a Union which draws a major contingent of its membership from the sugar industry, we cannot ignore the disturbing realities that prevail in the sector. We see, what appears to be a clear lack of concern with the industry’s downward slide continuing. Last year the industry’s production sunk to its lowest level in eighty (80) years, and we are yet to see what 2020 will bring.
Today, comrades all the talk about revitalizing the industry has been reduced to just idle chatter. We hardly see any tangible progress to meaningfully utilize funds secured to improve the operations of the sugar industry. Clearly there is an urgent need to address this disturbing situation and develop and implement a workable plan with the involvement of all the stakeholders. Active work in the fields and factories must be an essential element and the viable opportunities for sugar-cane diversification must be embraced and pursued. Of course, the success of the industry is linked very much with the commitment of its workforce, who play a critical role which cannot be ignored.
We cannot afford, comrades, any further disintegration of the industry more so in the difficult times our country finds itself. We have seen the lasting legacy of foolhardy estate closures and we need not nor want such a repetition.
Of course, our workers on the whole have suffered at the hands of this Administration. Scores of tax increases, massive hike in fees, among other things, are now firmly on the backs of the workers. We have seen too the nonchalant economic management which has resulted in job losses in many sectors. At the same time, protections for the working-class have diminished with the now Department of Labour becoming almost ineffectual.
The bitter curse of oil
Comrades, we have now joined the ranks of the leagues of oil-producing nations of the world. The fanfare of fireworks, champagne and glass invitations have given way to a most harrowing induction. Comrades, in a matter of days we saw oil prices plummeting to historical lows and our paltry take significantly vanishing. Given the current prices of oil and the cost-of-production, we are actually incurring a loss and are in effect subsidizing production as our indebtedness to the oil majors’ balloon. It goes to remind us of that famed axiom of not putting all your eggs in one basket. But despite the several warnings which came from GAWU, among many others, the Administration, bull-headedly, ignored and destroyed our several economic pillars. As they say:- “when you hard ears, you does feel”. Disturbingly it is the ordinary Guyanese who will feel while the decision-makers remain in their ivory towers, maybe, at Pearl, and/or, elsewhere.
On this May Day, we say to you “better late than never” – revitalize, with appropriate Government support, our agricultural sector as a matter of urgency.
International Situation
Comrades, Labour Day is a day when we raise high the banner of solidarity of the international working-class. The working-class of the world have written, selflessly, glorious and inspiring chapters of struggles that impacted positively on our lives and influenced profound socio-economic change in their respective societies.
In our day, we are witnessing new challenges levelled at those who historically thrived on wars, conflicts, oppression and exploitation. These ruling forces are unable to suppress the reinvigorated struggles erupting on all continents seeking World Peace, deepening of democracy, an end to poverty, respect for countries sovereignty and consistent and focused efforts to address climate change which is reaching a critical level.
We express, from this platform, our sincerest solidarity to all peoples who are engaged in this fight today for these causes.
Conclusion
Comrades, on this May Day 2020, let us recognize that we need to be more assertive in demanding our rights and insist that we be involved in the decision-making processes that impact our lives. Today’s conditions do not call for complacency but for greater activism and for united and principled actions.
We remember on this May Day too, Cde Komal Chand who served our Union with commitment and distinction. He truly relished May Day and always looked forward to participating. Indeed, his presence is missed but we go on stronger and confident, imbued with the principles he upheld and the dedication he displayed. On this May Day, we pray eternal peace for his soul.
Finally, GAWU extends, once again, fraternal greetings to all Guyana on this May Day.
Long live Proletarian Internationalism!
Long live May Day 2020!
