The GAWU refers to Mr Sahadeo Bates letter titled “Government is not solely to blame for the downfall of Guysuco” which appeared in the May 29, 2020 Kaieteur News.
At the outset, we must agree with Mr Bates’ conclusion that the Government has “…neglected the functioning estates and these are slowly deteriorating.” Our Union, on several occasions, has pointed out this reality as we have expressed our grave disappointment that though monies have been secured to improve the functioning of Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt Estates nothing really has been done in that direction.
The letter-writer also touches on the functioning of the Uitvlugt Estate in recent times. Again we must share our agreement with him as we too have shared many times our serious concerns as it regards the malfunctioning of the Uitvlugt factory. More recently too, we saw, the Estate being unable to realize its 2020 First Crop target which was due in part to an absence of canes in the fields.
We, however, fail to share Mr Bates views as it regards the ongoing protests by the Uitvlugt factory workers. The GAWU was very much disturbed by the letter-writer suggestion that the workers “…don’t have much work and some are sleeping, hiding and leaving the compound to drink alcohol…”. This, we hold, is not a forthright conclusion. We say this against the background that the Estate has planned several activities to be concluded during the out-of-crop maintenance period. Those activities would have taken account of the available workforce, among other things. Moreover, it is these very workers, who an accusatory finger is being pointed at, that are required in and out-of-crop to operate, maintain and fix the factory. To seek to denigrate them and their efforts, we believe, is most unfortunate.
Mr Bates also seemingly was misinformed when he said the workers “…working hours are reduced to 5 hrs…”. This too is not factual. The workers of the factory are not afforded that privilege. We must add that other sections of the workforce are being required to work for five (5) hours without any loss in pay. This policy obviously took into account the need to minimize the numbers of workers present in an effort to promote adequate social distancing. Certainly, shouldn’t the factory workers also equitably benefit from a similar arrangement? It seems only fair to us and the workers as we all seek to protect them and their families’ health and well-being.
The workers are accused of “…lying on the police.” We have no reason to doubt the concerns shared by the workers. Moreover, even GuySuCo acknowledged this reality. GuySuCo’s Corporate Communications Manager, Ms Audreyanna Thomas in the May 28, 2020 Stabroek News pointed out that special arrangements were being worked out for the workers. Certainly, to accuse the workers of being untruthful is most disheartening. Undoubtedly, the workers would, like all rational human beings, to maximize their incomes at this time, however, are daunted by the difficulties they face going to or coming from work during the curfew period.
The letter-writer also asserts that the workers are partially responsible for the downfall of the sugar industry. We find this statement most incredulous. Workers do not sit in the seat of the decision-makers. They have almost no influence on the industry’s direction though they may have ideas or views given their experience. To ascribe blame to them, for us, is disturbing as they have always sought to give of their best. Why should one seek to castigate them when also they seek is to have their rights respected and gains protected. Sugar workers rights and benefits have never been freely given but won out of struggle as several martyrs and incidents remind us. It is incumbent on this and the next generations of sugar workers to continue to defend what has been won by those who came before them as they seek to advance their lot. The actions of sugar workers are by no means unusual and they are mindful of the road they walk on is paved with the heroism and sacrifices of many as they continue, like all workers, they yearn for a better tomorrow.
