The GAWU was most disturbed after it learnt from a report appearing in the July 01, 2020 Stabroek News that there appears to be active consideration to bring the operations of GuySuCo to a halt and as a consequence layoff thousands of workers. Our Union has dispatched a letter to the Corporation’s CEO, Dr Harold Davis (junior) seeking clarification on the report appearing in the media. We are obviously very concerned and alarmed by the possible developments and seek to hear from the GuySuCo.
As we understand it, the seeming direction by the Corporation is reportedly linked to the apparent withholding of promised support from the NICIL-SPU. This is occurring though NICIL’s CEO (a.g.), Mr Colvin Heath-London was reported, in a section of the media, that the release of funds was expected soon. As recent as last week, we were informed by the Corporation sources that no funds were forthcoming from that avenue. We learnt too that it was only yesterday (June 30) that staffers received to June, 2020 salaries. This was realized after the Corporation received a payment for the sale of molasses.
The apparent deliberate delay undoubtedly has pushed the Corporation to the precipice. The possibility that the thoughts have entered the minds of the industry’s leadership to close GuySuCo’s doors and gates only serves to add further anguish to the thousands of sugar workers. With the economy already teetering the distinct possibility that the sugar industry could face collapse can well plunge the country into a deeper crisis. This cannot be a situation that the de-facto Government should stand by idly at the sidelines though it is known to be big on talk and very short in action.
The GAWU remains hopeful that the situation could be averted but holds that meaningful assistance could only come through the installation of a legitimate Government, a product of the will of the Guyanese people. The band-aid approach would not resolve the difficulties of the industry. Thus, the continued electoral games, as it well seen, can only do more harm to the ordinary people who now face the prospect of joblessness and misery-filled lives. This is a situation, we contend, cannot be afforded by our nation, at this or any time.
