The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) is indeed pleased with the decision of His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s decision to re-establish the Ministry of Labour. The re-establishment of a full-fledged Labour Ministry, we hold, is a significant win for the nation’s workers whose rights, concerns and well-being were largely sidelined during the stint of the Coalition.
Our Federation, among others, had expressed its strong criticism as it regarded the demotion of the former Ministry to a Department. That demotion coincided with an almost lethargic functioning of the now former Labour Department. We are nevertheless optimistic that a new page has been turned and the Ministry will be revitalized in the interest of our nation’s workers who, in our view, are our nation’s most critical asset. The FITUG, at this time, looks forward to working with Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton who, through media reports, has commitment to ensuring our labour force reaches full capacity.
We also, at this time, take the opportunity to congratulate the new Ministers of Government. Indeed, the diverse grouping would bring new energy to the Government and State as they push the development agenda which undoubtedly is aimed at improving the well-being and standard-of-living of all Guyanese. The FITUG looks forward to working with our new Ministers as we seek to play our role in promoting all-round progress and development.
