The extractive sector continues to receive seminal attention as the value of our nation’s natural resources continues to grow in importance. More recently, we have seen announcement of large gold finds and re-entry of previously departed companies. We see similar interests heating up in the bauxite sector as well with several new ventures are set to get underway while exploratory works are continuing. Similar interests we have seen emerged in other areas as well.
Of course the newest star of the sector – oil – cannot go unnoticed. Indeed, we have been regaled with the caviar dreams of the windfall that awaits us. And, certainly, oil can well bring untold riches as many countries have demonstrated. But alongside those possibilities we recognise the many probabilities of pitfalls as well. We hold whether it is oil, gold, diamonds, bauxite, forestry, or whatever other rich resource our nation is blessed with, our people must come first and foremost. It is our patrimony and it is incumbent on us all to ensure that future generations benefit from our natural wealth.
Of grave concern as well is the employment practices of participants in the sector. Workers continue to complain of their rights being disrespected and certain conditions of work ignored. Worse yet workers are penalized for the mere talk of organizing themselves in a Union. We recognise the role of the State and are encouraged by the statements by the Minister of Labour who has continued to stand with the workers. For its part, the GAWU has continued to make itself available to workers who believe they have been wronged and require advice and/or representation. We believe this is our civic duty to protect our fellow citizens and to ensure that they are not exploited.
