Comrades, brothers and sisters of the working class, members of our trade unions, friends of labour across Guyana and the Caribbean, and all citizens—Good Morning and Happy Labour Day 2025.
Today, as we gather in unity to honour the sacrifices and contributions of the working people of Guyana, we do so under the weight of national grief and uncertainty. Before I speak to the triumphs and challenges of our movement, let me first express, on behalf of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Adrianna Younge, a young life cut short far too soon.
Adrianna’s passing has stirred profound sorrow across our country. It is a tragedy that must not be ignored or politicised but must instead compel us all to seek truth, and protect the dignity of every life in this nation. We support and note the efforts made by the authorities and independent professionals to investigate this case with transparency and integrity. We welcome the involvement of international expertise and await the final toxicology report, which we hope will bring greater clarity.
However, even as we mourn, we must also speak clearly and without hesitation—we condemn in the strongest terms all acts of violence, aggression, and looting that have followed this tragedy. These acts do not honour Adrianna’s memory, nor do they reflect the peaceful, respectful society that we strive to build. Violence and chaos have no place in our democratic and civilised country. Equally, we denounce those who are leading and influencing our people to act recklessly and irresponsibly—those who sow discord for their own gain, and those who mislead our youth into acts of destruction rather than peaceful advocacy.
The working class has always been the moral centre of our country—builders of communities and defenders of peace. Let us not lose sight of that legacy.
Today, we also pause to pay tribute to the continued and unwavering contributions of the Guyanese working class. In the fields, in the factories, in the public service, on construction sites, in hospitals, classrooms, and offices—our workers power this nation. Despite the odds and challenges of adjusting to a fast-growing economy, our workers continue to give their best. You are the foundation upon which Guyana’s progress stands.
And yes, comrades, Guyana is progressing. We are seeing a transformation that not long ago felt like a dream. Massive investments in infrastructure, expansion of social services, and renewed attention to agriculture, housing, energy, education, and healthcare are all reshaping our country for the better.
We acknowledge that the government has undertaken several pro-worker initiatives. From improved access to education and vocational training to expanded healthcare coverage and housing solutions, these are policies with a human face. Significant investments in roads, bridges, hospitals, and school facilities are not just signs of development; they are signs of a commitment to inclusion and modernisation.
But let us be clear—while we recognise these advancements, we also reaffirm the responsibility that comes with national growth. We in the labour movement insist that workers must not be left behind. Guyana’s rise must also be the workers’ rise. As our economy expands, as oil revenues grow, and as international attention turns to our shores, we say with one voice: the Guyanese worker must benefit fairly and fully.
In this context, we call for an urgent and meaningful increase in the national minimum wage. Our working families deserve a wage that reflects the reality of daily life. A nation cannot prosper if its workers face difficulties. We urge policymakers and employers to act decisively on the issue of improving the national minimum wage.
Comrades, our call is not isolated. Around the world, we are seeing a renewed rise in worker consciousness and activism. From Latin America to Europe, from North America to Africa and Asia, workers are demanding fair wages, better conditions, and corporate accountability. In recent months, we have seen major strikes in the transport, education, and health sectors across continents. Workers are standing up!
This global movement is also a reminder that our struggle is not unique—it is shared by workers everywhere. It affirms our place in an international brotherhood and sisterhood of labour. And it reinforces the importance of solidarity, unity, and collective strength.
Here in Guyana, we must continue to organise, educate, and empower our members. We must strengthen the institutions that protect worker rights and prepare our workforce for the demands of a rapidly changing economy. We must ensure that trade unions remain dynamic, inclusive, and responsive to new generations of workers, especially our young people, who will inherit the society we are building today.
Brothers and sisters, in these complex times, we must remain united, not divided by politics, race, class, or geography. We must reject those who stoke fear and mistrust, and instead build a nation rooted in cooperation, equity, and respect. We must ensure that the social contract between workers and the state is upheld, that workers are protected, and that economic gains are distributed fairly.
As we celebrate this Labour Day 2025, let us honour the memory of those who came before us—the sugar workers, bauxite miners, teachers, nurses, and public servants who fought for better life for us to enjoy. Let us renew our commitment to building a Guyana where every worker has a voice, every family has the opportunity, and every child has hope.
May the workers of Guyana continue to lead with pride, purpose, and in unison.
Long live the working class!
Long live solidarity!
Happy Labour Day to all!
