The commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)’s recognition within the sugar industry, held on March 26, 2026, offered a moment of sober reflection on the Union’s long and often arduous journey. Convened under the theme “Born of Struggle, Built for Success,” the observance not only marked this historic milestone but also illuminated over eight decades of principled advocacy, resilience, and transformative achievement on behalf of working people.
Delivering the feature address, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali situated GAWU’s legacy within the broader arc of Guyana’s national development. He underscored the Union’s seminal contribution to the social and economic gains now enjoyed by citizens, emphasising that any comprehensive account of the nation’s history would be incomplete without a dedicated recognition of GAWU’s role. The President further acknowledged the Union’s enduring credibility and the respect it commands nationwide.
Turning to more recent history, President Ali reflected on the profound challenges faced by sugar workers between 2015 and 2020, a period marked by estate closures, wage stagnation, and the erosion of workers’ rights and dignity. He recalled the displacement of approximately 7,000 workers and the resulting hardship that cast a shadow over entire communities. In that context, he reaffirmed that he and his party, People’s Progressive Party/Civic, stood steadfastly with the workers, consistent with its longstanding tradition of solidarity. He also highlighted that, since assuming office in 2020, his Administration has made significant investments to revitalise the sugar industry and extend tangible support to affected workers, recognising that the industry remains an important pillar in rural Guyana. The President urged vigilance against misinformation, cautioning against narratives that seek to distort the past or mislead the public.
In his remarks, GAWU President Seepaul Narine traced the Union’s origins to its precursor, the Guiana Industrial Workers Union (GIWU), established in 1946. He characterised GAWU’s evolution as a story defined by struggle, perseverance, and meaningful progress. Narine paid tribute to a distinguished lineage of leadership, including former Presidents Boysie Ramkarran, Albert Budhoo, Jankie Persaud, and Komal Chand, whose collective contributions have indelibly shaped the Union’s trajectory. He also recognised the unwavering support of Dr Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan, whose advocacy for workers’ rights remains deeply embedded in GAWU’s institutional memory.
International solidarity was underscored by remarks from Kristijan Bragason, General Secretary of the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF), who lauded GAWU’s longevity and impact, noting that such milestones are attained only through sustained commitment and principled leadership. Clifton Grant, IUF Caribbean Regional Secretary, also highlighted the enduring fraternal relationship between GAWU and Jamaica’s University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU), emphasising their shared history of collaboration and mutual support.
Messages of solidarity were also conveyed by prominent trade union leaders, including Carvil Duncan President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and General Secretary of the Guyana Labour Union (GLU); Dawchan Nagasar General Secretary of FITUG and the General Secretary Secretary of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE); Sherwood Clarke, the General Secretary of the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU); as well as Nadia Lambert and Shakeida Williams of the IUF Women and Young Workers Committees respectively.
Ultimately, the anniversary observance served not merely as a commemoration but as a reaffirmation of GAWU’s enduring mission. It provided a platform to honour its past, critically engage with present realities, and chart a forward-looking course grounded in the same spirit of struggle, unity, and progress that has defined the Union since its inception.
