Issue#5 Volume#39
Combat Voice of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)
The sugar bond In recent weeks, the Guyanese people have watched, with sincere apprehensions, the confusion playing out in the public arena regarding the $30B borrowed by NICIL-SPU on behalf of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo). With deep dismay, our nation’s people heard the Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, loudly proclaiming that he was simply not interested in the bond. This Minister’s loud bellowing is probably the clearest manifestation of the regard and concern the APNU+AFC Government has for the sugar industry, and more so the thousands of our citizens, young and old, who depend on the industry’s operations and activities. For the Minister to take what can only be described as a lackadaisical attitude to the utilization of the bond in the industry’s interest has completely made him unfit and improper to hold the important post he has in the country. The Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, apparently seeking to soothe concerns, jumped into the fray and said that once the bond conditions were complied with, the proceeds will be released in quick order. This sentiment, while appearing rational on the surface, brought us nevertheless no closer to the solution. What are these conditions the Finance Minister is speaking about? Who decided on them? Who will ensure that they are satisfied? What’s the role of GuySuCo and of NICIL-SPU? And what mechanism has been put in place to ensure effective and efficient utilization of the proceeds? These are all very important questions that require clear and unambiguous answers. Lest we forget, the bond is backed by a sovereign Government guarantee apart from the assets of NICIL, which now include GuySuCo as well. Loose and slack arrangements, apart from having an egg on your face implication for the country, will see the Guyanese people, today and tomorrow, being saddled with the debt plus interest to bond holders, or will see our citizens having to liquidate pricy assets, probably in a fire-sale scenario, to meet obligations to bondholders. So far, the confusion has revealed that $2B of the $30B has been released to GuySuCo to meet operational expenditure. The release of that sum, like many things in the era of the current Government, has not been without controversy. The media reported that Republic Bank (Trinidad) which arranged the bond had put a halt on further releases after it learnt that the monies released were not used for the purposes intended. Subsequent news reports did inform that the situation has been resolved and the bank has released the brake, so to speak. At this time, with $28B remaining somewhere and the first semi-annual interest payment due not too long from now, the state-owned sugar company is, from all appearances, no closer to using the sums towards the industry’s re-capitalisation. Continued on page two (2) COMBAT 15 Sep - 16 Nov, 2018
15 September to 16 November, 2018
Dismissed sugar workers to receive interest on outstanding monies
Dismissed sugar workers participating in a picketing exercise calling on the Government and GuySuCo to pay their outstanding severance pay
In what could be deemed as a major victory, thousands of sugar workers are to receive interest payments on the outstanding severance payments due to them. At the end of 2017, nearly 5,000 workers lost their jobs following what could only be described as a callous decision to close Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara Estates. Further salt was rubbed in the wound when the Government, which decided to close the estates in the first place, announced that it could not fully fulfill the workers’ severance payments, though prior to that announcement the Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, according to the media, had said that sufficient monies were allocated to meet the payments. The Coalition Government, in early 2018, advised that it could not afford to settle its lawful obligations to the workers, and proceeded to pay workers whose payments were in excess of $500,000, half of their entitlements. The GAWU, among others, as critical of the Administration’s decision, and pointed to the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act, which was pellucid that the workers were entitled to full payment at the time of their termination.
workers themselves participated in picketing exercises, calling on the Administration to stop being in the breach and to at last settle the outstanding payments.
In spite of the clarity of the Termination Act, the Administration adamantly and foolhardily pressed on and paid workers half of their entitlements, with a commitment to settle the second half by the end of 2018. The approach by the Government, in this case, left a most bitter taste in the workers’ mouths, as they were already jobless and hard-pressed to find new employment. Many of them in fact were forced to utilize their payments to meet their life’s obligations. Several media reports drew to the public’s attention the difficult times that workers and their families were now facing. Apart from that, the
Nevertheless, the matter came up for decision on November 02, and High Court Judge Fidella Corbin-Lincoln, probably recognizing what took place outside of the Court, ordered that the Corporation pay to the workers 6 per cent interest from the time they were severed to the time of judgment, and 4 per cent interest from the time of judgment until the payment is settled. The Judge also ordered that the Corporation settle the payments by January 15, 2019.
In June this year, GAWU moved to the High Court, seeking an order compelling the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) to fulfill its lawful obligation to the workers. The attorneys representing the GuySuCo, maybe recognizing the slippery slope they were on, sought futilely to have the case dismissed. GAWU’s attorney, Anil Nandlall, however, convincingly rebuffed the arguments by the Corporation’s legal representatives. With mounting pressure and maybe as a means to derail the Court proceedings, the Government moved, on October 31 to the National Assembly to secure funds to settle its indebtedness to the workers. The Agriculture Minister, when asked by the Parliamentary Opposition if the funds catered for interest on the outstanding payments, did not offer a response. During the Parliamentary proceedings on the matter, Minister Holder also could not say when the payments would be made to the workers.
Continued on page three (3) PAGE ONE
The sugar bond Continued from page one (1) This non-utilisation of the bond proceeds cannot, in any way, be disconnected from the absence of a plan that will guide the expenditure. The GAWU, following a meeting with NICIL-SPU and GuySuCo in April this year, had expressed alarm that no plan was developed to provide a road map for the industry’s use of the large sum borrowed. We are now near-
ly at the end of October, and no plan, to the best of our knowledge, is appearing on the horizon. All we and the Guyanese people are told about are a collection of ideas involving co-generation, plantation white sugar, and improving cane yields. Indeed, while the GAWU accepts this is the direction the industry must go, a collection of ideas cannot be deemed as substitute for a ‘fit and proper’ plan.
AGRICULTURE MONTH 2018:
Is there anything to celebrate?
FITUG says:
Vice President Ramjattan’s outburst reflective of his poor performance
The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) was taken aback and become very disappointed when it listened to Vice President and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan’s outburst during a recent media conference. We cannot help but wonder whether his colleagues do not offer him any cautionary advice about his conduct when in the view of the public. The Minister, at the press briefing, confessed to the media, and by extension the Guyanese people, that he lacks any ideas to address the prison situation. His utterances do not give us hope that the Vice President is able to effectively discharge his Governmental responsibilities. The Minister went on to share that he has headaches in coming up with suggestions to treat with the clearly serious prison situation. This is not something the Guyanese people want to hear at this time. FITUG knows that the Minister is known for such characteristic outbursts; for instance, we recall him telling jobless sugar workers earlier this year that God wanted the estates to be closed. However, this latest outburst, a confession of sorts, will cause many Guyanese to suffer sleepless nights. Just days prior to the Minister’s admission, the Guyana Police Force’s statistics indicated a less-than-pleasing picture. From those statistics, we learnt that robbery is still prevalent. We cannot help but wonder at this time in what other areas is the Minister out of ideas. When one looks at the situation during COMBAT 15 Sep - 16 Nov, 2018
the Minister’s stint, we recognise that under his watch the nation witnessed several prison riots, the burning down of the Camp Street penitentiary, the escape of prisoners on more than one occasion; and increased robberies and banditry, among other things. In those circumstances, it’s not difficult to reach the conclusion that the Vice President is found wanting. We recognise, too, that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, indicated at his most recent post-Cabinet press briefing that Government has seemingly given Minister Ramjattan some assistance. From the State Minister, we learnt, at this time, the Public Security Minister is consulting with knowledgeable persons to assist him with some ideas. It puzzles us why is it, in the first place, the Minister didn’t seek to consult with capable persons rather than having to get an order, so to speak, from the Cabinet to do so. Minister Ramjattan, as a seasoned politician, we expected would have known better; but may be it is we who have the bar set too high for him. It seems to us that the time maybe now right for the Minister to give serious contemplation as to whether he is adequately fulfilling his responsibilities in a most serious area of governance. He may want to entertain his idea of getting on a boat and anchoring it somewhere in the ocean, as he suggested be done with the incarcerated. Come Minister, our nation wants relief from the prevalent crime situation.
October has for many years now, been designated Agriculture Month in Guyana. The setting aside of an entire month to give recognition to the agricultural sector is a clear demonstration and a stark reminder of the important role the sector plays in our society, our economy and our country. Notwithstanding economic development and advancement over the years, agriculture still plays a significant role, and occupies a noteworthy place in our country. Today, while we are filled with the promise of an oil bonanza, it seems that our leaders have forgotten that agriculture provides sustenance for thousands of Guyanese. It’s an important foreign exchange earner; it plays a critical role in the maintenance of food security; and it offers significant possibilities for a secure economic future. We have seen even ExxonMobil warning our Government not to pay scant regard to the agricultural sector, recognizing the finite nature of oil. Guyana has several comparative advantages relative to its Caribbean counterparts in this important area. The country can rightly be deemed the ‘Food Basket of the Caribbean’ for possessing large areas of fertile land, ready access to fresh water, vast experience and knowledge in farming techniques and practices, among other things. Agriculture and agro-industrialization have long been described as a major pillar for Guyana’s upward trajectory. The global demand for food won’t wane, and with projections for an ever increasing global population, the need for continual focus is this area cannot be understated. It is therefore with great disappointment that such thinking is apparently missing from our current crop of leaders. Rather than seeking to support, protect and advance the agricultural sector, we are witnessing with great alacrity the diminution of agriculture. During the life so far of the current Government, budgetary allocations to the agriculture sector have been reduced. In this period, too, we have seen what can only be described as scant regard for the sector. Sugar, a major sub-sector, has been miniaturized,
and this has seen a 40 per cent fall in production and the industry’s export earnings falling by 38 per cent. Rice, another major sub-sector, has seen its fair share of challenges. While production has grown during the tenure of the APNU+AFC, export earnings have fallen, indicating a less-than-rosy picture. In the fishing industry, it has faced its fair share of licks too, with catfish exports to the United States being prohibited since the Government failed to put in place the required measures to ensure the market remained open. Lamentably, the Administration was given several extensions to put its house in order; but, for whatever reason, failed to act. We have also seen a major shrimp processor going out of business and some 400 workers losing their jobs. In areas of fruits and vegetables, where there is significant opportunity, Government is dragging its feet, apparently in collaborating with the private sector in the setting up of suitable facilities to allow for the export of such produce. From the foregoing, it seems agriculture does not occupy a place of importance in the mind of our Government. Such conclusions are unfortunately not hard to reach. Let’s look at the Government’s agriculture lead person – Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder. As a Minister with such a large and important portfolio, he is seldom seen interacting and engaging with personalities and movers in the agricultural sector. We are at a loss to recall the last time the Minister was seen in rice, cane, or any other kind of agriculture-linked field. It seems that the Minister may not have affection for such engagements, important as they are. Then when the Minister’s public statements are compared with his actions, a very revealing picture is painted. Agriculture Month 2018 is being celebrated under the theme: “Shaping Agriculture for a Green Economy” and the public is told that several exhibitions and drama competitions are planned. Those, while worthwhile, do not address in any meaningful way the challenges the agricultural sector faces. We ask, do we have anything to celebrate? PAGE TWO
Oil production on the horizon – how prepared are we?
In about seventeen (17) months’ time, ExxonMobil and its partners are expected to commence commercial oil production from the Liza oil field. Indeed, it would be a memorable day for Guyana and Guyanese as we become an oil-producing nation. Our Government has been telling us that oil will open many new doors and allow our dreams as a people to become a reality. Such aspirations are what any rational people would desire and want. But we ask, at this time, how much of what we are being told is a fairy tale? With just months away from being a commercial oil producer, several important and necessary questions remain unresolved. We do not have any clear governance structure regarding the sector. The Petroleum Commission Bill remains in a logjam in the Legislature, with several real concerns being expressed about the wide power the Minister wields. The issue of sustainably utilizing our oil wealth, an important factor in realizing the governmental promises, also remains unresolved. On this score, the Government has presented a paper which lays out a framework regarding the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). The paper, unfortunately, provides readers with more questions than answers, and the issue of giving legislative teeth to the SW Fund remains a promise at this time. The matter of local content is another area that has attracted considerable at-
tention and scrutiny. More recently, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) produced its own version of what the local content policy could become. The Government, characteristically, remains mum. This is an important matter, and one that cannot be treated lightly, given its importance to the Guyanese people. The issue of the Ministry of the Presidency’s Department of Energy is another area which has attracted dark clouds. The almost surreptitious appointment of that Department’s head, whose experience remains questionable at best, does not provide a great deal of hope. Added to those woes are the lopsided contract negotiated and the concerns regarding protections in the instance of oil spills and waste disposal during oil production, as well as other factors which have not fully been articulated. The matters of cost recovery and the ability of the authorities to adequately police this area have also evoked concern in society. Today, Government has literally pinned Guyana’s hopes on oil and gas. But with so many questions, it is not far-fetched to wonder whether we are being led into wonderland instead of the promised land. Clearly, a short time remains, and the Government has a lot of work to do to clear up doubts and misconceptions in the minds of many Guyanese regarding oil.
Workers’ savings at risk by Berbice Bridge takeover - FITUG The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) had felt by now the Government of Guyana would have spelt out its position regarding the future of the ownership of the Berbice Bridge. Our patience for such an explanation has worn thin, and thus our resort to a public statement. We believe such an explanation is necessary, taking into account that the NIS and several pension plans are among those holding investments in the Bridge. With the sudden takeover of the operations, the Government has so far been silent on how it intends to address the investment of these workers’ monies. The FITUG, while it could not find favour with what could be described as enormous toll hikes, also, at the same time, cannot ignore that workers could possibly lose monies they would most need in their twilight years. This is a matter we cannot condone or accept, and it is incumbent on the Government to fully COMBAT
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and adequately address this matter, bearing in mind the repercussions it would have. The Federation also, at this time, cannot fail to express its disappointment that, so far, Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson has failed to respond to a request by FITUG and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) to engage on the developments regarding the Berbice Bridge. The workers’ umbrella bodies, in a joint letter dated October 22, has sought an audience with the Minister following a similar engagement the bodies had with officials of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI). The engagement,we felt, would have allowed the Government to respond to concerns of the Trade Union Movement, and to provide appropriate explanations and clarifications. The absence of a response by the Minister’s in our view yet another reminder of the esteem the APNU+AFC Government has for the workers and their organisations.
Minister Jordan’s propaganda cannot fool sugar workers
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) saw in October 18 dailies a full page advertisement by the Ministry of Finance informing that Minister Winston Jordan would be seeking Parliamentary approval for monies to settle the outstanding severance payments to the thousands of sugar workers the Government laid off since it came to office. Such an advertisement, we gather, is an expensive venture, and is yet another demonstration of how our people’s monies are used nowadays. Minister Jordan, who it seems is smiling from ear to ear, tells workers not to be fooled, and that they would soon be paid. While the GAWU is happy, even at this very late stage, that the workers, who desperately need their monies, will be paid, expectedly with interest, at the same time, we feel constrained to point out that the effort is coming along at a time close to the November 12 Local Government elections, and additionally, we wish to note that the Minister is not doing the workers any favours, as he wants to make it seem. The fact that the Government is moving to secure funds to settle its indebtedness to the workers is not because of magnanimity, but because of a sustained struggle which kept the matter in the air. Over the last months, the nation has been moved by the sad situations workers and their families now find themselves in. The workers themselves have taken part in picketing exercises and marches. The
Union has sought judicial intervention to have the Government respect the laws of our land, which, we cannot fail to re-collect, the attorneys representing GuySuCo sought to have dismissed on frivolous grounds. Fraternal union bodies abroad have also condemned the Government’s actions, with UNIFOR’s International Director, just weeks ago, telling the media that in Canada such acts would have seen the perpetrators behind bars. Also, we cannot forget that several allies, on many occasions, have drawn attention to what can only be described as a shameful crime against the workers and their families. So while the Minister wants to appear to beat his own drum, he and his colleagues have committed one of the gravest assaults on the workers; first putting them out of a job, and then denying them their lawful payments for a prolonged period, contrary to our country’s laws. At the end of the day, had the Government not been denounced as it deserves, in our view, the machinations and the face-saving manoeuvres now being employed would have not been pursued at this time. Today, while the Administration seeks to redeem itself in the eyes of the sugar workers, and come into their good graces after creating painful wounds and then rubbing pepper in them, we wish to tell the Minister and the Government that it cannot fool the workers, as it ignominiously seeks to do now with advertisements, flyers and other propaganda material.
Continued from page one (1) The Union’s Attorney had sought to have the payment settled earlier, but the Judge did not agree. The fact that the Judge ordered the Corporation to pay interest, in our view, meant that the Court accepted the Union’s submissions and agreed that the workers were wronged in the eyes of the law. The GAWU is pleased that the workers will receive some additional payments. It brings some justice to the beleaguered group of workers, and can be seen as a
silver lining on the dark clouds that hover over their heads of the workers. The Court’s decision vindicates the GAWU position to approach the Judiciary. We recall that soon after we approached the Courts, a tiny group of seemingly misguided persons were critical of our decision, but nevertheless they, along with many of their colleagues, stand to benefit from the ruling. The Union looks forward, at this time, to the Government and the Corporation abiding by the decision.
Dismissed sugar workers...
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Julian Assange held 8 Years Without Charge by the UK Government Mr. Assange is an Australian Citizen, and the Australian Government have a moral and legal responsibility to renew his passport and facilitate his safe return to his own country, should he wish to do so. Julian Assange deserves all our admiration and gratitude for his courage and
bravery in truth-telling. He is an inspiration to us all, together with his colleagues at Wikileaks, who are paying a high price for informing the public and upholding our right to know when Governments violate human rights and international laws.
War, disease & famine: Yemen crisis at breaking point
By Mairead Maguire On 4th November, 2018, Christine Assange, mother of Julian Assange, made a deeply moving video public appeal to save the life of her son Julian. Julian Assange is Editor in Chief of Wikileaks. Because of Wikileaks’ reporting of acts during US/NATO’s illegal wars against Afghanistan, Iraq, etc., and the highlighting of corruption by USA/CIA and Corporate powers, and continuing his fight in disclosing the links between the private corporations and government agencies, Julian Assange has been threatened by high profile USA citizens, and a Grand Jury has been set up in America to try Julian Assange and Wikileaks, for their publications. For this, he is being persecuted and deprived of his right to liberty, basic human rights etc., Six years ago, Julian Assange, aware of these extradition plans of America, sought asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he remains. Julian Assange is now six years within the Ecuadorian Embassy, and has now been detained WITHOUT CHARGES for eight years. In her appeal for her son’s life, Christine Assange says he is in immediate critical danger. He is now all alone; sick; cut off from all contacts, including computer phone mail; and is being persecuted in the heart of London. Ms. Assange says‚ for the past six years, the UK Gov. has refused his request for basic health care, fresh air, sunshine for vitamin D, access to proper medical and dental care. As a result, his health has seriously deteriorated. Doctors have said the detention conditions are life threatening. In 2016, after in-depth investigations, the UN ruled that Julian’s legal and human rights had been violated on multiple occasions, and that he had been illegally detained in 2010; and they ordered his immediate release, safe passage, and compensation. The UK Gov has refused to abide by this COMBAT 15 Sep - 16 Nov, 2018
UN decision’. When US Vice President Mike Pence visited Ecuador several months ago, behind scenes, Ecuador did a deal with US to have Julian Assange extradited for life in USA prison. Ecuador are trying to make this acceptable by saying that the US has agreed not to kill him. Now it’s a propaganda war with the US and UK to reduce his support enough to get away with it politically. The UK/US extradition act means he could be held in Guantanamo Prison and face torture, 45 years’ indefinite detention and/or death penalty. Currently, there is a court case in Ecuador, fighting the threats to violate his asylum given by the previous President of Ecuador. There are strict protocols set down by the Ecuadorian Embassy regarding visitors, and, to date, Julian has not managed to have visitors for many months now. The Ecuadorian Embassy has administered formal restrictions on Julian Assange, and he is gagged from saying anything about politics, foreign policy, human rights’ abuses; in fact, anything critical about any country in the world. This is political persecution of Julian Assange by high level people, and it is punishment for exposing high level corruption when he was editor of Wikileaks. Christine Assange has appealed to save her son’s life, and her appeal deserves an immediate response by us all and the Parties responsible. Mr. Assange is not asking for special treatment, he simply insists that the UK applies standard laws and procedures to him. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s opinion confirmed Mr. Assange’s right to liberty and right to protection. A text between Ecuador and the United Kingdom guaranteeing Assange would not be extradited to the USA would provide an immediate resolution to the continued illegal and arbitrary detention of Mr. Assange.
A man walks past a building destroyed in Yemen's southwestern city of Taiz
By RT Millions of Yemenis are on the brink of starvation while the country is in the midst of the world’s fastest-growing cholera epidemic. Civil war, foreign military intervention, and a naval blockade have caused death and disease on a massive scale. Yemen can no longer sustain itself, following a prolonged and bloody insurrection and a brutal bombing campaign waged by the Saudi-led coalition since March 2015. In spite of UN warnings about extremely high collateral damage caused by the airstrikes, the US and UK continue to supply Saudi Arabia with billions of dollars in arms. The coalition of nine Arab states has carried out 5,676 airstrikes in Yemen so far this year, far surpassing the 3,936 launched in 2016. Over 4,000 civilians, including 1,332 children, have died as a direct result of the fighting, while the overall death toll since the civil war began has surpassed 10,000. What began as a bombing campaign has now morphed into a naval and economic blockade which continues to this day. The destruction of critical water and sanitation infrastructure has also generated the worst cholera outbreak in the world, with more than 500,000 cases reported by the WHO. A recent analysis by a team of researchers at London’s Queen Mary University found that the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen played a key role in the cholera
epidemic. “Saudi-led airstrikes have destroyed vital infrastructure, including hospitals and public water systems, hit civilian areas, and displaced people in crowded and unsanitary conditions. A Saudi-enforced blockade of imports has caused shortages of, among other things, food, medical supplies, fuel and chlorine, and restricted humanitarian access.” Renee Van de Weerdt, Chief of Emergency Management and Support at the World Health Organization (WHO), summed up the impact of such sustained bombardment during an already violent civil war in an interview with RT. “The situation is dire in Yemen. Less than fifty percent of the health facilities are operating; more than 15 million people have no access to basic health care services,” Van de Weerdt said. Some 80 per cent of Yemen’s food is imported, and the ongoing Arab coalition siege has left 17 million people - roughly 60 percent of the country’s population - in need of food assistance. At least 6.8 million people, or roughly one in four Yemenis, are severely food insecure and depend entirely on external aid, reports the WFP. Saudi officials claim the security situation is so precarious that they cannot risk more arms making it into the country, even though the UN inspects every ship that aims to make port in the northern hub of Hodeida, a main supply artery for the entire country. In addition, more than three million women and children under the age of five need medical support to prevent or cure malnutrition. PAGE FOUR
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Brazil will miss Cuban doctors
By Granma The National Council of Municipal Health Secretaries and the National Front of Brazilian Mayors warned rightwing President-elect Jair Bolsonaro of the imminent, irreparable damage to the population’s health, as a consequence of Cuba leaving the More Doctors programme. In a joint statement, the two organizations lamented the suspension of the agreement between the Pan American Health organization and the Cuban Government which allowed for the work of some 8,500 doctors from the island in Brazil. Estimates indicate that 29 million Brazilians will be left without medical assistance. “The abrupt cancellation of the current contracts implies a cruel impact on the entire population, especially the poorest. We cannot renounce the constitutional principle of making the right to health universal, or agree with this setback,” the statement indicated. Cubans currently represent more than half of the doctors in the programme, and the cancellation of their contracts would lead to a situation described by these organizations as disastrous in at least 3,243 municipalities. Of the country’s 5,570 municipalities, 3,228 (79.5%) only have doctors provided by the programme, and 90% of the services available to the indigenous population are provided by Cuban professionals. The statement also notes that the More Doctors programme is broadly supported by those served, indicating, “Eighty-five percent say that health care has improved with the programme. In the municipalities, it is also possible to verify the greater permanence of these professionals on the family health teams, and their integration within the locales where they are assigned.” The programme was won by Brazilian municipalities, and developed in response to the “Where is the doctor?” campaign led by the Mayors Front in 2013. At that time, local officials made clear the difficulties they faced in contracting and placing professionals in the country’s interior, and in poor communities on the outskirts of large cities. The text notes that the abrupt interruption of cooperation with the Cuban Government, focused on prevention at the primary level, will negatively impact the health system, increasing demands COMBAT 15 Sep - 16 Nov, 2018
for doctors’ appointments at higher level institutions, and additionally aggravate regional inequalities. Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff stated, “For the poor, this will be an irreparable loss. The end of the agreement was caused by the intemperate statements of President-elect Jair Bolsonaro, who ignores the diplomatic dimension that must prevail in relations between two countries”. For the poorest, the end of the programme will be a great loss in the short and long runs. Tens of millions of Brazilians across the entire country will be without primary care, Rousseff stated, Bolsonaro “disregarded, with absolute arrogance, the diplomatic postures required in relations between countries The most serious, therefore, is that all of this has occurred without consulting the signatories of the agreement, the PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) and the Cuban Ministry of Public Health. His rash, authoritarian statements could even disturb doctors from other countries, participating to a lesser degree in the More Doctors Programme.” Rousseff went on, “The demand to subject foreign doctors to an exam in Brazil can only be seen as a gesture of disrespect, xenophobia, and arrogance directed toward health professionals from other countries. Especially since the (Cuban) Ministries of Public Health and Education supervise the work of all doctors and evaluate their performance” . According to Rousseff, Bolsonaro’s affront to Cuban doctors and those from other countries working in the programme, is an attack on the Brazilian people, who will lose access to valuable, highly-skilled professionals providing primary care to the poorest sectors of the population. “Moreover, this is an authoritarian attitude. It reveals incompetence, unilaterally breaking an agreement signed by a respected, internationally recognized health organization. “The Brazilian population has benefited from the generous competence of Cuban doctors, whom the Brazilian Government should recognize for their fraternal solidarity. I convey a tribute to them, my gratitude. The work of these dedicated, generous professionals will be missed by Brazilians,” she concluded.
International Opposition to the 'Military Option' and sanctions against Venezuela may be gaining strength
By Steve Ellner Several developments point to a reaction against loose, imprudent talk of a military solution to the situation in Venezuela. A recent article in the New York Times, titled “Trump Administration Discussed Coup Plans with Rebel Venezuelan Officers”, criticized the U.S. Government for encouraging coup plotters in the Venezuelan military. Furthermore, Spain’s recently elected prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has assumed a position on Venezuela that is closer to that of his predecessor, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who opposes sanctions and calls for dialogue rather than Felipe González with his hard line opposition to the Maduro government. Mexico’s President-elect, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has made clear his intention to restore his country’s principle, established by the revolution of 1910 and embodied in its constitution, of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. The situation in the Democratic Party, which just gained control of the lower House of Congress, also points to possible changes, even though historically the differences between it and the Republican Party on foreign policy are often minimal. The Democrats object to Trump’s sanctions against Iran, since the agreement with that nation, which Washington has just torn up, was an initiative of their fellow party member President Obama. The mainstream media, such as the New York Times which is close to the
Democrats, are now publicizing the fact that the sanctions have a widespread effect throughout the world. For instance, even though Great Britain and France oppose the sanctions, oil companies Shell and Total respectively have announced they will not import Iranian oil out of fear of reprisals. U.S. sanctions against Venezuela have had the same effect, even though they have not received as much publicity up until now. The decision of companies like Ford and Kimberly Clark is to pull out of the country followed Obama’s decree declaring Venezuela a threat to U.S. national security, while General Motors and Kellogg’s did the same following Trump’s sanctions. Furthermore, Secretary of the Treasury Steven Munchin’s activities - purportedly designed to discover the hidden financial accounts of sanctioned Venezuelan officials and then to freeze them - discourage companies throughout the world from doing business with all Venezuelans. Whether or not the Democrats, and perhaps a sector of the Republican Party, take up the issue remains to be seen. But changes are underway, which may shed international light on how unilateral sanctions have always contributed to considerable suffering in those countries where they have been applied. And they may pave the way for initiatives involving Washington in favour of dialogue between the Venezuelan Government and those in the opposition who are open to the idea.
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Minister Ramjattan on shaky ground
In the October 15 Stabroek News, the attention of the GAWU was drawn to report which stated that Vice President, Minister of Public Security, and Alliance for Change (AFC) Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan, in his address to a meeting in New Amsterdam on October 13, among other things, spoke to the sugar industry. Based on the report, the public meeting described as the launching of the AFC’s LGE 2018 campaign attracted some 30 persons; and we gathered that the Vice President told those in attendance, “… good governments, when confronted with hard decisions, make them while considering the betterment of the entire country, not just one sector…”. We ask what betterment has the so-called “hard decisions” brought about? It is putting people out of paying jobs on to the breadline? Is it denying persons adequate and healthy meals? Is it preventing people from being unable to pay their bills? Is it to curtail the education of children? Is it increased anti-social behaviour? Is it family breakups and separation? We are at a loss to find this “betterment” the AFC Chairman refers to. It seems more like increased impoverishment to us. We recall that the Minister has several foot-in-the-mouth episodes to his credit, and this seems to add to an ever-expanding list of such occurrences.
The Vice President, referring to the Treasury’s assistance to the sugar industry, told his audience “…wah you go take all the money from the treasury now and just give one section”? We wish to remind the Minister that in the life of the APNU+AFC Government, allocations to sugar represented 3.98 per cent of the $968B that have been approved for spending across the four (4) budgets of the Coalition Government. Certainly, when one looks at the tens of thousands of Guyanese who depend on the sugar industry; or the services the industry provided to the nation, which the Finance Minister lamented in his letter to the media recently that the State must now foot; or the economic activity generated by the industry; or the foreign exchange the industry garnered; the loss of thousands of workers’ contributions to the NIS and the GRA, apart from the other social factors, the Treasury’s investment was more than worthwhile. So while Minister Ramjattan wants to pat himself on the back for a job well done, and offer quicksand-like defences for the Government’s callous approach to the sugar industry, there has been, as far as we see, no credible reason or any justification for the misery-filled life that the workers and their families now face.
FITUG wishes President Granger a speedy recovery
The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) was indeed most saddened to learn of His Excellency President David Granger’s recent medical diagnosis. Indeed, we cannot help but be concerned by the health and well-being of our country’s President, and thus we were most heartened to learn from the Government that President Granger is expected to make a full recovery. COMBAT 15 Sep - 16 Nov, 2018
We are aware that the Cuban health care system has been rated among the best in the world. And on that score, we have no doubt that the President will receive the best possible care as he seeks to overcome his present ailment. At this time, the FITUG joins with all Guyanese in wishing the President a speedy recovery.
Minister Jordan blaming others for his Government’s carelessness The Honourable Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, in a letter appearing on the October 09, Stabroek News, took time from his duties to respond to Stabroek’s editorial of October 07 regarding his stewardship of the economy. The Minister, in his letter, addressed several matters and sought ignominiously to cast blame on others for his Government’s carelessness in managing the affairs of the state. Minister Jordan, in his letter, apparently using a basket to fetch water, among other things, referred to the sugar industry. The Minister says “…our government has provided a bailout for GuySuCo – a whopping $37 billion to date”. But what the Finance Minister didn’t say is that the Government, of which he is a leading member, installed the Hanoman-led IMC, which collected the billions he referred to but oversaw the diminution of the industry. In Minister Jordan’s stint so far as Finance Minister, sugar production fell by over 40 per cent; sugar foreign exchange earnings fell by a whopping 38 per cent, and the sugar labour force contracted by some 7,000 employees in the period. Interestingly, prior to the Minister taking up the helm of the Finance Ministry and having direct responsibility for our nation’s economic state of affairs, the sugar industry, with smaller allocations, was able to sustain seven (7) estates and 17,000 workers. In the three (3) years prior to Minister Jordan’s leadership as Finance Minister, the sugar industry received from the Treasury aggregately $15.36B. In that period, the Corporation was able to approve pay rises for its hard working workers, and it respected workers’ benefits and conditions. Interestingly, under Minister Jordan’s Government, the only increases went to what is deemed “Key Management Personnel”, with expenditure to this group of a handful of the industry’s echelon rising by 43 per cent between 2013 and 2016. But while the Minister harps about the state support provided to the industry, which we must add is not unusual globally, he ignores what those sums meant to the wider economy. Employment costs associated at now closed Skeldon, Rose Hall, East Demerara and Wales Estates totalled G$11.941B in 2014, according to the Sugar CoI report. It is estimated that workers conservatively utilized about 85 per cent of their earnings on the purchase of goods and services. In other words, directly shop keepers,
market vendors, fisher folk, transportation providers, etc have lost $10.15B. Indirectly, using the income multiplier formula, a further $70B has been removed from the economy. This is a massive and substantial hit, and one which many, especially in rural Guyana, may not be able to recover from. Looking at the industry as a whole, using the 2014 data, we have estimated that the sugar industry generated G$118.3B in economic activity. Without a doubt, the Government, through tax receipts, was recouping the support it was providing. The Minister then says, unbelievably, the Government has to find “…$5.7 billion severance payment for workers”. But it was the Government in the first place that decided to send the workers home. It therefore follows that the Administration has an obligation to meet the workers’ entitlements, which we must reiterate are being paid contrary to our nation’s laws. For the Minister to seemingly complain about the repercussion of a decision he would have had a hand in is simply disbelieving, and seems to give even more credence to the Stabroek News editorial. We saw, too, the Minister, seemingly, lamenting “…the transfer to central government of expenditure previously borne by GuySuCo, including D&I and community centres…”. This is a most incredulous statement from the Minister. The admission by the Minister is nevertheless revealing and seems to demonstrate that the Government hadn’t fully considered the ramifications of its misguided adventure in the sugar industry. Certainly, had a thorough examination been done, as was suggested, then Minister Jordan and his colleagues would have known about what he is now seemingly decrying. From the Minister’s reflection on sugar, he has served, no doubt, to demonstrate how important the industry was, not only to its workers and their dependents, but to the wider economy. It also glaringly illustrates how nonchalantly the Administration approached the sugar industry in spite of several warnings not to proceed in the direction it ultimately went. So while Minister Jordan is upset by the licks he is getting from several quarters, they are not unjustified, and it clearly tells us that given the current trajectory, the future could be one filled with great difficulties and upset. PAGE SIX
Govt haste to pay sugar severance linked to workers’ struggles
GAWU concerned about secrecy of GuySuCo plans The GAWU has obtained a copy of the responses of Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, to questions posed by PPP/C Member of Parliament Mohamed Irfaan Ali regarding the utilization of the $30B bond secured by GuySuCo.
Several sections of the media reported about the National Assembly’s unanimous approval of supplementary allocation in the sum of $2.451B. The now approved allocation will see the stateowned GuySuCo settling outstanding severance payments to thousands of workers who lost their jobs following the Government’s decision to close four (4) sugar estates over the last two (2) years. The approval of the sum came more than 300 days after Skeldon, Rose Hall, and East Demerara Estates were closed, and nearly 700 days after Wales Estate met a similar fate. From the numbers, as reported by the Stabroek News, 5,016 workers are slated to receive payments from the now approved sum. Previously, several hundred workers from Wales were severed and paid during 2016 and 2017 by GuySuCo as the closure process at that estate commenced. When the LBI operations were ended in September, 2016, a number of other workers were also severed at that time; and just weeks prior to East Demerara’s closure in 2017, some other workers also lost their jobs. Then therewere several hundred temporary workers who did not receive severance payments, after the Corporation refused to renew their contracts when it decided that the estates would be closed. When all is taken together we see the magnitude and the toll that the closure process has taken on so many ordinary Guyanese. The approval of the sum, which came just a few days before the 2018 Local Government Elections, will certainly bring some short-term relief to the beleaguered and largely jobless workers. The entire episode, the GAWU recognizes too, was most enlightening, especially for the workers and their families, and is a clear demonstration of the lengths those who hold the reins of power will go in order to stack the odds against the working-class. The naked flouting of our laws which have been enacted to protect our people and to strengthen their hands is a most worrying development in our contemporary times, and is yet another COMBAT 15 Sep - 16 Nov, 2018
manifestation of the lack of respect held by those in power for the rights of our country’s working-people. This sad chapter of our history also reminds us that our successes can only come out of our united and consistent struggles. The Government’s reaction in this case cannot be disconnected from the consistent struggle manifested in several picketing exercises, marches, public meetings, public statements, court actions, among other things that the workers, their families and their organisations have waged. The supportive voices of several prominent individuals and organsations also set fire under the Government’s feet and forced them to act at this time. Of particular note is that the 350-odd cane cutters of Wales will, from all appearances, will receive their severance payments which have been unjustly withheld from them for nearly two (2) years now. This group of workers have been unfairly threatened with dismissal, have seen all manner of coercive ploys directed at them, and have simply been punished because they demanded what they rightly deserve. The fact that the Administration has decided to pay them, after their sustained calls for their rights to be respected, justifies that the workers and the Union were correct in their demands, and throws cold water on the ignoble attempt to railroad the workers’ rights. The bitter-sweet victory of sorts for the workers demonstrates the importance of struggle to win out in our just demands but also sadly illustrates the attempts and lows that are being sunk to rollback workers’ rights and gains. While we are happy that the workers will finally receive what is due to them, we cannot ignore the fact that they still remain without jobs or the prospect of securing jobs. The sums they will receive will be far from princely, and cannot last forever. The Administration cannot abandon these thousands of Guyanese, who still will face difficult times in the weeks and months ahead. We urge the Government to act responsibly.
The Finance Minister advised that the bond is aimed mainly “…to acquire two co-generation plants; to upgrade existing factories to produce plantation white sugar; to build storage and packing facilities; and to contribute to two (2) years of general operational costs…”. Interestingly and conspicuously absent were any mention of investments in the cane fields to improve productivity. In April this year, then GuySuCo CEO, Paul Bhim, in a GuySuCo/SPU engagement with GAWU, told us that $11B would be spent on capital works across the three (3) estates, with about 70 per cent of that sum being utilized in the fields. While we are supportive of initiatives in co-generation and white sugar, their success is largely predicated on having sufficient quantities of cane available. We therefore ask what is the purpose of having shiny, new plants but inadequate canes? The Minister next informed that the GuySuCo has presented a plan to the Administration to engender its viability. This is indeed noteworthy news from the Honourable Minister. We recognized that President David Granger, in his address to the National Assembly on October 18, said, “[a]plan is being developed to boost production in the remaining East Berbice, West Berbice and West Demerara estates”. We hasten to ask that between October 18 and 31, a span of 14 days, GuySuCo was able to develop its plan and present it to the Administration, using the Minister’s term, “…for consideration”. That plan, we may add, according to the Minister, was “[u]nderpinned by a 10-year supporting cash flow projection…”. This is simply an amazing feat, and we urge the Government to quickly share the plan with the stakeholders and the public. The planners must also be complimented, recognizing that our Union, among others, for some months has been speaking about the absence of a plan. We also wonder whether it is that the Administration has, at this time, approved the plan for implementation. Bearing in mind that it took nearly half a year to appoint a GuySuCo Board, we wonder when the Government, given that we expect the plan to be technical-
ly-oriented, will give its seal of approval. The Minister also said that feasibility studies found that white sugar and co-generation plants were viable. This is pleasing news. On the white sugar matter, in April the GAWU was told that the feasibility study was yet to commence, but it seems from all appearances - that empirical work has now been concluded. While not wanting to throw cold water on the ideas, we ask, like we did in April, whether the CET will be applied to extra-regional imports of white sugar. As far as we recollect, no announcement has been made in this regard. Or is the Government, together with its Jamaican and Belizean counterparts, representing this matter in CARICOM? Not too long from now, we are aware, a special meeting will be held on the CSME in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. It may well be an opportune time for such representations to be made. Regarding the co-generation facilities, we ask again like we did in April, how do the planned co-generation plans mesh with plans by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) which has been speaking about solar and natural gas plants? Minister Jordan also informed that ,in view of the viability of the plans for co-generation and white sugar, the design for the respective plans has already been completed. In view of this admission, and given the lead time to invite prospective bidders, evaluate proposals, and ultimately construct the plants; and taking into account that billions have been borrowed and are attracting interest, wouldn’t it be prudent, at this time, to begin the process of seeking proposals? Maybe there is a good reason for not doing this now, though it’s hard to see why not; and the ‘efficiently prepared’ plan may shed some light on this. The GAWU remains supportive of plans that would secure the sugar industry and safeguard its viability. However, our support is predicated on sound, credible and well-though-out plans. The seeming secrecy shrouding the plans for the bond borrowed with a sovereign guarantee is something that causes us to feel uneasy and worried. If it is that there is a plan, as the Minister of Finance says, we urge those in authority to share those plans with a view to having full discussions, as all stakeholders are desirous of having a successful sugar industry. PAGE SEVEN
GAWU and AMCAR ink Collective Labour Agreement
Chief Labour, Occupational and Health Officer, Cde Charles Ogle, presenting a copy of the signed agreement to GAWU General Secretary, Cde Seepaul Narine, in the presence of the shop stewards
On October 22, 2018, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Amazon Caribbean (Guyana) Limited (AMCAR), in the presence of the Department of Labour, Ministry of Social Protection, inked their first Collective Labour Agreement. The newly-signed agreement covers forty-eight (48) articles and addresses issues, including rates of pay, probationary period, promotion, acting and responsibility allowances, discipline, hours of work, overtime, meal allowances, and filling of vacancies. GAWU’s General Secretary, Seepaul Narine, expressed the Union’s pleasure at having the agreement signed. He noted that, over the last few months, the GAWU and AMCAR were engaged in discussions towards coming to agreement on the various matters the agreement addressed. AMCAR’s Chief Executive Officer, Jean Francois Gerin, also shared his Company’s pleasure regarding the signing of the Agreement. Chief Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Officer, Charles Ogle, who countersigned the agreement, said it was a pleasure for his Department to see the relationship between the Union and
the Company developing and he looked forward to continued amicable relations, which he stressed were both in the interest of the workers and the Company. Last December, GAWU and the Company signed a Recognition and Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes Agreement which accorded GAWU recognition status for the Company’s employees at its Rosignol, West Bank Berbice factory. The mainly female workforce, numbering 35, are engaged in the processing and canning of Heart of the Palm, which the French-owned AMCAR has been processing and exporting since 1986. The Company’s products were certified organic for the first time in 1998, and in 2010, they have been deemed to meet the International Featured Standard (IFS). Following the signing of the Agreement, the workers of AMCAR have elected a branch committee. Elected were Cdes Gilbert Fraser - Chairman; Alice Cummings - Secretary; Melicia Miller - Assistant Secretary, and Committee members are Kenecia Mingo, Nickita Bobb, Vidda Cadogan, Edell Britton, Sharon Solomon, and Onicia Gordon
President David Granger, according to the October 04 Stabroek News, reported that he told attendees at a meeting held at the Corriverton Primary School on October 03 “…that his government had no choice but to close sugar estates…”. This is a sad and most unfortunate statement by His Excellency, and it seems maybe he was ill-advised by those who surround him. Contrary to his belief and stance, there were other choices, as there generally are in life. All the estates have really good possibilities of overcoming their difficulties and becoming viable and sustainable. Such feats, however, require a
knowledgeable management, a committed workforce, and a supportive government. It seems, from our point of view, that the latter was especially lacking.
Second crop production behind schedule
As at week ending November 16, 2018, the second crop had completed fifteen (15) weeks, realizing an aggregate production of 55,309 tonnes sugar. At that point in time, the Corporation had expected to produce 61,850 tonnes sugar. Production at the various estates was as follows:Target to Date Albion 31,965 Blairmont 19,105 Uitvlugt 10,780 Total 61,850 Estate
Actual to Date 29,237 17,072 9,000 55,309
Diff 2,728 2,033 1,780 6,541
The Finance Minister, during his presentation of the 2018 National Budget last November, had informed the nation that GuySuCo would produce 115,447 tonnes sugar this year. However, when an account is taken of the first crop production and the expected second crop production of 68,045 tonnes is realised, the industry would realize a production of only 102,496 tonnes sugar. The Guyana Government, over the past three (3) years, demised four (4) sugar estates and
contended that the remaining three (3) operable estates would yield a production of between 145,000 tonnes and 150,000 tonnes by 2020. The GAWU is hopeful that the set production would be realized by 2020, but also cannot fail to ignore the Government’s apparent lip service to the industry, which, even on a reduced scale, still employs 10,000 persons at the various levels across the three (3) estates. The GAWU has had cause to point out the Administration’s seeming disregard towards the industry. At this time, the industry has borrowed $30B (US$150M) aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the three (3) operable estates, but lacks any comprehensive plan to properly utilize the large sum borrowed. President David Granger, in his address to the National Assembly on October 18, disclosed that only recently the newly-appointed GuySuCo Board met with officials from the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the state’s holding company which owns the shares of GuySuCo, to begin to work the plan. It seems that the cart has clearly been placed before the horse.
President Granger ought to be better informed Moreover, apart from the profitability/ cost arguments which appear to be the sole and only focus of the Administration, there are several societal considerations that must be taken on board. These matters were all put to the Administration, and the pressing need for a socio-economic survey was advanced. Dismayingly, Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan, who ridiculously said previ-
ously that God wanted the estates to be closed, closed his mind, ears and eyes to those suggestions, and told the Unions and the Opposition PPP/C during a consultative meeting on February 03, 2017 that we (Unions and Opposition) should pursue such a study. The VP, from all appearances, seemed not to have understood his role as a Government leader. Today, all that we had previously warned have become the reality. Today, the jobless workers are facing pressingly difficult times and cannot make ends meet. Excellent work, by a few media houses has brought the sad times of the workers to
the nation’s attention. They have greatly touched the Guyanese people’s conscience and have demonstrated the callousness of the closure decisions. We strongly disagree with the President that there was only one choice. Experience has taught us that there are never unilateral choices, but we see unilateral decisions taken particularly with respect to the sugar industry. Really, by now, President Granger ought to be better informed of the situation in the sugar industry, and of its real potential.
COMBAT IS A PUBLICATION OF THE GUYANA AGRICULTURAL & GENERAL WORKERS UNION (GAWU) 59 HIGH STREET & WIGHTS LANE, KINGSTON, GEORGETOWN, GUYANA, S.A. TEL: 592-227-2091/2; 225-5321 , 223-6523 FAX: 592-227-2093 EMAIL: INFO@GAWUGY.COM WEBSITE: WWW.GAWUGY.COM