Combat - 13 May - 30 June 2018

Issue#3 Volume#39

Combat Voice of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

Editorial

Sugar confusion

The situation in the sugar industry has reached a new high, or rather one could very well say a new low, with the seeming warring between the GuySuCo and the NICIL-SPU now being played out in the media.

When the various press reports are read, it sounds like a soap opera, and makes the iconic Link Show seem like child’s play.

13 May - 30 June, 2018

2018 first crop ends - sugar production falls below target

But the obvious irony aside, the acrimonious relations between the two (2) bodies which are charged with managing different sections of the sugar industry has reached, from all appearances, a toxic stage to the point where literally the dirty linens are being washed in the public. This unexpected, strange twist, as it were, is the latest in the confusion that has enveloped the industry since the new Government took charge three (3) years ago. It is a far cry from what was heard in the 2015 National and Regional Elections. At that point in time, workers, like all Guyanese, heard from our now-a-days Government leaders that they would safeguard the sugar industry; they would protect workers’ jobs; and they would pay workers substantial pay rises, among other things.

Today one wonders where those sentiments are. Have they been forgotten, like many other commitments the Guyanese people received during the elections campaign. Today, the sugar industry, and more so its workers have moved from having allies in the APNU/ AFC to being the Government’s regular punching bag.

Today many Governmental failures are blamed on the industry. Who can forget Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, blaming the destructive prison fire on the industry. Or, what about the denial of improved pay rates to public servants because of sugar?

Incidentally, the sugar industry, from all appearances, wasn’t a factor when the Cabinet gave itself hefty pay increases just days after it assumed office; and it wasn’t a consideration when Ministerial perks were expanded; and didn’t enter our leaders’ mind when they decided to contract private medical insurance, which the State is financing to some extent.

Far too often, the sugar industry is blamed, though its contribution to national life is conspicuously ignored.

Just take, for instance, its role in providing drainage to many communities along our low-lying coastal plain.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to imagine what would happen if that important function provided by the industry ceases. The economic impact of flooding would be tremendous, as the 2005 floods revealed.

Today, that real reality, among the several others, is ignored, and sugar is solely and only seen from profitand-loss perspective.

Continued on page two (2) COMBAT 13 May - 30 June, 2018

The first sugar crop 2018 saw the sugar industry producing 34,450 tonnes sugar as against 36,105 tonnes sugar that was expected. The crop went a few weeks beyond its schedule, yet the the production target was not met.

The 2018 first sugar crop came to an end on week ending May 12, 2018 after thirteen (13) weeks. The crop which should have ended on weekending April 28, 2018 was extended by four (4) weeks, and came to a halt following the onset of the rainy season. Production from the three (3) operable estates was as follows:Estate Albion Blairmont Uitvlugt Total

Target 19,968 9,736 6,671 36,105

Actual Difference 18,232 (1,466) 9,121 (615) 7,097 426 34,450 (1,655)

The non-achievement of the crop’s target is indeed not positive news at this time. It serves to highlight what seems to be, from all appearances, the poor management of the Corporation. Undoubtedly, it brings once again into focus concerns regarding the Corporation’s utilization of the financing it was receiving from the Treasury. With billions of dollars supposedly being spent to purchase critical inputs such as fertilizers and chemicals, it is indeed disheartening to see the results which are being reaped.

In view of what clearly are dismal results, the GAWU reiterates its call for a breakdown of the utilization of the sums the Corporation received from the State. The Union recalls Finance Minister Winston Jordan telling the press a few weeks ago, that the Government was not fully aware of how the monies it provided to the Corporation were actually expended. Previously, the Corporation had said most of the monies were utilized to pay its employees, but the GuySuCo financial statements had pointed out that this wasn’t the case. In fact, the 2016 figures indicated the employment costs had been falling.

This was not surprising, considering that the Corporation, a state-owned enterprise, had not given its workers a pay rise since 2014 and it bluntly walked away from honouring long-standing payments such as the Annual Production Incentive (API), among other things.

At this time, all attention is turned to the second sugar crop, which usually commences towards latter-July or early-August. Already, at the beginning of the year, the Corporation had reduced its production target, and everything is pointing to a further reduction before the second crop commences.

PAGE ONE

Sugar confusion

Continued from page one (1) Today, the beleaguered industry, which has been through so much under the ‘Good Life’ Government, is now facing another assault. It is indeed dismaying that it reached to the point where the technocrats, so to speak, have begun to fight among themselves in the public.

This is never a good sign, and does not do anything to instill commitment and inspire confidence. Moreover, this seeming ‘fight for control’ comes at a time when the industry’s assets, the Guyanese people’s property, has been collateralized to secure a $30B loan to improve the GuySuCo-operated estates.

The tug-of-war between the two (2) bodies charged with managing the sugar industry has to be laid squarely at the doorstep of the Government, which from all appearances has not been providing the leadership that is required. Even in the Administration, if media reports are to go by, there is apparent disagreement

in charting the course forward. This confusing state-of-affairs the public has seen played out with the brouhaha which emerged in the appointment of the Board of Directors of the GuySuCo. At the end of it all, the Corporation is operating without a Board, and now the Agriculture Minister and the Corporation’s CEO have a direct relationship, which in our view is not necessarily the best scenario.

The current two-person leadership of the GuySuCo, one of whom would be able to exert higher authority, given his stature, does not allow positions to be rationally discussed and collectively considered.

The Government, as the owner of the sugar industry, needs to arrest the deteriorating situation in the sugar industry.

The continued acrimony will do more harm than good, and put into jeopardy the livelihoods of thousands of sugar workers and billions of dollars of the Guyanese people’s assets.

Social Compact demands Government’s sincerity – FITUG

The FITUG recognizes that President David Granger, in his remarks to an activity he hosted in honour of the GPSU’s 95th Anniversary, is quoted by Demerara Waves to have said, “We need to establish ourselves some form of social compact…we have to work together… we are all partners in administering and running Guyana”. Later in the news story, the President reportedly said, “…the Government and the Unions are partners with a common objective; not competitors or rivals”.

The President’s remarks, on the surface, seem reasonable. Indeed, all the stakeholders have a vested interest in our country’s progress and development, and undoubtedly need to have a place at the decision-making table. On that score, we know that the notion of a Social Compact, which is not by any means new to Guyana, seeks to encapsulate such an arrangement. We recall, over the years, the issue has reared its head on several occasions. We are also aware that a Social Compact has been negotiated in Barbados involving the tripartite partners – the Government, the Workers Movement, and the Business Sector – since the 1990s. At the same time, we are not unaware of the view that the fruits of progress have not flowed equitably, especially from the workers’ point of view.

That being said does not mean we should throw cold water on the initiative. But we recognise, too, that for there to be any real movement on this COMBAT 13 May - 30 June, 2018

front, there fore mostly must be equity among the partners. On this score, we have seen the President ignoring the request of the trade unions to meet him on several matters of concern. Then we cannot forget that the Government has seemingly closed its mind to the sustained calls for the establishment of a Labour Ministry.

Another important element to the realization of a ‘Social Compact’ is the fulfillment of commitments. This is an area which the Government has fallen woefully short on. For instance, the promise of Collective Bargaining remains unfulfilled; the commitment to safeguarding the sugar industry was thrown under the bus; and the undertaking of giving us all a ‘Good Life’ has so far proven itself to be elusive. Quite clearly, the Government has to do a lot on this front if it is to really be serious in its utterances.

Nevertheless, the FITUG does believe it is not wise to throw the baby out with the bath water, but at the same time, recognizes the difficulty of Unions to engage in meaningful discussions, if indeed the President is serious, given the actions of the Government. We believe that there is a great need to find common ground and workable solutions to the pressing matters that affect all Guyanese, but the Government must demonstrate its sincerity to listen and to act in a fair and equitable manner, and with the working-people’s interests uppermost in its mind.

Whither the Labour Ministry

The call for the establishment of a Ministry of Labour was reiterated by GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis in his address on Labour Day. It is a call that enjoys all-round support in the trade union movement, and one that has been made with regularity. That notwithstanding, Government has chosen to ignore the call, and unfortunately has not advanced any credible reason/s for its decision. President David Granger, when asked by media about the matter on Labour Day, had this to say: “…Government has in place all the ministries it intended to operate”. The President’s comments are similar to those his and his spokespersons have made before on the matter, and without a doubt, can hardly be deemed to offer any hope that such a Ministry is to be actively considered.

The non-establishment of a Ministry of Labour following the ascension of the APNU/AFC Government to office in May, 2015 represents a departure from a proud past. It is the first time this has occurred since 1953, when the Cheddi Jagan-led Government established our country’s first Labour Ministry, which was then headed by the indomitable Ashton Chase. Thus, for 62 years (1953 to 2015), under the tenures of all our previous leaders our country has had a Labour Ministry, largely regarded as the Workers’ Ministry. Now-a-days, the former Labour Ministry has been reduced to a mere Department under the Social Protection Ministry. It is a situation similar to what prevailed pre-1953 period, when workers’ rights and concerns were of scant importance.

But while the Government, in its wisdom or lack thereof, has not seen it worthwhile to establish a Labour Ministry, and has chosen to largely ignore the calls for the establishment of such a Ministry, it must be noted that it has taken a decision, for the first time, to establish a Ministry of Business. This indeed is a strange departure, as today this sector, no doubt important, has a full-fledged Government Ministry to represent its interests and advocate on its behalf. What do the workers get, but in effect a downgrade back to colonial times? This is indeed a

saddening position.

The styling of the former Labour Ministry as a Department, in our view, has reduced its stature, and thus importance.

It sends a clear message that workers’ concerns and travails are not important to the Government. Certainly, when one looks at the way the Government treats its own workers, it’s not difficult to reach such conclusions. The Administration, though already three (3) years old, has not had the proudest of labour records.

It continually imposes pay rises for public servants, though it promised not to. It has ignored our Constitution, Laws and International Conventions and Practices.

Though the President has said his door is open to the Labour Movement, he has not responded to the movement’s request to meet with him.

It is to be recalled that the stance adopted by the Government is far different from when it was in Opposition. Then Opposition Leader, Granger deemed 2014 “Year for Workers”. Our now President said then that workers “…could look forward to living in safety, to working for ‘living wages’ to cope with the cost of living, and to enjoying adequate social protection in their old age”. President Granger, went on to say then “…workers can feel free to join trade unions of their choice, in which collective bargaining agreements between their employers and their unions will be respected, and in which the state will enforce labour laws fairly but firmly to protect them from adversity and from delinquent employers”. Quite rationally, one must ask what happened to these lofty ideals and promises.

Today, the workers have no Ministry to turn to. The now-styled ‘Department of Labour’, in its so far short resurrection, has failed to advance any new and meaningful legislation and policy in the interest of workers and towards advancing their rights and protections. Today, the promised Collective Bargaining remains a mirage; the dream of a living wage remains elusive, and the burdens of taxes have grown heavier. And the promise of adequate old age pensions? Well, the proof is in the pudding on this one.

PAGE TWO

BEV closure disheartening - loss of jobs could not have come at a more distressing time of the engagement between the Union and the Company. The Union shared with the workers its dismay that the situation has reached such a sad end. Some workers lamented what life could become if they are unable to secure new jobs. The GAWU committed itself to ensuring that the workers’ rights were protected, and vowed to stand in their corner. The workers were obviously upset by the sudden closure decision but were nevertheless, in the circumstances, heartened that the Union managed to secure additional payments on their behalf.

The Company is also working to secure jobs for the employees. Some 125 GAWU’s leadership meeting with the workers of BEV on June 07, 2018

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) was indeed disheartened when it learnt of the decision by Mr Bruce Vieira to shutter his BEV Processors Inc. For the approximate 390-person workforce, it was an unexpected, and certainly an unwelcome, shock when they learnt of the sad news that their jobs, in a few weeks’ time, would cease to exist.

For nearly all of the workers, it probably was the last thought on their mind, if it were a thought at all when they entered the workplace and subsequently learnt that the Company was being closed. The workforce is largely made up of females, many of whom are single parents and are already hard pressed with the circumstances of life.

The GAWU relationship with BEV goes back nearly 25 years, when the Union became the bargaining agent for the workers employed by the Company. Over the years, our Union and the Company have generally enjoyed cordial relations, and through those relations, were able to advance the workers’ lot. In fact, just a few weeks ago, the Union and the Company concluded their 2018 negotiations, which resulted in an eight (8) per cent pay rise, among other improvements. At that time, there wasn’t the faintest idea that, a few weeks later, the workforce would be made redundant.

On June 07, 2018, the Company, in keeping with its obligations - as outlined in the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act and the Trade Union Recognition Act - officially engaged the Union on its intentions. The GAWU was represented by its President Komal Chand, General Secretary Seepaul Narine and other union officials and members of the BEV GAWU Branch. The Company explained that several factors influenced its decision to close operations. Mr Vieira COMBAT

13 May - 30 June, 2018

contended that, in the last few months, there has been a substantial decline in the prices being received from his customers locally and abroad. The low prices have resulted in the Company having some 600,000 pounds of shrimp on hand.

Moreover, the Company is required by next year-end to have Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. On that matter, he shared that MSC certification process is tedious, and it would take about 18 months to complete. He shared, too, that sales to overseas markets would be severely curtailed unless the MSC certification is obtained. Vieira was also concerned whether the Government would renew at year-end the concession through which fishing companies are allowed to purchase fuel under arrangements whereby lesser taxes are paid. Mr Vieira, in the circumstances, expressed deep fear that his Company could suffer heavy losses and huge debts.

Through the Union/Company engagement, apart from the statutorily required redundancy payments, the Company has agreed to pay workers for their full year’s annual leave, though the year’s service would be incomplete when operations cease. The workers also would receive their full incentive payment for July 2018, though the Company would end operations around July 15, 2018. Also, the Company agreed to pay the workers 100 hours of their pay rates they would usually receive during the closed season, despite the shuttering of the Company’s operations before the season commences.

The closed season, which would last from August to October, sees a temporary cessation of fishing operations to allow fish to spawn.

Following the engagement with the Company, the Union met with the workforce and apprised them of the outcome

workers would be employed by Noble House Seafoods Limited, an entity where GAWU also enjoys bargaining rights.

This possibility will soon be confirmed.

Additionally, BEV is reaching out to other employers with a view to securing jobs for the now redundant workers.

The loss of jobs could not have come at a more distressing time. Over the last few months, several thousand sugar workers became jobless from an unwise policy to minimize the industry. Separately, more workers have lost their jobs arising from the economic circumstances that are prevailing at this time.

Child labour not in Guyana’s interest – FITUG The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) joins with our social partners, and indeed all Guyanese, as we observe the World Day against Child Labour, which brings into focus the global extent of child labour and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it. The FITUG is aware that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by world leaders in 2015 include a renewed global commitment to ending child labour. Specifically, target 8.7 of the SDGs calls on the global community to: “Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers; and by 2025, end child labour in all its forms.”

The FITUG was dismayed to learn from ILO statistics that, globally, 218 million children between ages 5 and 17 years are in employment, of which 73 million, perform hazardous tasks. We noted, too, that child labour is concentrated primarily in agriculture (71%), which includes fishing, forestry, livestock herding and aquaculture, and comprises both subsistence and commercial farming; 17% in services; and 12% in the industrial sector, including mining.

Locally, we have seen disturbing data which indicates that children as young as 5 years old are employed. The most recently available National Child Labour Rapid Assessment Survey frighteningly found that children in Guyana are engaged in the worst forms of child

labour, including in dangerous activities in agriculture. Children working in agriculture in Guyana may be exposed to hazards, including lifting and carrying heavy loads and working with pesticides. Many Guyanese children work in domestic service and on the streets, typically as vendors or beggars. The practice of sending children from poor rural families to live with wealthier relatives or friends in urban areas sometimes results in domestic servitude. Children employed as domestics may work long hours and be isolated in private homes, where they are susceptible to physical and sexual abuse. Children working on the streets are vulnerable to severe weather, traffic accidents and crime.

The facts are alarming and the situation is saddening. We are aware that sometime has elapsed since the last survey was concluded, and at this time cannot help but wonder what is prevailing nowa-days. The massive ballooning of the unemployed in our country in recent times cannot be helpful in staunching the prevalence of child labour. Today, there may very well be instances of children having to take up odd jobs in order to support their families following the loss of jobs of their main breadwinner.

The FITUG believes this is a situation that our people cannot take any pride in, nor should it be countenanced.

As we once again observe this important day, we urge a redoubling of our efforts to work towards achieving the SDG in this regard. Child labour, in the long run, is not in the interest of our country; our people; and, most of all, the children involved.

PAGE THREE

Fuel price hikes mean more burdens for the working people - FITUG The Federation of Independent Trade - long overdue, in our view - are not in Unions of Guyana (FITUG), from press reports and our own observations, has recognized, in recent times, the significant increase in the cost of fuel. We saw as recent as May 28, 2018, the state-owned Guyana Oil Company Limited (Guyoil) retailing gasoline for $230 per litre. Interestingly, the May 20, 2018 Guyana Times had reported that Guyoil, at the time it compiled its report, was retailing gas for $220 per litre. Thus, in the space of days, the price jumped by $10 per liter, a significant hike, given the shortness of the period. Moreover, we are aware that, similarly, increases have been recorded in the prices of kerosene and cooking gas.

The Federation is aware that the increased fuel prices have their origins in the rising price of oil globally. While they may not be a great deal we can do about this fact, at the same time, the FITUG also recognizes that this is not by any means a new phenomenon. We recall that in the past, oil prices in some instances exceeded the current international prices, but policies were embraced which sought to cushion the local impact. Here, we refer to the reduction of the excise tax, which in effect helped to soften, and in some cases nullify, the increased prices due to increases at the global level. This was a welcome effort that gave our people room to breathe.

The FITUG, at this time, must express its strong dismay that, as far as we are aware, no attempt has been made to embrace such a policy. From our perspective, there is hardly any credible justification that can be advanced for not moving in that direction. The fact that such moves

train, says a lot. We are aware of a view that the Government’s inaction, or reluctance as it were, has to do with its need to have monies available to satisfy its insatiable spending. That spending, as we well know, has not always been in the interest of our people. Here, for instance, the FITUG cannot fail to recall the seldom used Durban Park; or the ‘greening’ of several Government offices and buildings; or the massive structure that now envelopes the Ministry of the Presidency; or travel to exotic locales in all corners of the world; or the rental of a bottom-house drug bond, among other things which cannot be held up or justified as wise spending.

The reduction of the taxes on fuel undoubtedly will bring some reprieve to our already overburdened working people. In recent times, our workers and their families have had to contend with new taxes, increases in extant taxes and higher cost of food, apart from increases in essential and necessary items. The FITUG contends that no person would be spared, as the increased costs of fuel will be passed on to the consumer in one way or another. Apart from the increased living costs, the higher prices of fuel will also affect our business sector, which by itself is facing difficult and hard times. Such a situation undoubtedly could have a spill off effect on employment, and make a bad situation even worse.

The FITUG, at this time, calls on the Government to stop turning a blind eye to what is taking, place and to proactively act in the interest of our people, who are already hard-pressed at this time.

GAWU nails AFC’s misleading innuendoes The GAWU’s attention was drawn to a section of a statement issued by the Alliance for Change (AFC) following its recently held National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. In that statement, the AFC said that its Chairman – Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan – informed that he was victorious in a libel case involving our Union. The statement goes on to say that Minister Ramjattan said the judgment vindicates “…the position that indeed large sums of monies in membership dues were being received by GAWU, and ... significant portions of these monies were channelled elsewhere”.

The case in question dates back to 2008, when the now Minister of Public Security, on a programme which was broadcasted on DTV Channel 8, said the GAWU was giving monies to the PPP. Our Union, at that time, denied outrightly the spurious claims, and our Attorney-at-Law had sought Minister Ramjattan and DTV Channel 8 to retract the statement and apologise. They both refused, and the Union subsequently took the matter to the High Court.

On April 19, 2018, Justice Nareshwar Harnanan delivered his ruling, which is poles apart from what appeared in the AFC’s statement. The Judge, in his ruling, said, among other things, that Minister Ramjattan could not present into evidence “…any truth to the words that the plaintiff union [GAWU] made a percent-

age contribution to the PPP”. The ruling goes on that “[t]his Court is prepared to hold that there was no evidence before the Court which suggested that the plaintiff union makes any financial contribution or donation or otherwise to the PPP”. This stands in complete contrast to the AFC statement.

But further to that, Justice Harnanan went on to say, “[t]he statements uttered by the 1st defendant [Minister Ramjattan] were irresponsible, indifferent and without any foundational bases, and being a member of the legal profession ought to have heightened his concern for making public statements which are capable of bring verified or corroborated.” This is noteworthy, in our view.

While indeed the Court did not find favour with the GAWU’s demand for damages, and we are contemplating our next move with our Attorney-at-Law, the Judgment says a mouthful. It also is vastly different from what the AFC statement claimed, and rather serves to vindicate the GAWU. At this time, we cannot help but wonder whether Minister Ramjattan was misinformed, whether he knowingly hoodwinked his Party, or whether the AFC is engaged in publishing untruths. Whatever may be the case, and more so the motivations, the GAWU hopes that this brings clarity to the misleading innuendoes of the AFC.

Dismissed sugar workers need urgent action not cheap talk The June 24, 2018 Stabroek News reported that a coordinating committee has been established regarding GuySuCo’s ‘Sustainable and Resilient Communities Programme’ and ‘Alternative Livelihoods Initiative’. For the GAWU, the establishment of a committee - now six (6) months after the workers of Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara were made jobless, and eighteen (18) months since a similar fate met the Wales workers - says, in our sincere view, a mouthful.

The belated establishment of a ‘committee’ clearly demonstrates that there was - and from all appearances, still is no plan or even a concerted effort to address the well-being and welfare of the thousands of ordinary Guyanese who have been affected by the wrong decision to close sugar estates. Certainly, GuySuCo and the authorities had, in our view, COMBAT 13 May - 30 June, 2018

significant lead time to properly plan and devise workable solutions to mitigate the loss of the workers’ livelihoods. The fact that this is now being done nearly at the end of the first half of 2018 confirms the view that there was not even a glancing thought regarding how workers and their families would make out following the closing of the estates doors.

We cannot help but wonder whether the ‘high-powered’ committee is aware of the realities that the jobless sugar workers and their families now face. Do they know that some workers cannot provide sufficient, healthy meals for their families? Do they know that some workers have had to remove their children from school? Do they know that some workers have found themselves in a depressive state? Do they know that families have broken up? It seems to us that the stage-show committee, sitting in air con-

ditioned board rooms far away from the suffering spawned by closure of estates, is unaware of the present-day realities in the communities linked to the now closed estates. The use of catchy names and having nice pictures of meetings mean very little to the workers and their families, who are caught literally between a rock and a hard place. If the committee is really serious, it needs to go to the communities to interact with the workers, find out what are their problems, and devise appropriate solutions to address the difficulties they face. The seeming satellite approach cannot - and in our sincere view, will not work.

The GAWU also saw that the Ministry of Natural Resources, according to the June 25, 2018, Stabroek News, has sponsored a training programme which will train about 100 persons in several fields. Of the 100-person cohort, we recognise some

retrenched sugar workers will benefit.

The GAWU welcomes this training programme, which will address a very small amount of the displaced workers. At the same time, we cannot help but wonder whether any careful consideration has been given to trainees securing employment with their new-found skills, as it can very well negate the impact of the training. We also wonder whether any assessment has been done regarding the availability of such skills in Region Six, and whether the trainees will join a saturated market. These, we believe, among other things, should be fully well thought-out before embarking on programmes of this nature.

At this time, while the grass is growing, the horse is starving and the jobless workers are finding it harder day by day.

For the now dismissed sugar workers, they need urgent action, not cheap talk.

PAGE FOUR

GAWU remains in the workers corner

The GAWU has seen Dr David Hinds’ response to our letter, which appeared in the Stabroek News under the title “Why can’t GAWU acknowledge that this gov’t took the brave decision to confront the sugar problem?”; in the Kaieteur News with the title “Guyana has far to go for ethnic, political reconciliation”; and in the Guyana Times with title “Guyana’s greatest enemies are its zero-sum politics, political culture”. Dr Hinds starts off by accusing our Union of ignoring his critical views regarding the implementation of the Administration’s plans for the sugar industry. On this score, we urge Dr Hinds to carefully re-read our letter, as we did note his decrying of the Government’s failure to communicate its approach to sugar.

The political scientist then goes on to say that the Government established a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) which, in his words, was required to “investigate the problem” in the sugar industry. Here, we urge Dr Hinds to look at the Commission’s report, if he hasn’t read it as yet.

There he would see without ambiguity that the Commission, which comprised gentlemen chosen by the Government – with the exception of the GAWU representative – saying that the Coalition should not close estates. There he would see the Commissioners advising the Government that there was a possibility of overcoming the difficulties by pursuing sugar diversification. There he would see the Commission telling the Government not to pursue non-sugar diversification on sugar lands. There he would learn that there is light at the end of the tunnel once the correct approach is adopted. Those and several other important recommendations were ignored by the Government.

It seems, from all appearances, that the Administration was not pleased by the results of the Commission’s investigation. Maybe it didn’t have the narrative it sought.

Then the Government, even before the Commission’s report had time to gather dust, did the unthinkable and announced COMBAT 13 May - 30 June, 2018

in January, 2016 that it would close Wales Estate. That closure put at direct risk the employment of 1,700 sugar workers and hundreds of cane farmers, and indirectly upset the lives of thousands of Guyanese resident along the West Bank of Demerara. At that time, the Government said it would pursue non-sugar diversification at Wales, despite the realities of past failure and the recommendations of the Sugar CoI. To date, those initiatives have failed to come off the launching pad, save and except for a seed paddy experiment which has had most disastrous results.

One quite logically thought the Administration would have had its fingers burnt with the Wales fiasco. But again they defied the odds when, on December 31, 2016, the Government announced it would close East Demerara and Rose Hall Estates and divest Skeldon Estate.

This policy, we may add, has not, on to this time, benefited from any study to determine the ramifications. At the end of it all, the workers of Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara Estates have been put on the breadline. Even the statutory redundancy payments were bungled by the Administration, which, despite having months of advanced warning, simply didn’t cater to make the payments.

The WPA Executive goes on to say that “…the government has pumped billions of dollars’ worth of subsidy in the industry…”.

But what impact did it have? Sugar production, using round numbers, declined from 231,000 tonnes sugar in 2015 to 137,000 tonnes in 2017, a mammoth 40 per cent drop. Workers’ earnings fell by 15 per cent in the same period. Wages have been frozen at 2014 levels. The Annual Production Incentive, which dates back to colonial days, went to zero. Debt, about which we have previously shared our concerns, has largely remained the same. But, at the same time, between 2015 and 2017, monies going to top management rose astronomically. All of this happened when the Administration, again using Dr Hinds’ words, “…took the brave decision to confront the sugar problem…”.

Regarding the recently announced $30B financing package, we wish to advise Dr Hinds that those monies are intended to be utilized on the operational GuySuCo estates and not the “…upgrading of the closed estates…” as the good doctor posits.

Dr Hinds then says that “…the government’s action on the sugar industry is the closest it has come to a clear policy on anything”. If this is indeed the case, then may the Good Lord help the Guyanese people.

The press is filled with reports of the confusion and clear indecision the Administration has had regarding sugar. Just in recent weeks, we saw the Agriculture Minister disowning the industry then suddenly resuming responsibility for it.

The story of the confusion surrounding the appointment of the Board of Directors could probably provide substantial material for a book. And also, we have seen the discord playing out in the media between the SPU and the GuySuCo. We are then told that our views are driven by factors outside of compassion for the sugar workers. This is completely baseless and certainly not factual. We have demonstrated, time and again, our sincere concern for the well-being and

welfare of sugar workers. Certainly, we have used every avenue to advance their cause and plight. We have put to the Government workable solutions to safeguard the sugar industry, to which the Administration has not responded to thus far. Incidentally, some of these, we understand, will be pursued using the $30B financing secured. Clearly, from all appearances, we were on the right track.

We have also not failed to attend any engagement the Government, the GuySuCo, or even the SPU have sought to invite us to. We have gone as far as meeting with President David Granger. If our intent, as Dr Hinds put it, was the “…demonization of the Government”, wouldn’t our approach have been different? But, at the same time, the Union cannot fail to call a spade a spade, and put on record our serious concerns regarding the Administration’s approach to sugar and other matters of national life and our people’s well-being. We hope to continue in taking principled approaches and positions in our members’ interests and well-being, and advocate proposals helpful, as we see it, to the industry.

Govt needs to apprehend sugar confusion

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), like many Guyanese and even non-Guyanese, have been following through press reports what seems to be heightening animosities between the GuySuCo and the NICIL-SPU. Our Union cannot offer a comment on the veracity of the matters disclosed through various press reports, though we believe the facts of the situation could easily be substantiated by the reality. We, however, cannot ignore the underlying problem and the consequences it would have for the sugar industry. The relations between the two (2) bodies charged with managing the sugar industry seems to be characterized by acrimony and discord, and has now seemingly reached a sad point where, from all appearances, salvos are being traded in the media. The airing of the disagreements in the public, we believe, cannot be helpful to the industry’s cause at this time. At this point in time, when the livelihoods of thousands of workers stand in the balance and the Guyanese people’s assets have been essentially mortgaged to secure the $30B financing, the confusion that reigns cannot be encouraging.

The apparent infighting between the two (2) sugar management bodies, in our view, has to be laid squarely at the doorstep of the Government. The Ad-

ministration, through its own indecision, has in effect allowed the situation to reach this sad point. Our Union, from press reports, also recognizes that there seem to be some degree of confusion within the Administration regarding the sugar industry. That, it seems, has now spilled over into the industry’s management, and it will not help in confidence building and commitment, essential elements for success.

Importantly, too, the Government needs to make up its mind regarding the Corporation’s Board of Directors; something which the Agriculture Minister promised would have been settled some weeks ago. The need for proper, competent and capable leadership of the GuySuCo cannot be understated, especially at this time, when expectedly huge sums are being borrowed by the sugar company for its re-capitalisation, among other things. We do not need a repeat of what we have seen in the last three (3) years, as the evidence has clearly demonstrated that it was not helpful.

At this time, the GAWU reiterates that that the situation cannot be allowed to continue the way it is, as it is not in the interest of anyone, especially the workers. The GAWU calls on the Government to apprehend the sad situation that is prevailing. It is time to end the tug-of-war!

PAGE FIVE

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Joint statement following meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea at the Singapore Summit nizing that mutual confidence-building can promote the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un state the following:

President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un conducted a comprehensive, in-depth, and sincere exchange of opinions on the issues related to the establishment of new U.S.-DPRK relations and the building of a lasting and robust peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. President Trump committed to provide security

guarantees to the DPRK, and Chairman Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his firm and unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Convinced that the establishment of new U.S.-DPRK relations will contribute to the peace and prosperity of the Korean Peninsula and of the world, and recog-

1. The United States and the DPRK commit to establish new U.S.-DPRK relations in accordance with the desire of the peoples of the two countries for peace and prosperity.

2. The United States and the DPRK will join their efforts to build a lasting and stable peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.

3. Reaffirming the April 27, 2018 Panmunjom Declaration, the DPRK commits to work towards complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

4. The United States and the DPRK commit to recovering POW/MIA remains, including the immediate repatriation of those already identified.

Having acknowledged that the U.S.DPRK summit — the first in history — was an epochal event of great significance, overcoming decades of tensions and hostilities between the two countries and opening a new future, President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un commit to implement the stipulations in this joint statement fully and expeditiously.

The United States and the DPRK commit to hold follow-on negotiations led by the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a relevant high-level DPRK official, at the earliest possible date, to implement the outcomes of the U.S.-DPRK summit.

President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea have committed to cooperate for the development of new U.S.-DPRK relations and for the promotion of peace, prosperity, and security of the Korean Peninsula and of the world.

After six-year confinement: Wikileaks editor Julian Assange in great danger

By Mike Head WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange is still trapped inside Ecuador’s London embassy, cut off from all communication with the outside world, and in failing health, despite vigils and rallies held internationally to demand his freedom.

Demonstrations marked the sixth anniversary of his entering the embassy. There he remains an effective political prisoner, with the British Government denying him even the right to seek medical treatment.

The protests signalled the renewal of the campaign for his defence, and underscored the enduring support for the courageous journalist and publisher among broad layers of the population.

However, as Jennifer Robinson, a lawyer for Assange, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s “AM” radio program yesterday, his situation has become COMBAT 13 May - 30 June, 2018

“very difficult.”

Robinson reported that Ecuador, which originally granted Assange political asylum six years ago, is “under significant pressure from the US” to force him to leave the embassy. The British police would then arrest him.

“He has been asking, for more than sevenand-half years, for an assurance for no extradition to the United States,” Robinson said, “but Britain has refused to provide one, and Australia has refused to ask for it.”

The lawyer said Assange was in “terrible circumstances” and “it remains to be seen how long that can go on.” The 46-year-old’s health is deteriorating, and doctors have concerns that the past six years have “had an extreme and likely permanent impact on his physical and mental health.”

Ecuador granted Assange asylum to protect him from being extradited by Sweden or Britain to face lengthy imprisonment

or a possible death penalty in the United States. But Ecuador is under intense pressure from the Trump Administration, which is intent on putting Assange on trial on conspiracy and espionage charges.

Not only is the British Government of Theresa May still refusing to give Assange an assurance against being extradited to the US. The Australian Government of Malcolm Turnbull is still refusing to publicly intervene with the full weight of its diplomatic powers and legal discretion, to demand that Britain unconditionally release Assange, an Australian citizen, from what was denounced by the UN as a “deprivation of liberty” and violation of his human rights.

Among workers, youth and principled journalists and intellectuals, there is a growing recognition that the defence of Assange and WikiLeaks is critical to the wider fight against Internet censorship and government attacks on free speech.

Human Rights Watch (HRW), a USbased organisation, broke a period of silence and declared that Britain had to reject the use of the US Espionage Act against Assange. In a media statement, HRW reported that Ecuador had denied it permission to visit Assange this May. A June 19 editorial in the Irish Examiner, an Irish national daily, said Assange had been “relentlessly targeted.” The editorial concluded: “Assange remains, despite illegal efforts to revoke it, an Australian citizen, but he has not enjoyed the support a person who has not been charged with anything, much less convicted of anything,

might expect from a democracy.”

Writing in Daily Review, an Australian news website that covers arts and entertainment, journalist Helen Razer explained: “Julian Assange is not a criminal. Julian Assange is a journalist. Julian Assange is an Australian who has been, in the judgement of the United Nations, arbitrarily detained for six years.”

The Trump Administration’s operation against WikiLeaks and Assange escalated when the FBI laid 13 espionage and related charges against an alleged whistleblower, a former CIA software engineer, who has been accused of leaking an archive of the spy agency’s secrets to WikiLeaks in 2017.

Joshua Adam Schulte, 29, was originally arrested last August, then released and rearrested in December. In March last year, under the codename “Vault 7,” WikiLeaks published CIA files, exposing the lengths to which the agency goes to hack phones, computers, smart TVs and GPS systems, turning them into surveillance devices.

Schulte faces up to 135 years in prison if found guilty—an indication of the fate that the US Government intends for Assange. “Schulte utterly betrayed this nation and downright violated his victims,” FBI official William Sweeney Jr. said in a highly prejudicial statement.

This development underscores the necessity to deepen and extend the fight throughout the international working class for Assange’s freedom and the defence of fundamental democratic rights.

PAGE SIX

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The siege of Hodeidah, Washington’s War Crime in Yemen

By Bill Van Auken The siege of Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeidah, launched by Saudi and United Arab Emirates-led forces could cost the lives of some quarter of a million people in the crowded city itself, according to a UN estimate, while threatening to kill millions more across the country through hunger and disease.

Inflicting mass suffering upon civilians is the main purpose of the attack on Hodeidah, which is the principal lifeline for food, fuel and medicine for at least 70 percent of the population in a country that depends on imports for up to 90 percent of its food. The aim is to starve the impoverished Yemeni people into submission.

The battle for the city, the most crowded urban area in Yemen, with a population of between 400,000 and 600,000 people, promises to be the bloodiest since Saudi Arabia launched its war against the Yemeni population in March 2015 with the aim of toppling the rule of Houthi rebels and reinstalling the puppet regime of Riyadh and Washington headed by Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.

In the little more than three years since the war began, at least 13,000 have been killed, the overwhelming majority of them civilian victims of Saudi air strikes.

The toll exacted by the cut-off of food and medicine and the destruction of basic infrastructure inflicted by the Saudi-led blockade and air war, however, has been massively higher.

Last year alone, some 50,000 Yemeni children starved to death - roughly 1,000 every week - according to the aid group, Save the Children. One million Yemenis are infected with cholera, an epidemic that has claimed the lives of nearly 2,500 people. As part of its preparations for the Hodeidah offensive, Saudi warplanes bombed a cholera clinic run by Doctors without Borders.

This total war against an entire population, of the likes carried out by Hitler’s Third Reich three-quarters of a century ago, would be impossible without the uninterrupted support - military and political - of US imperialism since its outset.

The US, together with its main NATO allies the UK and France, has supplied the planes, warships, bombs, missiles and shells used to devastate Yemen and slaughter its people. In his eight years in office, President Barack Obama presided over some $115 billion in arms sales to the monarchical dictatorship in Riyadh.

The Trump Administration, which has sought to forge an anti-Iran axis with Saudi Arabia, the other reactionary Gulf COMBAT 13 May - 30 June, 2018

oil sheikhdoms and Israel, has touted arms deals with Riyadh that potentially would amount to $110 billion.

The Pentagon has given direct and indispensable aid to the Saudi-led onslaught, providing midair refuelling for the planes that bomb Yemeni civilians, staffing a joint command center in Riyadh with US intelligence and logistics officers, and reinforcing the Saudi-UAE blockade of the country with American warships. Recently, US Green Berets have been deployed with Saudi ground forces to assist in their anti-Yemen operations.

Under the banner of the “war on terror”, the Pentagon is waging its own air war in Yemen, conducting at least 130 air and drone strikes in 2017, quadruple the number in 2016.

The Trump Administration gave the goahead for the current siege of Hodeidah in the form of a statement from US Sec-

continuous war and unrestrained imperialist violence.

War crimes on the scale of those committed in the 1930s and 1940s have become almost commonplace. Civilian populations can be massacred; refugees from the US southern border to the Mediterranean can be treated with the methods of the Gestapo; the Israeli military can gun down unarmed Palestinian demonstrators with impunity, defended by Washington–all incidents barely raising an eyebrow in the corporate press.

An exception to the media silence was a pair of shamefaced editorials that appeared Thursday in the New York Times and the Washington Post. Reeking of hypocrisy, both of them expressed a certain amount of unease within the US ruling establishment over the events in Yemen.

The Times editorial notes that the war has resulted in “countless civilian deaths,

retary of State Mike Pompeo announcing that he had spoken with the rulers of the UAE and “made clear our desire to address their security concerns.” Pentagon officials have reported that US officers are helping to select targets in the port city.

Given the scale of the unfolding catastrophe in Yemen and the criminal role played by the US Government, it is noteworthy that the American corporate media has largely ignored the siege of Hodeidah, much as it did with the US sieges that reduced the cities of Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria to rubble, killing tens of thousands. Or, for that matter, the estimates of the number of civilians killed in the US war to topple Iraq’s Saddam Hussein, which ranged between 500,000 and a million.

Yemen is emblematic of the world situation three decades after the dissolution of the Soviet Union unleashed a period of

many attributed to indiscriminate coalition bombing attacks.” It adds, “Under international law, these attacks may qualify as war crimes in which the United States and Britain, another arms supplier, are complicit.”

The Washington Post warns: “…the United States, which already has been supplying its two allies with intelligence, refueling and munitions, will be complicit if the result is what aid officials say it could be: starvation, epidemics and other human suffering surpassing anything the world has seen in decades.”

That both newspapers of record of the US ruling establishment use the word “complicit” in describing Washington’s role in Yemen has an undeniable significance. In legal terms, complicity means that someone is held criminally accountable for aiding and abetting the commission of a crime.

In the case of Yemen, the complicity is with war crimes on a world historic scale that could never have been committed without the aiding and abetting of US imperialism.

Based on the legal principles and criteria employed in the Nuremberg trials that sent the surviving leaders of Hitler’s Third Reich to the gallows or prison, there are many in Washington who should today be facing prosecution and the fate of life in prison or worse for the crimes committed in Yemen.

This includes not just Trump and those in his administration directly involved in the Yemen atrocities - Pompeo, Defense Secretary James “Mad Dog” Mattis, Nikki Haley and other top officials in the military and intelligence apparatus - but also their predecessors, Barack Obama, John Kerry, Ashton Carter, Susan Rice and others responsible for initiating the US support for the Saudi-led war.

Based on the Nuremberg precedent, the CEOs of companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Raytheon - that have made billions out of supplying the arms used to murder Yemeni men, women and children - would likewise be on trial; as would political leaders of both major parties that have supported US policy, and representatives of a mass media that has functioned shamelessly as an instrument of war propaganda.

Alongside them in this crowded defendants’ dock, room would have to be made for their British counterparts from the governments of Prime Minister Theresa May and David Cameron, along with their respective foreign policy, military and intelligence officials; as well as British arms dealers who have reaped massive profits off of the bloodbath in Yemen.

The reality, however, is that none of the war criminals in Washington and London will be called to account for their crimes in Yemen; or, for that matter, those in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria and beyond, without the mobilization of the American and British working class, united in struggle with the working people of Yemen, the rest of the Middle East and the entire planet. Under conditions in which the mass killing in Yemen and the broader Middle East threatens to coalesce into region-wide and even world war, the fight to build a mass antiwar movement based on the working class and the youth, and directed against the capitalist system, is the most urgent political task of the day.

PAGE SEVEN

Decision-makers compassionless about jobless sugar workers plight

Our Union has seen a report titled “APNU+AFC gov’t has been visionless – David Hinds” which appeared in the May 21, 2018 Stabroek News. That newspaper, among other things, reports Dr David Hinds as saying in relation to the Government’s approach to the sugar industry that the Coalition “…must be commended for confronting the problem”. The WPA Executive and newspaper columnist, is then quoted to have said “[w]hile previous governments have kicked the ball down the road, this one decided to tackle the problem…”. In his comments, we also recognize that Dr Hinds decried the Administration’s failure to effectively communicate its approach to sugar.

The GAWU is supportive of everyone’s right to an opinion, a freedom that is now seemingly under threat by the Cybercrime Bill as currently crafted. At the same time, we cannot fail to place on record our strong disagreement with the apparent plaudits Dr Hinds is showering on the Administration for its destructive approach to the sugar industry and the well-being of thousands of Guyanese.

We wonder how one can be pleased when sugar workers are the only group of the State’s employees to have had their wages frozen since the APNU/AFC took power. Then the sugar workers have faced assault after assault, with many of their

hard won rights and benefits just taken away or ignored. Then, after all of that, they are told that they are not needed, and their jobs are taken away without any consideration about how they would survive. Certainly, in our view, it is not a situation in which one can commend, as Dr Hinds has done.

Moreover, the situation in the sugar belt need not be the way it is; there are real workable alternatives. We see GuySuCo itself borrowing $30B to make its estates viable by moving into greater diversification, something GAWU advocated and the Sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI) recommended. The fact that as many as 70 parties are interested in acquiring the now closed estates, described as unprofitable and inefficient, in our view, says a mouthful. The future is not bleak as it is being made out to be.

The fact that so many people are suffering and so many communities are finding themselves in difficult times is a situation that Guyanese, known for their concern for their fellow citizens, can take neither comfort nor pride in. The absence of any consideration of the implications of the decisions taken - and more so the absence of any compassion or even regret by the decision-makers of the sad situation they created is beyond any reasonable words.

Continued from page nine (9)

members of Uitvlugt Estates, BEV Processors Inc, Noble House Seafoods Limited, Demerara Distillers Limited, Demerara Habour Bridge Corporation, Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee, Guyana Forestry Commission, Demerara Timbers Limited, and Caricom Rice Mills Limited. The convening of the Area Conference is a requirement of the Union’s Constitution which mandates the organizing of two (2) Conferences between the Union’s Congresses. Our last Congress – the 21st – was held in August, 2016.

GAWU members concerned...

calling on Government to pay redundancy pay to retrenched sugar workers without further delay; in solidarity with the jobless sugar workers; calling for the restoration of Collective Bargaining in the Public Sector; and calling for the Demerara Timbers to engage the GAWU in Collective Bargaining.

The Conference was held under the theme “Protecting workers rights and benefits in a challenging period” at the Uitvlugt Community Centre. Some 80 delegates drawn from among the Union’s COMBAT 13 May - 30 June, 2018

General Council calls on Govt to stop twiddling its thumbs

The GAWU General Council, at its meeting on June 22, 2018, unanimously approved a resolution calling on the Government of Guyana to stop twiddling its thumbs and end the confusion and indecision that is now stifling the sugar industry. Through the resolution, the General Council expressed its displeasure over the absence of a GuySuCo Board of Directors since February, this year. The Council noted that the absence stymies work towards the approval and implementation of plans that seek to put the industry on a sounder footing following the securing of some $30B from the Government-backed bond.

The resolution also called on the Government to appoint a competent Board, with a mandate to maintain the operations of Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt estates and to involve the workers organizations to assist in putting GuySuCo on a sustainable path.

The meeting was also very concerned about the situation that now confronts thousands of Guyanese in the communities linked to the now closed Skeldon, Rose Hall, East Demerara and Wales Estates. The General Council was very upset to learn about the tragedies that jobless workers now face, and the serious challenges the ex-sugar workers and their families experience on a daily basis. In a resolution, the meeting called on the Administration to implement a programme of safety nets to address the sad realities the workers now face.

The General Council was upset that the state-owned Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo), though required by the Laws of Guyana, among other things, is refusing to engage the GAWU in Collective Bargaining. The meeting noted that engagements between the Union and the Corporation could not be held up as Collective Bargaining, noting that the GuySuCo did not engage in good-faith discussions. The Council called on GuySuCo to engage

the Union, and to address meaningfully the plight of the sugar workers who are hard-pressed by the challenges of contemporary life.

The meeting was also dismayed regarding the disrespect shown to workers in regard to the payment of redundancy pay to the retrenched sugar workers of the now closed estates. The Council noted that though the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act was clear and unambiguous and workers entitlements should be fully settled at the end of their notice period, the GuySuCo and the Government proceeded to pay workers whose entitlement exceeded $500,000 in two (2) halves, with the latter half still outstanding at this time. On this score, the meeting approved a resolution calling on the Government to respect the law and pay the workers their outstanding entitlements forthwith.

The meeting also was disheartened to learn that BEV Processors Inc will end operations in mid-July, 2018. The Council noted that many of the 390 persons employed were women, many of whom were single parents. The meeting appreciated efforts by the Company to seek to secure employment for the soon-to-be redundant workers but recognized the difficulty to secure jobs at this time. The Council approved a resolution standing in solidarity with the workers at this difficult time for them.

The meeting also reiterated and emphasized the importance of unity in the struggles of the working-class, and to continue in a constant way our struggles to defend and promote workers’ interests. The GAWU General Council comprises representatives from among the Union’s bargaining units, and is elected by the Union’s Congress. The Council meets quarterly, and is the Union’s highest forum between its Congresses.

PAGE EIGHT

FITUG excluded from Enmore Martyrs activities The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) wishes to draw to the nation’s attention that the Government of Guyana has decided this year to exclude our body from participating in the State’s activities to commemorate the 70th Death Anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs. Our organization, since the Coalition Government assumed office, and even before, had been participating in the Enmore Martyrs Day activities, whereby we are invited to lay a wreath and to deliver an address to the activities that are held at the Le Repentir Cemetery and at the Enmore Martyrs Monument.

The Ministry of Social Cohesion, which is responsible for the organization of the activities, contacted FITUG regarding its participation on June 09, 2018. At that time, we advised that we would require a formal invitation, and never heard from the Ministry again. In the meantime, FITUG was advancing its preparations towards its participation, and subsequently, contacted the Ministry about the requested invitation and arrangements for the activities. It was only at that time we were informed that we would not be required to participate.

We are at a loss for the reason/s for our exclusion on this occasion. Nevertheless, we recognise it as a new approach to our body. In recent times, FITUG, together with the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), has been afforded an opportunity to participate, through a number of bodies and forums, in the work and activities of the State. This differing approach on this occasion is obviously a cause for concern to us.

In the meantime, the FITUG has written Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton, seeking an explanation for his Ministry’s decision and pointing out that our exclusion runs counter to the objective of his Ministry. We cannot help but wonder whether the decision to exclude our body is linked to our outspokenness on several matters of concern to the working people and their families. The Federation, as a responsible body, can neither turn a blind eye nor a deaf ear to the steadily declining economic and social circumstances of our people. If this is indeed the case, the FITUG is not daunted, but will continue to speak up and speak out when cherished gains and freedoms of our people are threatened.

At this time, the FITUG is informing its membership of the Government’s sad decision. We are undoubtedly now forced to take stock of our relations with the Administration, and to consider carefully our participation in future activities and works of the State. Our exclusion serves to indicate, from all appearances, that our country is quickly heading down a slippery slope, and heading back to an era when dissenting views were not tolerated. For us this is saddening recognizing that the Enmore Martyrs gave their life and our forbearers struggled to win us those very freedoms which it seems are being disregarded by our now-a-day leaders. As FITUG said a few weeks ago, our people find themselves in dangerous times. We cannot help but be saddened by what is taking place in our “Dear Land of Guyana”.

As we wage new struggles today...

Continued from page twelve (12)

Comrade Chairman, this is the cold reality of what the Government’s decision has meant for the sugar workers. But what’s most upsetting is that it need not be this way. The route of closure was not the only path that the Government had. The Government’s own Commission of Inquiry pointed it in the direction it should go.

GAWU, among others, shared with the Administration the very good possibilities of making the industry sustainable and viable. But in spite of all those real possibilities, the Coalition turned a blind eye and deaf ear, and proceeded to close sugar estates. Even more heart-rending is that we see now the minimized GuySuCo going in that exact direction of sugar diversification.

Today, the now jobless workers have been forgotten by the authorities. We see no concern or any plan being advanced to take care of them and their families at this distressing point in their lives. The talk about lands for farming; monies for business; new careers and new jobs have all but died down. Even the workers’ right to severance pay has been disrespected, Comrade Chairman. It must be asked whether these people are a different set of Guyanese not deserving of the State’s support when they face difficulties and hardships.

Today, Comrade Chairman, we cannot fail to also recognise what seems to be a great deal of confusion and indecision further afflicting the sugar industry. This, Comrade Chairman, the GAWU strongly contends can neither be condoned nor

encouraged. Its continuation, in our sincere view, could very well have lasting repercussions and the consequences will be a most bitter pill to swallow. Too much is at stake; inclusive of the livelihood of thousands of workers; the well-being of tens of thousands of Guyanese, and billions of dollars of the Guyanese people’s assets. The GAWU reiterates that this situation must be brought to an immediate halt, and that the task of overcoming the difficulties in the industry be proceeded on with capable, competent and experienced leadership and management of the sugar industry.

Comrades, at this time, the plight that has befallen so many sugar workers cannot be forgotten. We are sure that those who so heartlessly brought untold hardships to their lives will not be forgotten or forgiven now or in history. Comrades, the sugar industry and its workforce have a pivotal place in our country’s economic life. We urge the authorities not to disregard this. We urge them not to continue letting down the working people.

As we face new challenges today, new workers’ struggles are taking place. It is fitting, therefore, in such circumstances, to reflect on and draw inspiration from the 1948 Enmore workers struggles.

Long live the Enmore Martyrs!

Long live the Working Class!

The struggle continues!

GAWU members concerned about the future as the situation appears bleak The Demerara Area Conference of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) concluded on (Saturday) June 23, 2018 with delegates expressing deep anxieties about the future.

The Conference noted that the future does not appear to be bright notwithstanding the grandiose-like promises by the Administration’s spokespersons that conditions will be greatly improved in the country with the commercial production of oil. Delegates pointed to the massive loss of jobs in the sugar industry and elsewhere where, thousands of persons have, in the last few years, joined the ranks of the unemployed. The contracting economic situation did not give delegates great hope that brighter days are ahead, as concerns were expressed of the massive declines in the country’s gold and foreign exchange reserves as well as the substantial borrowing by Administration.

COMBAT 13 May - 30 June, 2018

The Conference, in reviewing the work of the Union since our last Congress, received the Report of the General Council which was presented by our General Secretary, Seepaul Narine. Several matters of concern were considered at the international, local and workplace levels.

At the international level, delegates also expressed their apprehensions about the possibility of a new world war, and were upset to note the heightening global inequality, increasing impoverishment, and the swelling of the global army of the unemployed. Locally, delegates reflected on the slowing down of the economy, the rising cost-of-living, and increased unemployment as well. Delegates were also peeved regarding the arrangements of our new-found oil resources, and were concerned that other industries were being ignored in favour of oil, which they felt wasn’t the wisest of approaches.

On the sugar industry, delegates were

particularly upset that thousands of sugar workers have been made jobless in recent times, without any plans to address their well-being and welfare. The Conference noted that the closure of estates was not going in the right direction, especially when one considers that there are real possibilities for the sugar industry to be turned around and put on a sustainable path. The situation in the sugar industry, which is characterized by confusion, indecision, and a lack of leadership, also did not escape attention. Delegates felt that such a sad state-of-affairs was not helpful to the industry’s cause, and more so the thousands of sugar workers. Critical views were also expressed regarding the disrespect and disregard of labour laws, international conventions and long-standing practices by the GuySuCo and the Government of Guyana.

The Conference also expressed its full

solidarity with the workers of BEV Processors Inc, which will close its doors in a few days’ time. Delegates were heartened to learn that the Company was seeking to secure jobs for the soon-tobe-jobless workers, but also expressed their concern that jobs have been hard to come by in contemporary times.

The attitude of the foreign-owned Demerara Timbers Limited to the workers and the Union were also criticized. Similarly, the imposition of pay rises in the public sector was also denounced, as the Conference noted that the Coalition committed itself to respect the institution of Collective Bargaining.

The Conference also passed, unanimously, resolutions on the situation in the sugar industry; on the cost of living; Continued on page eight (8) PAGE NINE

A DETERIORATING ECONOMY:

The workers are the gravest victims

Over the last few months, a number of articles and letters have appeared in the media to express serious concern with the state and direction of the economy.

Several of the pieces have pointed to the critical importance of the economy to the overall well-being of our people. This concern is growing as time moves on, and rather than a voice of reassurance coming from the Administration, we hear nothing more than a deafening silence.

Certainly, it does not help to inspire confidence and assuage the real fears harboured by our people at this time.

There is, without a doubt, a growing body of evidence that gives credence to the dismal view about the economy. The Combat, in its last edition, pointed to some of these worrying indicators such as slowing economic growth; a substantial fall in gold reserves; the steady decline of our foreign reserves; poor performance of the productive sector; unbridled borrowing locally and internationally, among other things. When these factors are collectively considered, the picture that appears is certainly not pleasing.

So far, Combat recognizes that the discussion regarding the economy has largely revolved around pointed indicators, but little thought has so far gone into the repercussions that would flow from what seems to be inevitably rough economic seas ahead. While we have been told, in an unconvincing fashion, about the oil wealth that awaits us, there is also a great deal of skepticism on this front.

The Government, unfortunately, has lost a lot of credibility on the oil front when consideration is taken of the lopsided oil agreement it signed with Exxon and the forcible disclosure of the signing bonus

after it appeared in the media.

But those factors aside, as important as they are, Guyanese old enough will recall the bitter medicine that was administered when the country’s economy hit rock bottom in the latter 1980s. At that time, the country was forced into the arms of the IMF. In that eventful period, a time many Guyanese wish not to relive, our people saw all they worked for losing substantial value. The cost of living reached unimaginable proportions, and inflation in 1991, for instance, was 101.5 per cent. Pensioners were hard hit, as their pensions overnight became meaningless. As Poverty, as was to be expected, expanded significantly in 1990, two (2) out of every three (3) Guyanese became impoverished.

While we managed to overcome what clearly were daunting difficulties and is a feat we as Guyanese should be proud of, at the same time, it is not a scenario we want to relive again. Today, we cannot say with a great deal of confidence that those events will not be repeated again.

In fact, when a comparison of the now-aday situation is made with what prevailed in the 1980s, it is almost a déjà vu. While too much time has already been lost, the situation still has not reached the point of where it cannot be retrieved. But this situation requires the efforts of all stakeholders. It is time for the Government, urgently, to sit with the Opposition, the Trade Union Movement and the Business Sector to address, in a meaningful way, our economic situation. The time for hollow retorts to serious concerns from the Administration is slowly approaching the midnight hour. As Martin Carter famously said “…all are involved, all are consumed”.

Redundant female workers receive food hampers

The 171 female sugar workers who were employed in the fields and factories of the now-closed Wales, East Demerara, Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates received food hampers compliments of the Guyana Solidarity Movement – New York (GSM-NY). The female workers, given the nature of work they undertook in the sugar industry, had relatively low earnings, and quite a few were single parents themselves making their situation doubly harsh.

The GSM-NY, which comprises Guyanese resident in the New York area, has been especially moved by the suffering and hardships that now grip the thousands of persons affected by the closure of the estates. Previously, the GSM-NY had provided support which saw cane cutters of Wales, the only group of redundant workers to not have received any severance payments, receiving hampers in late December, 2017.

This latest support was made possible through the support of many kind-hearted Guyanese in the New York area who have been touched by the stories of sadness in the sugar belt.

Today, many of the now jobless workers have serious difficulties to put meals

on their tables; to send their children to school, or to pay their bills. For them it is been nothing short of a nightmare, with previously simple things now becoming a monumental challenge.

At the distribution exercies, the recipients were very appreciative and touched by the kind gesture, and were pleased to know that they are not alone at this trying time in their lives. The hampers, which comprised basic food items such as rice, flour, sugar, milk, salt, etc, the workers related, will go some way in easing the burdens they have to fetch now-a-days.

Some of the ex-sugar workers shared that though they have managed to secure jobs, their rates-of-pay and conditions of work are far inferior to what they enjoyed in the sugar industry. Some others related that, given their age, they have great difficulties in obtaining employment. They lamented that they gave their best years to the sugar industry and GuySuCo, and now they have been shoved in the cold world of the unemployed seemingly without any consideration about their and their families well-being.

Water rate hike another burden for the working people - FITUG The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) was disturbed to learn, from media reports, of the decision to increase water rates in two tranches – the first effective from October 01, this year, and the second from October 01, 2019. Through the increases approved, ordinary Guyanese will now have to find thousands of dollars more per year to enjoy an essential building block of life in the Land of Many Waters.

The FITUG saw, from a Demerara Waves report, that the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) CEO, Dr Richard Van West Charles, was saying that the approved increases would be used to finance the Company’s capital works. Indeed this is saddening, recognizing that, for quite a number of years, the State had been assisting the Company in COMBAT 13 May - 30 June, 2018

reaching its capital requirements. It seems to us, in view of the expansion of tax revenues in recent times, t h e A d minist ration c a n continue to provide such assistance, and thus negate the necessity for the rate hike. Moreover, we re-

call that GWI’s personnel had admitted, according to the media, that rate increase could have been avoided if t h e Company were able to collect rates from a l l consumers. At this time, we are unaware of steps to go in this direction in order to

stave off the rate hike.

As FITUG pointed out not too long ago, the water rate hike would now require all consumers to pay VAT on water, as they would now exceed the threshold.

Thus, this amounts to a further indirect increase of 14 per cent. This newest increase comes on the heels of several other burdens that have been placed on the workers in recent times which arecausing workers, more and more, to curtail their consumption in order to live within their means. Slowly and steadily, dismayingly, workers, indeed working-people and citizens, are reaching the point where the proverbial straw will break the camel’s back.

PAGE TEN

IUF writes President Granger on sugar situation

The International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Association (IUF), an international trade union confederation, through its General Secretary Sue Longley, has written to President David Granger expressing the body’s strong concern with the situation that is playing

out in the communities of the now-closed Skeldon, Rose Hall, East Demerara and Wales Estates.

In its May 10, 2018 letter to President Granger, the IUF, which speaks on behalf of 10 million workers through its 422 affiliated unions in 131 countries, said it is aware that the sugar industry “…has made

substantial contributions to your country’s [Guyana] national life and development… its role as a national institution cannot be diminished…”.

The IUF went on to say “…bearing those factors in mind…we cannot help but be saddened by what has taken place…”. The international body said it appears “… that very little thought has been given to address the well-being and welfare of the thousands who have been affected”. The IUF lamented that the Government, though being advised, “…did not pursue any considered study to get a better grasp of the eventualities that will flow from its reform plans”.

The IUF General Secretary added that she was very moved when she interacted with some of the now jobless workers earlier this year, having heard “…their stories of survival and struggle…”. She wrote “[i]t is difficult for us to imagine what has taken place in the days and weeks that followed that engagement”.

The IUF strongly urged the President that his Government “…actively looks at the plight that have befallen the thousands of workers of the sugar industry who have lost their livelihood…”. The trade union body said the situation “…if left unchecked, would not be in the interest of your beautiful country and hospitable people”.

The letter from the IUF succinctly highlights the difficulties that the now ex-workers of Skeldon, Rose Hall, East Demerara and Wales are now facing. The GAWU, among others, has been consistently drawing attention to the difficulties and travails that now must be contended with. Our Union is indeed appreciative of the IUF’s support at this time. We hope also that President Granger, together with his colleagues, will consider, rationally, what the IUF has written, and seek to remove the steadily increasing burdens the former workers face.

We recognise, on this score too, serious concerns are harboured about this body and its work. Certainly, the extraordinary reaches of the SARA Act, which gives immense power and authority to the body, should not be forgotten, and the reason/s for such reach should not, in our view, go without question. On SARA, the Federation has recognized, and at this time cannot discount, the view being expressed that the organization is pursuing certain ends. Then we saw in the press an agreement being inked to formalize collaboration b e tween SARA and the F I U .

Whether this is legal or not is one matter, but given the nature of the FIU’s work, we wonder, among other concerns, whether it is indeed proper to have such an arrangement in the first place.

Along these lines, the FITUG, of course, cannot fail to mention the much-vaunted SOCU, which, as we understand it, was meant to be the investigative arm of the FIU and to pursue matters relating to money laundering. It seems that this body’s mandate may have changed, and seemingly, its original intent has either

fallen to the very bottom of its priorities or is not a priority at all. We say this recognizing from reports in the press that the body is only concerned with cases involving members of the former Government. FITUG condemns corruption in all its forms, and we are consistent on this stance. However, we strongly believe that charges of corruption must be clear and meritorious, and the State machinery should not be used willy-nilly for any witch-hunting or hounding of persons of a political bias. There should not be resort to technicalities or to spurious grounds.

Moving along that line gives credence to the view that an arm of the State is being used to persecute citizens. Certainly, this cannot be condoned When the situation is looked at in its totality, we recognise a less-than-pleasing picture is coming together. It is somewhat of a textbook approach that has been employed in other countries where unpopular Governments seeking to maintain their grip on power have adopted measures which are seen as less than conforming to the rules and norms of democracy. It has had sad outcomes for those peoples in the countries where such tactics have been or are being pursued. It is not a situation that we as a people should face again. History has taught us the sordid lessons of the era when democracy was thrown by the wayside and the serious damage that was inflicted in our society. At this time, after nearly 52 years as an independent state, Guyana and Guyanese should not encourage or allow our country to descend into a failed state. Let us be ready to raise our voices at injustices.

Dangerous puzzle being assembled - FITUG The Federation of Independent Trades Unions of Guyana (FITUG), taking a bird’s eye view of developments in our country, has clearly determined that we are in a worrying state of affairs. In view of this, we find it necessary to express our serious concern, as we see a rather dangerous situation appearing. Indeed, while the Federation sincerely hopes that this is not the case, we obviously, at the same time, cannot disregard the red flags which have shown up.

Of recent, there has been, rightfully, a great deal of concern regarding the Cybercrime Bill. More specifically, several voices of condemnation have been raised against Section 18 of that Bill, which some have argued will criminalize views that are not favourable to the Government. We find it hard to disagree with those individuals and organisations expressing strong disagreement with that section of the Bill. In our view, as has been said several times over the last few days, that questionable section of the Bill will undermine our cherished, and more so constitutionally-enshrined, Freedom of Expression. While we accept that our expression/views must not incite violence or hatred, we strongly contend that the sedition section has no place in our contemporary society. It is our view that this is a retrogressive step, and represents a slap in the face of those who struggled in our country to ensure that the views of all Guyanese can be expressed without fear or favour. At this time, the FITUG joins in the call for the archaic provision to be removed from the Cybercrime Bill.

But the inclusion of the sedition clause, we believe, should not be seen in isolaCOMBAT 13 May - 30 June, 2018

tion, but instead regarded as representing a puzzle that is being assembled. At this time, we cannot forget that there are serious clouds of doubt hovering over the institutions charged with upholding democratic practices in our still fledgling democracy. Several other civil society organisations, including FITUG, engaged a visiting UNDP team to express several concerns with the ability of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to deliver a creditable election. This view, shared b y many of the organisations present, certainly must s e n d chills down o n e’s spine, a n d raise questions about whether we are going back to the time of electoral malpractices. We certainly hope that this is not the case, but the unilateral appointment of the GECOM Chairman has not been helpful in this regard. With National and Regional elections just two (2) years away, there is much work to be done for our people to repose confidence in our electoral machinery and bodies.

Then, alongside those developments, we have seen the activation of SARA.

PAGE ELEVEN

GAWU tells Enmore Martyrs Rally:

As we wage new struggles today, we should draw inspiration from the 1948 Enmore workers struggles On June 16th, seventy (70) years ago, not That script, with a different cast, was to about the support moral, and otherwise too long after sunrise at Enmore, gun be replayed at Enmore in 1948; and the he and his comrades lent to the strugshots at the behest of the sugar barons plantocracy, given their success at repres- gle. He shared that he rubbed shoulders pierced the cries for justice and dignity sion in the past, had high hopes that the with the workers, and in that process which had ensnared the East Coast Es- results of previous times would be re- developed close relations with them. Dr tates for two (2) months. When the dust played.

Jagan also wrote about the deep impact settled and the smoke cleared, snuffed out Alas, Comrade Chairman, Enmore the killing had on him, and the emotion were the young lives of Lallabaggie and proved to be a turning point. It indeed that had overcome him as he witnessed Dookie from Enmore; and Rambarran, marked a proud departure from the sor- the burial of the Martyrs and the cries of Harry and Pooran from Enterprise/Non did history of worker killings at the in- their relatives. We all well know of the Pareil. The tragic episode represented stance of the plantocracy, and colonial silent pledge Dr Jagan took, a pledge to another incident of repression on behalf domination. It indeed was a landmark dedicate himself to releasing the Guyaof the plantocracy, carried out with the struggle of workers which triggered a nese people from the clutches of bondage support of the then State, which sought new phase in our history and our march and oppression; it was a pledge that guidto suppress workers who were standing toward freedom. The question is often ed his work and life in the service of the up for their rights. These five young men, asked: Why Enmore 1948? What made Guyanese people and it was a pledge that now regarded as National Heroes, have this incident different from those before? he upheld and committed himself until come to be known as the Enmore Mar- What caused the plantocracy to seem- he left us 21 years ago. tyrs. They and their comrades-in-arms ingly abandon a time-tested response? Comrades, at this time, when the GAWU were, like us all, seeking a better day, im- These, Comrade Chairman, are reason- along with others in our nation pay tribprovement in their work lives and economic justice.

We must ask:- Did their just demand to be provided with housing that protected them from the elements of the weather require their massacre? Did their call for fair wages and working conditions need to elicit a hail of bullets? Did their cry for improvements in their squalid living conditions justify them being shot in the backs? Was essentially cold-blooded killing an appropriate response to workers demanding the recognition of a union that had their interests at heart? Comrade Chairman, the answer is a resounding and an unambiguous no. In our day, such a reaction would be deemed extreme and uncalled for, and it would elicit all-round and widespread condemnation.

But in that colonialist era, reasonable- Some of the attendees at the State’s Enmore Martyrs Rally on June 16, 2018 ness was not a ready consideration.

Though forced labour had ended several able questions, and their answers can ute and recall the remarkable life of Dr decades prior to Enmore 1948, the sugar only enrich the remarkable and enduring Cheddi Jagan on his centennial anniverbarons still saw the workers as mere com- contributions stemming from struggles sary of his birth, we cannot fail to take modities whose only role and function of 1948 which led to the Enmore Massa- into account and reflect on his and his was to realize profits and super-profits cre. comrades’ monumental roles in ensuring on their behalf. There was simply no emAlongside the sustained resistance a vastly better and improving conditions pathy and consideration for the workers demonstrated by the sugar workers was for the working class and their families. and their families’ well-being and welfare the active leadership and guidance of the The Enmore Massacre indeed served, in and when the workers decided to raise Cheddi Jagan-led Political Affairs Com- a significant way, as an awakening call their voices of resistance and pursue their mittee (PAC) which was formed two (2) for the masses. It heightened their concalls for justice, brute force and carnage years prior. History records that Dr Ja- sciousness and steeled them in their rewere the order of the day. gan, his wife and others of the PAC, along solve to demand freedom. The sustained The response to the workers’ resistance with the leaders of the Guiana Industrial struggle saw Guyana attaining indepenat Enmore was a script that was employed Workers Union (GIWU) actively sup- dence eighteen (18) years after the Martime and time again by the plantocracy. It ported the striking workers, and stood tyrs massacre, and Guyanese being the was a script that saw workers being killed together with them as they sought to owners of the sugar industry ten (10) in 1869, 1872, 1876, 1879, 1888, 1894, advance their gains and secure improve- years after our independence. Comrade 1896, 1899, 1903, 1905, 1913, 1914, 1924, ments in their lives.

Chairman, indeed, the Enmore Martyrs and 1939. In every case, the response of Dr Jagan, in his well-known West on sacrifice was not in vain. It was sacrifice the plantation oligarchy and the colonial Trial, wrote about his association with that bore so many achievements, and it is police was stark, brutal and uncaring. the striking workers. There he spoke an incident that serves as a stark remind-

er of the wretched system of the plantocracy and colonialism.

Today, Comrade Chairman, as we once again pay tribute to the Martyrs, an observance that was initiated by Dr Jagan and later adopted by the State, we cannot fail to express, indeed, our sincere dismay that the organisers of today’s programme, for reasons best known to them, have chosen to exclude the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG). The decision to disallow FITUG’s participation without any rhyme or reason is disconcerting and obviously worrying. It seems, from all apperances, that FITUG’s exclusion may be connected to that organisation’s forthright expressions on several matters of national importance. If this is the case, this should heighten our concern as a people and cause us to wonder whether we are heading down back to those dark times when the voices of dissentions were not tolerated. Certainly, this must be seen as yet another attack on our cherished freedoms and democratic culture, and should cause us all to think what could be next.

Today also, Comrade Chairman, we must be saddened that the Martyrs are remembered when there is no operable Enmore Estate. As we well know, nearly 7,000 sugar workers have been laid off over the last two (2) years as the Administration, without hesitation or even a second thought, decided to close Skeldon, Rose Hall, Enmore and Wales Estates. Comrade Chairman, it is indeed disturbing that the Government took such a decision and ignored the cries of the workers and their families; the sincere advice from several creditable organizations, including the trade unions; and the calls from prominent personalities not to go in the direction it unfortunately went.

Comrade Chairman, today the now jobless ex-sugar workers of Enmore, like those of Wales, of Rose Hall and of Skeldon, remain hard-pressed and, in some instances, depressed. They are having grave difficulty in adjusting their lives.

They have very serious troubles in securing decent and remunerative employment. They are forced to abandon their plans for life. Some have had the difficult task of telling their children that they cannot afford to send them to school; some have the real trouble of finding food to put on the table; some have difficulties to meet life’s basic expenditure.

Continued on page nine (9)

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