Guyana Trades Union Congress
The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) extends Emancipation Greetings to all Guyanese. As we mark the 182nd anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation lest we forget freedom gained must be guarded and protected. Emancipation marks an achievement borne out of centuries of struggle to be treated as human beings, to enjoy dignity, freedoms and human rights.
This is the time when we focus on the forced journey of Africans from their homeland to new homes, their contributions to Guyana and where they are now. What does the future hold for Africans? United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in 2008, addressing issues of the slave trade and slavery noted: “This unparalleled global tragedy claimed untold millions of lives over four centuries, and left a terrible legacy that continues to dehumanise and oppress people around the world to this day.”
Physical freedom from chattel slavery is by no measure the finality of the struggle of a people but merely a stepping stone to the attainment of full civil, economic, social, cultural and political rights. Much remains to be done to achieve a nation all can be proud of; a nation borne out of sacrifice and common need for belongingness and participating in its bounties.
GTUC is not unaware in this political season, where an election remains inconclusive, tensions amongst us are high. These are borne out of fear of marginalisation and discrimination, hindering the felt need for security, unleashing and realising our full potentials. Collectively we must work to confront these with the aim at arriving at solutions and safeguarding our welfare.
GTUC reiterates its call to our Government, Opposition, private sector, civil society, religious organisations, et al to give meaning to “inclusionary democracy” which is prescribed as the principal objective of our political system and outlined in Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution. Labour calls for implementation through just policy making, programmes and laws. This must be addressed as a matter of urgency, for we are all here, even though through different experiences, and must work or perish together.
Labour remains convinced “One People One Nation One Destiny” is achievable. Workers will continue the fight for same irrespective of class, creed, political persuasion or other diversity, as we are reminded that whatever affects the African man will affect the Indian, Amerindian, Portuguese and all others.
Aluta Continua!
