…says opposition appear weak, impotent
In the face of what it calls the ongoing assault on African labour, the Guyana Trade Union Congress has slammed the main Opposition (APNU+AFC) and People’s National Congress/Reform (PNCR) as weak and impotent.
In a blistering statement addressing a wide range of issues, the GTUC said a government is as good or bad based on the Opposition. “And whereas Mr. David Granger no longer holds constitutional office, he is the Leader of the PNCR. His nonchalance to these grave issues is even more troubling than Leader of the Opposition, Joe Harmon, insipid reactions,” the GTUC said in the statement.
According to the GTUC, society is well aware the former President is quick to have the PNCR or APNU defend him when attacked by the PPP/C, yet when the supporters whom he leads are under attack he is content to remain silent and observe from afar. “What manner of leader is this? Non-response is unacceptable and new to a party whose previous leaders would not have countenanced the onslaught on citizens/workers/supporters,” the umbrella trade union movement said.
Since demitting office, Granger has largely been silent on some of the issues afflicting his constituency. Many party members and also supporters have criticized him and there is a groundswell of support for his replacement at the party’s next congress.
Meanwhile, the trade union body said democracy is not at work in Guyana, noting that it is political hegemony. “Aside from the “grave irregularities” as recorded by the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), which were used to declare results that ushered in a new administration, there can be no democracy in the face of systemic assaults, marginalisation and dispossession of any section in society.
“Democracy allows for the rights and freedoms of all to be respected; for all to engage in meaningful participation, productive endeavours and maximise their potentials; for recourse to grievances and protection under the law. Guyana continues to fall short. GTUC is convinced the Ali regime is provoking resistance and confrontation in its continuous trampling on the tenets of democracy and citizens’ rights.”
