In Guyana, a nation where leaders constantly speak of justice and fairness, the prolonged battle faced by its predominantly black pensioners paints a contrasting picture. These individuals, having devoted their lives in service to their country, now find themselves in a distressing fight for the pensions they were assured.
This saga traces back to a pivotal civil case that reached its conclusion on March 26, 2021. On this day, Justice Sandra Kurtzious pronounced a decisive verdict in favor of these pensioners. She ruled that they were rightfully entitled to pensions based on their last drawn salaries, as per the 1990 Agreement of Sale contract. This contract, a binding agreement between the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Postal and Telecommunications Workers Union (GPTWU), was designed to protect the rights of public servants transitioning to the private entity, GTT.
The clarity of Justice Kurtzious’ judgment was unmistakable. It was not merely a triumph for the pensioners but also a testament to the principles of justice and honoring agreements made in good faith.
Yet, the narrative takes a disconcerting twist when viewed in the present context, a full thirty months post-judgment. The Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, has displayed a concerning disregard for this ruling, choosing not to comply. His stance becomes even more baffling given the absence of any appeal against the judgment.
Compounding the situation is Nandlall’s misleading rhetoric. He inaccurately asserts that the case remains unresolved in the courts and portrays the pensioners as private company employees seeking government pensions. Such claims starkly contradict the clear directives of the judgment.
The inertia displayed by the pensioners’ legal representation in light of Nandlall’s misrepresentations and the overt non-adherence to the judgment further exacerbates the pensioners’ plight. The contempt clause within the judgment seems to have lost its potency, leaving the pensioners in continued distress.
The ramifications of this protracted injustice are severe. A significant number of these pensioners, having waited in anticipation, have succumbed, unable to afford essential medicines and healthcare. This situation is particularly poignant given the predominantly black demographic of this group, underscoring the need for immediate redress.
One member of the pensioner’s association, poignantly highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting the alarming frequency of deaths among the pensioners, sometimes reaching three in a month. These aren’t mere numbers but represent lives lost due to the government’s reluctance to honor a lawful judgment.
The government of Guyana likes to insist that their policies are not racist, yet African Guyanese are continually the victims of such disparities and injustice. The predominantly black pensioners, in their quest for their rightful pensions, underscore the urgent need for justice. The adage “Justice delayed is justice denied” rings true, emphasizing the imperative for those in authority to act with fairness, responsibility, and empathy. The ongoing struggle of these pensioners serves as a stark reminder that the ideals of equality and respect should be universal, transcending age, race, or background. One pensioner who did not wish to be identified stated, “Anil and the government is waiting for us to all die.”
