The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) issued statements addressing several significant issues. A fire on March 22, 2025, severely damaged the Critchlow Labour College, a historic institution in Georgetown, and while the cause is under investigation, GTUC suspects arson. The union praised the swift response of the Guyana Fire Service and expressed gratitude for the support, including President Irfaan Ali’s commitment to help rebuild.
GTUC also criticised Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton for remarks prioritizing foreign workers over Guyanese citizens, pointing out the government’s failure to create adequate job opportunities and fair wages, particularly in the construction sector. Additionally, GTUC raised concerns about electoral integrity, citing discrepancies in the voter list and calling for comprehensive electoral reforms, including biometric voter registration, to ensure fair elections.
See full statement below:
Guyana Trades Union Congress’ Press Statement 3rd April, 2025
Critchlow Labour College Fire
A devastating fire on Saturday morning, March 22, 2025, severely damaged the Critchlow Labour College (CLC) on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown. The blaze destroyed a significant portion of this historic institution, while other areas sustained substantial damage. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Guyana Fire Service. GTUC suspects the fire may have been an act of arson, given that no electrical wires were found in the affected areas.
Established in 1967, Critchlow Labour College has been a cornerstone of workers’ education in Guyana, named after Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, the father of the trade union movement in Guyana and the wider Caribbean. The college has played a pivotal role in educating and empowering trade unionists and workers, offering programmes in industrial relations, labour economics, and social studies.
GTUC commends the Guyana Fire Service for their swift response in containing the fire. We extend our gratitude to all who have shown support and concern during this difficult time. A special thank you to President Irfaan Ali for reaching out and committing to help the college rebuild. GTUC is in the process of submitting the necessary documentation to aid in the restoration efforts. Like the phoenix, Critchlow Labour College will rise again.
Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton’s remarks on visibly local and migrant labour
Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton’s recent remarks reflect either a misunderstanding of his role or an arrogance common among some politicians. To suggest that the government will prioritize foreign workers over Guyanese citizens is a failure on his part and the government’s. The people he refers to are citizens who, despite challenges, deserve a government committed to improving their lives—not abandoning them.
The Minister’s comments imply a failure to create systems for job creation and fair wages. Just days ago, the Ministry launched Occupational Safety and Health Month, yet construction workers, even within government buildings, are still not provided basic protective gear like safety boots, helmets, or goggles.
The issue is not that people refuse to work, but that wages are insufficient. How can the Minister expect workers to live on $60,000 a month while he earns over half a million? It’s time for the Minister to reconsider his stance on workers, as their tax dollars pay his salary, yet he chooses to blame them without addressing the root causes of their dissatisfaction.
Statement on Electoral Reform and Voter Integrity
Guyana’s current voter list remains inaccurate, with 738,484 names on the preliminary 2025 list, despite the national population being estimated at 750,000 to 780,000. This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for electoral reform. Both the Organisation of American States (OAS) and CARICOM have called for comprehensive voter re-registration and campaign finance reform, but these recommendations have yet to be implemented.
GECOM is tasked with ensuring a credible voter roll and overseeing fair elections, yet reports of irregular voter registrations—such as a significant surge in registrations at a single address in Ogle—raise serious concerns. GTUC, along with opposition parties like PNCR, WPA, and AFC, has consistently called for a clean voter list and the introduction of biometrics to prevent fraud.
Biometric systems, including fingerprint, iris, or facial recognition, are feasible and necessary, with infrastructure already in place. However, funding is needed to fully implement these measures. GTUC is committed to safeguarding the democratic principle of “one man, one vote” and continues to push for these reforms.
GTUC has met with GECOM, political opposition parties (PNCR, WPA, AFC), and GECOM Opposition commissioners, and has written to both GECOM and the government, awaiting responses. GTUC has also contacted regional and international bodies and is expecting meetings soon. GTUC will doggedly pursue these reforms to ensure a fairer and more transparent electoral process.
