Today, the workers of Guyana begin the commemoration of Labour Week with a church service and a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, the Father of Trade Unionism in the British Empire, located in the Parliament Buildings.
The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is also mindful that while General and Regional Elections are constitutionally due this year, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has failed to implement the necessary mechanisms to ensure a clean voters list and the use of biometrics—critical components for delivering free, fair, and credible elections. This remains a vital struggle for the trade union movement, which has historically fought for “one man, one vote.” The current system at GECOM undermines this right and the integrity of the democratic process.
Meanwhile, Guyana continues to grapple with issues of governance and an obstinate administration that refuses to embrace the principal political objective of the state: to create an inclusionary democracy, as mandated by Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution. This remains a matter of national importance that the GTUC will continue to pursue.
The GTUC firmly believes that inclusive governance is not just a political preference but a constitutional right. Inclusion must be grounded in the rule of law, respect for human rights and dignity, and justice. Violators of these principles must be held accountable. It is evident that the nation’s business is not being managed in alignment with its constitutional political objectives.
The GTUC calls on all political parties, civil society groups, and individuals to recommit to the struggle to give meaning to Article 13. National consultation is crucial—but more importantly, there must be coordinated national action. We must collectively assess the barriers to inclusion and national unity and work together to make government more representative, with the Constitution as our guiding document. The time has come for a serious, functional Parliament and a deepening of the spirit and intent of representative government.
Decisions regarding laws, budgets, international financial agreements, trade deals, privatisation, and investments must not be made by a simple majority vote, specially considering that all citizens shoulder the financial burden of the state.
A more representative system, where parties collaborate on decisions for their constituents and communities, will ensure broader participation in governance. In such an environment, political groups will be compelled to work together, be scrutinised by the public, and held accountable for whether they are advancing or hindering the people’s interests. This approach promotes shared responsibility, meaningful representation, and innovation in governance. It ensures that Members of Parliament remain accountable to their constituents and that good ideas—regardless of political origin—are not dismissed. It paves the way for a more participatory and inclusive society.
If one examines the persistent issues of unimplemented national plans, marginalised communities, underdevelopment, and rampant corruption, all justified by a governing party’s claim to a simple majority, the need for systemic reform becomes urgent. Take, for instance, the National Development Strategy, created with input from politicians and civil society alike. Though hailed as a blueprint for progress, it remains shelved because its implementation is left solely to the executive.
Were responsibility shared, or systems in place to hold officials accountable through Parliament, implementation would be far more likely due to the expectations of multiple stakeholders. Similarly, the Herdmanston Accord and St. Lucia Statement remain ignored by the current government, which uses its simple parliamentary majority to dismiss any initiative it did not author. This lack of checks and balances enables a governance style that excludes rather than includes. In every democracy, the minority has the right not only to be heard but to participate meaningfully in governance.
A government that operates on the premise that its majority gives it sole ownership of the state—treating citizens as subjects—is outdated and must give way to new thinking. This country belongs to all of us. The national treasury belongs to the people, not to any political party or group. Therefore, public funds must be used for the benefit of society as a whole and accounted for transparently.
The GTUC believes that only by achieving an inclusive society—where rights, justice, and dignity are guaranteed for every citizen—can Guyana reach its full potential. Ours is a nation rich with promise, if we can commit to justice, equity, and the principles enshrined in both international human rights law and the Constitution. The GTUC remains committed to building inclusive governance, holding the state accountable, and upholding the meaning of Article 13. We stand ready to work with any group or individual to protect the rights of all Guyanese—whom we proudly classify as Labour: past, present, and future.
