The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has condemned an advertisement published in Village Voice News, describing it as “disrespectful” and “disparaging” toward sugar workers and their families.
In a statement on Tuesday, GAWU criticised the ad claiming it sought to portray cane cutters in a negative and regressive light. “We find the post deeply disturbing and affronting all sugar workers and their families,” the union said. See the ad below:
The union further accused this publication and the creators of the ad of harbouring long-standing contempt for the sugar industry and its workforce.
“The outfit and intellectual authors have long held disdainful views against the sugar industry, its workers, and those who depend on it,” the statement said. However, GAWU did not provide any specific evidence or examples to substantiate this claim against this publication or the individuals who produced the advertisement.
Historical and Political Context Cited
GAWU’s statement went on to suggest that the ad’s tone and message mirrored the treatment of sugar workers during the 2016–2017 period when several estates were closed under the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition government.
The union linked this narrative to what it perceives as implicit editorial support by Village Voice for policies that harmed sugar-dependent communities. Again, the Union failed to provide an iota of evidence to substantiate the allegation.
GAWU referenced remarks made by President Irfaan Ali at the 2025 Enmore Martyrs Day observance, in which he cited a report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) outlining the social fallout of estate closures. Key findings from that report include:
- Increased alcoholism, crime, and suicide in affected communities
- Income declines of over 70 percent among former workers
- Rising anxieties about the future
- Educational setbacks for children
- Overall decline in household and community well-being
The union said these findings stand in stark contrast to the ad’s apparent message, which it claimed attempts to “shamelessly” undermine the dignity of sugar work.
“While Village Voice wants to promote a decent life for sugar workers, the reality remains, from all impressions, they support groupings and individuals who did quite the opposite,” GAWU stated.
A 2021 ILO report also showed sugar workers suffered the highest lay-off during the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government. The report noted that when the sugar industry was nationalised in 1976, employment stood at 28,406 (p. 24). According to the study, under the People’s National Congress (PNC) government—led by President Forbes Burnham (1964–1985) and later President Desmond Hoyte (1985–1992)—employment declined by 325 workers.
By May 2015, when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) left office, GuySuCo was not only facing severe financial challenges, but its workforce had also been significantly reduced to 16,927 employees, of whom 15,387 were field and factory workers (p. 25).
The data indicates that 11,154 jobs were lost under the PPP/C government (28,081 – 16,927 = 11,154), compared to a reduction of 325 during the PNC era (Burnham and Hoyte), and 5,160 under the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) administration.
According to the ILO study, more sugar workers lost their jobs under the PPP/C government than under the PNC and APNU+AFC governments combined.
Workers Remain Vigilant, Says Union
GAWU concluded by stating sugar workers will not be misled by what it described as political or media-driven manipulation.
“The workers shall not be deceived by cheap talk and rhetoric; they are conscious and know who has their backs,” the union declared.
