The struggle of sugar workers in 1948 was one that was in pursuit of creating a just society, which includes the right to self-determination through joining a trade union of choice, that is, the right to freedom of association that would see workers’ involvement through their organisation in management and decision-making on matters that impact their wellbeing in the workplace and their communities. These freedoms and rights are enshrined in ILO conventions, United Nations Declarations and the Guyana Constitution.
Tuesday, June 16th, commemoration of the death of remember the Enmore Martyrs- Lallabaggie, Dookie, Rambarran, Harry and Pooran- who were killed by the colonial police should serve to deepen our resolve to boldly move forward in defense of the cause that led to their martyrdom.
GTUC fought to place Enmore Martyrs on National Calendar
Ours is now the responsibility to make sure that we preserve and build on the martyrs’ legacy. We have laid wreaths in honour of these fallen comrades since 1976 through the initiative of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and a responsive government under the leadership of Forbes Burnham. Yet the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime continues to shut the GTUC out from a calendar event it fought for and was made possible not under the PPP, but the People’s National Congress (PNC) government. The record must accurately reflect these facts.
The monument which had the input of two of Guyana’s great sons, Dennis Williams and Stanley Greaves and commissioned in 1977, serves as a covenant to the workers and citizens of this country that never again this nation shall experience the state turning its guns on us in our pursuit of influencing and creating better working and living conditions.
The tragedy of 16th June 1948 is at times circumscribed and described as an act of cut-and-load that led to workers’ deaths at the hands of the State police. The GTUC wishes to contextualise this issue and lay bare the underlying factor of the cut-and-load matter which was merely the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Trade union vanguard of Guyana’s social and political development
1948 was the period when the trade union was the sole vanguard movement representing the masses’ desire for change in the political system in this country. In fact, there was no mass-based political party and the trade union carried the fight for workers and citizens to be treated justly by the employer and the Crown. This 20thcentury struggle which began in 1905 was led by Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow. Notably, the 1948 incident energised the establishment of the Political Affairs Committee in 1949 and in 1950 the People’s Progressive Party, Guyana’s first mass-based political party.
From the time of these martyrs this nation has seen the realisation of universal adult suffrage, that is one man one vote in time for the 1953 elections; has achieved the right to political self-determination with independence on 26th May 1966 and republican status on 23rd February 1970. Our country is named the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and so it must be recorded on all state documents.
In 1999 the state broke this covenant when Police turned their guns on striking public servants at John Fernandes Wharf. In 2012 the state repeated this heinous act on citizens in Linden.
For it not only serves as reminder of a heinous act but also marks a timeline in our history that saw the emergence of political organisation whose leaders were elected by the people to represent and govern in the people’s interests. It also marks the representation of the people in the Executive and Legislature and cemented the conjoined relations of elected officials and trade union collaborating in the people’s interests.
Pursuit of a just society through inclusionary democracy
We have arrived at a critical juncture where the society finds acceptance in embracing concepts such as national unity, shared governance, inclusionary democracy and power sharing; the consequence of the desire to live in peace and harmony. However, many still search for answers and need assurance that these systems are realisable and can work in their lifetime. GTUC believe that answer lies in the society moving to embrace “inclusionary democracy” as ensconced in the Guyana Constitution at Article 13 which is the result of the post 1997 elections struggles.
Article 13 expressly states: –
“The principal objective of the system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.”
Also enshrined in the constitution are Articles 149C and 38 outlining the place for and role of the trade union. The trade union is accordingly required to be involved in the management and decision-making processes of this nation, partner with government and other socioeconomic organisations through sustained and disciplined endeavours to achieve the highest possible levels of production and productivity and to develop the economy.
Obviously, when the framers were drafting these articles, they did not lose sight of the historical development of this country and the role of the labour movement in advancing the struggles for equal rights and justice.
Labour is here to stay!
GTUC wishes to have it recorded that we shall not abrogate our responsibility, irrespective of those who may seek to sideline us. We shall continue to raise our voices and carry the torch for a just and fair society for all Guyanese, regardless from when they came, who they are and their belief systems. We shall continue to take our place at the nation’s table. As Government and Opposition come and go, rest assured, like a fixed star, we shall be here. We shall continue to work with our members to optimise their performance and ensure they are justly treated; to agitate, advocate, overlook, partner with and hold public officials and employers accountable in our pursuit of a just society.
The fight started by Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow in 1905 is not over. The need to preserve gains, ward against erosion of gains, deepen and strengthen rights and the rule of law requires eternal vigilance and sacrifices. The important role Labour played in nation-building from 1905, including shaping the political landscape in 1926 among which included the struggles for self-government, the right of one man to one vote which opened doors for politicians to emerge from among the rank and file, the masses voting for them and thereby influencing the formation and management of their government, none which can be denied.
Without a doubt, Labour has blazed the trail for modern Guyana, paved the way for the politicians of today, earning its indelible place in our society. Labour is not about to cede its space. Those who have ears to hear let them hear, and those who cannot hear will be notified through sign language: Labour is here to stay!
