Dear Editor,
I wish to respond to the editorial penned by Mr. Seepaul Narine, President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), published on July 10, 2025. His letter is not only riddled with falsehoods and political posturing but also contains a clear personal attack on my character. This demonstrates the calibre and character of the man behind the words—a reflection of deep insecurity and the hollow arrogance that often stems from years of blind loyalty to political masters.
Let me state clearly: Seepaul Narine has never managed or led anything of national significance in this country. His entire public life has been confined to the corridors of his union, climbing its ranks through clerical functions rather than through any merit of visionary leadership. His title may say “President,” but we all know GAWU has long functioned as a puppet arm of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). The interests of workers have taken a back seat, while the union serves as a convenient echo chamber for government propaganda.
It is this political allegiance that has compromised GAWU’s ability to represent sugar workers effectively. Seepaul Narine, far from being a champion for labour rights, is nothing but a 𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢—a pretender who wraps himself in the garb of the working class while serving the agenda of the ruling elite. His pretense of defending workers is betrayed by his deafening silence on real issues: poor working conditions and broken promises made to sugar workers under the PPP regime.
Seepaul accuses me of political convenience for standing with sugar workers “now.” But where was his voice when these same workers were misled with hollow promises of reopening estates like Skeldon and Wales—promises the PPP never intended to keep? Let the record show: I have consistently called for transparency, equity, and justice for all Guyanese, including sugar workers who have been used as pawns in the PPP’s political game.
He attempts to insult me by trivialising my public service after demitting office as Mayor. Unlike Seepaul, I do not require a position or title to speak out for justice. I will continue to use my voice, my platform, and my principles to hold power to account—regardless of who holds it.
Seepaul speaks of the late Komal Chand. I had the utmost respect for Mr. Chand, a true trade unionist who understood the sacred duty of serving workers without becoming a political instrument. Seepaul, on the other hand, has soiled that legacy, choosing instead to serve his political benefactors rather than the working men and women of Guyana.
So yes, I accept his attack—not as an insult, but as validation that I am striking a nerve. When sycophants begin to feel threatened, they lash out. But I stand resolute.
Yours truly,
Pt.Ubraj Narine, JP, COA
Former Staff Sgt.(GDF), Mayor
City of Georgetown
