The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) demands the immediate convening of the 13th Parliament. Our nation’s urgent business cannot wait any longer. As Guyana faces mounting challenges—the management of our crucial oil and gas resources, a soaring cost of living, deepening poverty, and escalating tensions between the United States (U.S.) and Venezuela placing our country at risk—swift parliamentary action is imperative.
For decades, the Caribbean has proudly stood as a Zone of Peace. Today, that peace is under threat. While some leaders argue that allowing the Caribbean Sea to serve as a channel in the U.S.–Venezuela conflict maintains regional stability, GTUC recognises the grave complexities involved.
The presence of American warships in the Caribbean remains a contested issue even within U.S. leadership. We urge all Guyanese to remain vigilant to ensure our sovereignty, peace, and security are not compromised by external conflicts beyond our control.
The escalating conflict between the United States and Venezuela can cause severe repercussions for Guyana. It risks drawing our nation into a dangerous crossfire, destabilising our internal peace and security. The conflict can cause increased forced migration from Venezuela, placing immense pressure on our porous borders and overwhelming our social infrastructure. Most importantly, this conflict can fracture our fragile national unity if not addressed swiftly and transparently.
These matters require transparent and informed debate by our elected representatives—and that can only happen in Parliament, the nation’s highest decision-making forum.
GTUC also joins the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) in calling for a “living wage” aligned with rising living costs. Since 2020, prices have risen exponentially, placing severe strain on working families.
Though our oil-fueled economy has brought impressive growth, much of our population still struggles. With over half of Guyanese living on less than US$5.50 per day, many cannot afford basic meals. The disparity between national wealth and everyday hardship is a crisis that demands urgent attention. With the dollar currently trading around GY$210 to US$1, the reality on the ground is stark and alarming. In this oil-rich nation, many Guyanese cannot afford three nutritious meals daily. Too many children attend school hungry, families go to bed without food, and some survive on green mangoes or boiled eggs—meals borne not of choice but of necessity.
GTUC reiterates its call for inclusive democracy as mandated by the Constitution of Guyana. Effective governance requires the full participation of all Guyanese, united under the motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny. This shared responsibility must be embraced without delay.
The immediate convening of the 13th Parliament is not only necessary—it is essential to safeguard our nation’s future.
Press Statement
October 17, 2025
