By Mark DaCosta- This year, our nation reflects on a remarkable century since the initiation of the fight for one-man-one-vote within the trade union movement. What began in 1926 with Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow’s gathering of the first Caribbean Labour Conference in Georgetown has evolved into a long-standing legacy of advocating for the rights of the working class. This journey has been marked by a struggle for fundamental rights such as universal health care, education, housing, and importantly, the right to vote – a right enshrined in our constitution.
The need for empowering the citizen is amplified as we stand on the yet another election cycle. Politicians, once again, are presenting their manifestos of promises, but history has shown that such pledges often amount to little more than empty words.
Lincoln Lewis, a prominent figure in this enduring struggle and a dedicated trade unionist, encapsulates the frustration felt by many when he states, “We are tired of the promises; we would like to see a number of the promises made in the past be worked upon and implemented before the next elections.” Lewis‘ commentary sheds light on a crucial truth: the ongoing erosion of accountability by political leaders who have used the labour movement’s struggles as mere stepping stones to power.
As the celebrations commence to mark this century of resilience, it is imperative to recognise the historical context where the Labour Movement once stood alone in championing the rights of workers, long before the establishment of mass political parties. The advent of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in 1950s provided a glimmer of hope for alliance, yet this partnership has since faltered, plagued by ideological splits and the stark realities of political allegiance that have ultimately served to divide rather than unite our citizens.
The impact of a divided political landscape is especially evident in the wages of workers. Disparities driven by race, class, and political loyalty have been weaponised by politicians, allowing them to manipulate public sentiment to secure their positions. As time has revealed, this has significantly undermined the labour movement’s efforts, wherein the original mission of safeguarding workers’ rights is now overshadowed by political calculation. In Lewis’ words, “commitment to the workers’ cause began to wane because the premise for association was not primarily driven by accountability to workers’ permanent interest.”
The rise of political campaigns has ushered in a wave of disillusionment among workers who find their needs and aspirations are repeatedly sidelined. The promise of jobs, improved working conditions, and enhanced rights have become familiar tropes in political rhetoric, yet the reality tends to veer from these hopeful proclamations. As noted in Lincoln Lewis’ powerful analysis, “Power from the people is for the people, not for a few.” This highlights a compelling need to reclaim our political space — not simply at the ballot box but through active engagement in shaping policies that govern our lives.
Lewis has dedicated his life to ensuring that trade unionism is not merely a shield against exploitation but rather a vibrant voice advocating for justice and equity. As General Secretary of both the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU), his influence reaches far beyond the negotiating table. His remarkable achievements, such as securing robust severance pay for bauxite workers in 1992, stand testament to his unwavering commitment to the labour movement. By combining grassroots activism with strategic negotiations, Lewis embodies the essence of what it means to fight on behalf of workers, persisting against all odds.
Moreover, the need to strengthen our judiciary to uphold the principles of inclusionary democracy remains paramount. An independent judiciary that can effectively address grievances and promote the rule of law is essential for fostering societal confidence. However, the past years have seen significant setbacks, including delays in confirming key judicial appointments, leaving citizens vulnerable and disenfranchised. It is imperative that we rectify these gaps and ensure that justice is not merely an abstract concept but an attainable reality.
As our nation embarks on another phase of electoral politics, the loud call for unity among workers rings louder than ever. Lincoln Lewis poignantly asserts that “the legacy handed down by the labour movement was not one of silence, submission, or symbolic participation.” It is a legacy steeped in advocacy and organised resistance that calls for the active participation of all citizens in governance.
As we commemorate a century of the trade union movement’s significant contributions, says Lewis, we must also remain vigilant. Our power lies not just in our votes but in our concerted efforts to demand accountability from those who seek to lead us. Together, let us champion a culture of fulfilment over empty promises and reclaim the narrative of our people’s rights. The journey continues — but this time, it must be led by a collective commitment to ensuring that our struggles yield tangible results for every citizen.
