The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) announces its programme of activities in observance of May Day 2026 under the theme: “100 Years Fighting for One Man, One Vote (1926–2026) – Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow & Workers.”
This year, the Congress also marks 121 years of organised labour in Guyana, a movement that began under the leadership of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow. GTUC states unequivocally that this historic fact must be preserved and respected. There is no ambiguity about the origins of organised labour in Guyana, and the Congress will not accept attempts—subtle or otherwise—to rewrite history or erase Critchlow’s foundational role.
GTUC further notes that it will be hosting a series of events throughout the year to mark both the centenary of the struggle for one-man-one-vote and the 121st anniversary of organised labour.
Opening Observances – Sunday, April 26, 2026
The observances commence on Sunday, April 26, 2026, with a 7:00 a.m. Church Service at St. James the Less Anglican Church, David Street, Kitty.
At 4:00 p.m., a wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the Parliament Buildings forecourt, honouring the sacrifices and contributions of the nation’s working class.
Main Speakers: Eon Andrews and Mehalai McAlmont
These activities serve as a reminder that the freedoms enjoyed today were hard fought and must be vigilantly protected.
May Day March and Rally – Friday, May 1, 2026
The day’s activities will commence at 7:00 a.m. with a march from Burnham Ground/Independence Court to the Guyana Local Government Officers Union, Woolford Avenue.
At 10:00 a.m., a rally will be held at the Guyana Local Government Officers Union.
Speakers will include GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis, President Norris Witter, and other invited speakers.
National Engagement and Social Dialogue
GTUC informs that it met last week with the Minister of Labour, Keoma D. Griffith, and held discussions with the Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed. The Congress considers these engagements fruitful and constructive, reflecting a shared recognition of the need to address workers’ concerns and strengthen national dialogue.
The GTUC is expected to meet with A Partnership for National Unity on Thursday. The Congress is still to receive a response from the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) regarding its preparedness to engage.
GTUC reiterates that labour’s interest cuts across political affiliation, race, and creed, and reminds all elected representatives that their authority rests on the historic struggles of workers.
Inclusionary Democracy – A Constitutional Mandate
The Congress calls for giving real and practical meaning to inclusionary democracy as enshrined in Article 13 of the Constitution of Guyana.
This principle is essential to ensuring governance that is participatory, transparent, and representative. Inclusionary democracy allows workers and citizens to have a direct voice in decisions that affect their lives, strengthens accountability, and promotes national unity. Without it, governance risks becoming detached from the people, inequality deepens, and social cohesion is undermined.
At this stage of Guyana’s development, GTUC stresses that inclusion is vital to sustainable progress, ethnic harmony, respect for the right to freedom of association, and national stability.
Cost of Living, Wages, and Workers’ Welfare
GTUC expresses grave concern at the rising levels of poverty in oil-rich Guyana, the persistently high cost of living, and the continued failure to realise a living wage for workers. There is no reason why this should have more almost 60 percent of its population living in poverty and more than a third in abject poverty- Measures must be put in place to correct this forthwith not by fugging the numbers by a National Development Strategy that takes on board the needs of all, with the input from all.
Economic growth must translate into improved living standards for all citizens, particularly those whose labour sustains the nation. GTUC therefore calls on the Government to urgently engage stakeholders—labour, private sector, and civil society—to hammer out wages and salaries consistent with Guyana’s high-income status, ensuring fairness, equity, and dignity for workers.
Judiciary and Retention of Talent
The Congress extends congratulations to Hon. Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards on her appointment as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands, while reiterating its call for her appointment to be made substantive in Guyana.
Justice Cummings-Edwards has served this nation with distinction, with no complaints regarding her performance. Her upcoming honour by the United States Congress in June underscores her stellar contribution to the judiciary.
GTUC emphasises that Guyana must retain—not force out—its talent, and renews calls for the confirmation of Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire as substantive Chief Justice, alongside proper constitutional appointments to the office of Chancellor, recalling the service of Carl Singh and the late Ian Chang.
Governance, Parliament, and National Inclusion
GTUC calls for more frequent sittings of Parliament to ensure accountability, meaningful debate, and timely action on national issues affecting workers.
The Congress also reiterates its call for the re-establishment of a Border Commission to address matters of territorial integrity, border development, and national security. There is no substitute for inclusive governance, and the exclusion of significant sections of society must end.
Critchlow Labour College – Rebuilding and Renewal
GTUC notes that the Critchlow Labour College remains engaged in ongoing court proceedings. Notwithstanding this, the Congress remains committed to rebuilding the institution after its buildings were twice destroyed by fires determined by the Fire Service to be acts of arson. The College remains central to workers’ education and empowerment. While rebuilding efforts continue, several courses are being delivered online to ensure continuity in training and development.
Call to Participation
The Guyana Trades Union Congress calls on all workers and citizens to participate in these activities in unity and reflection, as the nation honours a century of struggle and recommits to safeguarding democracy, rights, and justice for all.
