The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is challenging King Charles III to use his two-day visit to Guyana to confront Britain’s historical responsibility for slavery and raise concerns about democratic governance, workers’ rights and the exercise of state power under President Irfaan Ali.
In a press statement issued Thursday, October 29, the trade union body warned against allowing diplomatic ceremonies to overshadow unresolved historical injustices and present-day concerns about accountability.
“The wrongs of history demand redress, and the injustices of the present demand accountability.”
The GTUC called for meaningful action on reparations, protection of constitutional freedoms, fair wages and greater transparency in the management of Guyana’s growing oil wealth.
‘The enslavers were compensated. The enslaved received nothing’
The GTUC recalled that enslaved Africans were forcibly brought to Guyana, treated as property and compelled to generate wealth for plantation owners and the British Empire through brutal, unpaid labour.
Following emancipation, the British government compensated former slave owners, while the formerly enslaved received no comparable compensation.
“The enslavers were compensated. The enslaved received nothing.”
The Congress argued that expressions of regret cannot remedy the enduring consequences of slavery. It called for sustained reparations negotiations between Britain and representatives of affected communities, including trade unions and civil society, to address educational and economic inequalities and establish a framework for meaningful redress.
The demand comes as the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly–Guyana (IDPADA-G) has separately urged President Ali to use the royal visit to press Britain for reparations while committing his government to a domestic programme addressing inequalities affecting African Guyanese.
Warns against using arrests to silence dissent
The GTUC also raised concerns about what it described as political intimidation, the marginalisation of the opposition and the weakening of independent institutions and civil society.
It called for respect for Parliament, constitutional bodies and regional and local democratic authorities, alongside independent scrutiny of allegations of political interference and misuse of state institutions.
While affirming that anyone accused of an offence must answer through lawful procedures, the Congress warned against using police powers to intimidate political opponents or suppress dissent.
“An accusation is not a conviction. Arrest is not a substitute for justice.”
The statement comes amid controversy over Wednesday’s arrest of Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, in connection with a police investigation into an alleged G$800,000 payment for surveillance footage relating to an October 12 confrontation involving Senior Superintendent of Police Prem Narine.
Mohamed has denied paying for the footage, maintaining that it was provided by individuals within the police force. Political activist Burke has alleged that the Opposition Leader’s detention could prevent him from participating in protests during the royal visit. That claim has not been independently substantiated.
The GTUC did not specifically address Mohamed’s case but demanded due process in all investigations and prosecutions, regardless of political affiliation, and protection for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and trade union activity.
It urged King Charles to raise its concerns with President Ali and encourage commitments to constitutional governance and the protection of fundamental rights.
Oil wealth must benefit workers
The Congress also challenged the government to address the gap between Guyana’s rapid economic growth and the financial hardship facing workers and their families.
“Economic growth is not shared prosperity when workers cannot afford a decent standard of living.”
The GTUC called for a time-bound process involving government, employers and trade unions to establish wages that reflect the cost of living. It also demanded meaningful social dialogue, stronger protection of trade union rights and greater transparency in the management of petroleum revenues.
Guyana’s expanding oil production has generated substantial public revenue, but debate continues over how effectively that wealth is improving living standards. The Congress insisted that the benefits must reach workers and vulnerable communities rather than become concentrated among political and private interests.
It also called for stronger protection of Indigenous peoples, particularly concerning Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy, resource management and decisions affecting Indigenous lands and livelihoods. It demanded meaningful consultation, transparent development programmes and effective remedies where rights are violated.
The GTUC acknowledged that the King cannot dictate Guyana’s domestic policies, which remain the responsibility of its elected government. However, it argued that the royal visit provides an opportunity to raise questions of historical responsibility, democratic accountability and human dignity.
The Congress’s demands include reparations negotiations, protection of democratic freedoms, fair wages, transparent management of national wealth and respect for Indigenous rights.
In closing, the GTUC declared:
“Guyana’s wealth must serve its people. Its government must respect their rights. Its history must be confronted with honesty, and its injustices must be addressed through action.”
