GAWU 2007 Caricom Day Message

The largest trade union in Guyana – Caribbean Region, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) hails another CARICOM DAY.

GAWU notes that Guyana is one of a very few member states which actually celebrates Caricom Day as a national/public holiday.

What a testimony to one of the integrationist – pioneers’ commitment to regional unity! Three points come to mind even as our Heads of State convene today for the twenty-eight Regional Meeting of the Caribbean Community.

One, the Caribbean Single Market and Economy is fighting to take hold amongst member-states as the Market makes manifest its objectives.

A single market should be of interest, not merely to governments, employers and investors. But every trade union in the Region, worthy of their members trust, should be intimately involved with governments and employers on all the implications for labour which the CSM and E indicates.

Also, GAWU notes that the Caribbean Development Fund – involving some $240M (US) – will come up for the Head’s attention. Guyana played a vital role in the establishment of this fund. All the Region’s unions must interest themselves in the manner the Heads utilize to implement access to these funds.

Finally, we commend today’s meeting for placing on their agenda the old Guyana – Venezuela issue. It is indeed comforting to know that such matters have not attracted any back-burners. Our hope for this issue is that the matter be resolved to the satisfaction of both Guyana and its western friend, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The latter is doing its utmost to remain a true helpful ally of CARICOM. GAWU commends this action.

As we wish the Heads of Government a successful 28th Summit in Barbados, we also hope that CARICOM takes its place amongst the world’s older and stronger blocs which represent the people’s interest.

Happy Caricom Day 2007!