GAWU’s Republic Day Message 2008 Down with Division and Slaughter in the Republic

It was just four years after Guyana secured political and constitutional Independence from Britain, that by virtual political consensus the country attained Republican status in February, 1970.

Both the then government and the major Opposition agreed that the final constitutional connections to Britain – the Queen as Head of State, the Privy Council as our highest final judicial arbiter, dependence on UK for our national defence and security – should be effectively severed. There was also agreement on the choice of month and date, February 23.

Against that background the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) extends thirty-eighth Republican Anniversary greetings to the nation. How the union yearns for the relative collective agreement of 1970 to be a characteristic of our country’s national behavior once again! Alas, the thirty-eighth anniversary of our Republican status finds us challenged as a society desperately needing to hold on steadfastly to the unity of purpose and endeavour we are generally known for that which we have enjoyed since Republicanism dawned.

For despite our set-backs and tribulations over the past thirty-eight years, we have dwelt, worked and played together in our diversity. Many other older Republics cannot boast of the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious cohesion and peace which we take for granted. Additionally, despite the internal problems and international pressures which have determined our economic depression and social short-comings, we, as a nation have enjoyed significant success in the face of some dangerous distractions, from time to time.

Recent successes would include national elections, smooth and peaceful, international determination that our eastern maritime border and territory are as we have long defined them; increased Brazilian co-operation for economic development; Indian, Chinese and Japanese assistance with land-mark infrastructure which has contributed to our country’s new and welcome status as a major regional and international conference and sporting venue.

Time and space do not allow a fuller discussion of our progress and programmes for further socio-economic development. GAWU cannot, however, attempt to ignore our threatening environment of clear and present danger.

Unhesitatingly, GAWU rejects the machinations of those sponsors, mercenaries and death-gangs who have unleashed domestic terrorism on an innocent population. Down with the Agents of Death and Destabilization! Down with the Representatives of Division who would rend the Republic asunder! What a pity that in the aftermath of two horrific massacres of innocent citizens certain leaders are busy constructing political platforms rather than joining in the much-needed national front to fight this insidious domestic terrorism. GAWU and the wider Guyanese society are wise enough to discern that patriotic from opportunistic. They cannot and will not prevail.

Rather, the union is heartened by the sober and matured demonstration of resolve and solidarity throughout Guyana’s communities at this time of trials and threats. GAWU welcomes the determination of the government not to give in but to lead the battle from the front – the personal intervention into the affected communities, the funding of the Joint Forces; the recent appeals for and acceptance of international assistance and the mobilization of all Guyanese stakeholders in the cause against crime.

GAWU wishes all Guyana a reflective 38th Republic Anniversary. The people and State will not be moved.

Long live the Republic of Guyana!