Address by GAWU General Secretary, Seepaul Narine to GAWU Berbice May Day Rally

Allow me to join the Chairman and Cde M.R. Gafoor of our Union’s Albion Branch in extending a warm welcome to you all present at this Labour Day Rally. We join workers in a number of countries who are celebrating and observing this red-letter day in the working class calendar.

Comrades, our Union for the third consecutive year along with our fraternal brothers and sisters from the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Industrial and Commercial Employees (NAACIE) under the banner of Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) under the theme “Representing Labour’s Response to the Global Challenges” we celebrate this day. FITUG’s Rally at this moment is being held at the National Park, formerly the venue of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) Rally. Hundreds of workers are attending, that Rally after their parade through many streets in the capital city.

Indeed this is a remarkable day for all workers, especially where this day is a national holiday. Fifty one (51) years ago, this day became a national holiday in Guyana when the then Minister of Labour, Health and Housing the late Cde Janet Jagan supported fully a motion in the Legislative Council to declare this day a holiday. Since then, Guyana officially has become a part of the celebrations worldwide, to mark the struggles, sacrifices and achievements of the workers of the world, specifically, May Day calls to mind the heroic struggle of the Chicago workers who, like so many others, in various countries, fought for the reduction of the workday to eight (8) hours. In that struggle of the Chicago workers, eight (8) were charged for murder and four (4) were hung. But their heroism lives on. Their struggles had an impact in changing the working conditions of workers in very many countries.

International

Today, new issues have raised their ugly ominous heads. Whilst these issues have emanated from the developed countries, they are swiftly spreading their deadly tentacles to developing countries like ours. The international situation continues to be grim and every passing year it seems to be worsening. The IMF tells us the World Economy will see negative growth in 2009, the worst since the Great Depression of the 1930’s.

Workers and oppressed peoples are the first and primary victims of the economic crisis that has gripped the world. These days we read regularly of bank fraud and failures, closures of businesses and industries, significant reduction in economic activities. All of which have had telling and disastrous consequences to the working class.

This crisis haunting the world has led to millions of our fellow workers laid off their jobs, with starvation staring them and their families in their faces. In the United States, considered the wealthiest country in the world, millions, mainly workers, unable to pay their mortgages, have been evicted from their homes, and many, with their families are forced into shelters and “TENT CITIES.” The Wealthy of the World have put in place over the past thirty (30) years a system, sometimes referred to as Capitalist Gloablisation, which, in our day, have resulted in joblessness, homelessness and rapacious plunder of resources in developing countries.

Just before the Summit of the Americas held a few weeks ago, in Trinidad and Tobago, a group of countries from Latin America and the Caribbean called ALBA, issued a statement, in which they stated that the present economic crisis, until now, has created 100 million more starving people while increasing unemployment by some 50 million. And, these stark and worrisome statistics are climbing.

Importantly, the statement further noted that this worldwide crisis, is not due to a lack of regulation, but, it is systemic. They blamed the system of capitalism, based on its exploitation of workers and resources and the pursuit of super profits for the crisis.

It is the system too that is at the root of the ecological crisis, resulting in climate change, now affecting and threatening all corners of the globe. Each year, the ALBA countries declared the world consumes a third more than what the planet is capable of regenerating. At such a rate, they felt, we will need two planets by the year 2030.

Those then, comrades, are some of the salient features of our times. They are gloomy and grim realities. They make up the challenges that people, especially working people must respond to.

Those who have brought us down this road, must be condemned forthrightly, as have been emphasized by the leaders of the ALBA countries. The international working people must demand a change of direction.

The change we must demand must not be a superficial one, intended to paper over a failed system and breathe new life into the discredited neo-liberal model, as some leaders are trying to do. Working people need genuine, fundamental change of the EXISITING SYSTEM. We need a system founded upon ECONOMIC and POLITICAL democracy and social justice. We need a system where not only financial elites and corporations make the most, but one where the working people are increasingly involved in decision making at all levels of society.

And, comrades, even as we focus on the Economic Crisis and the Ecological Crisis of today, we cannot forget the other persistent and hideous problems that plague mankind. There are the ever-growing issues of poverty and destitution, international crime and violence, disease and illiteracy that afflict hundreds of millions the world over. Likewise, we cannot forget the brutal, illegal and unjust wars leveled or instigated by imperialism, and its lackeys, in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Palestine, Congo and other countries. To the peoples, including women and children, who are their victims, we send our firmest solidarity.

Likewise, on this May Day, we send our solidarity to the progressive governments, especially on our continent, which face constant destabilization attempts; to the government and people of Cuba whose revolutionary consistency has won the respect and admiration of people’s throughout the world; the millions who are fighting back against the crisis and demanding change of the failed capitalist system.

GAWU says, the times are hard, difficult and challenging but it is not a time to despair. It is a time to fight back. Labour must face today’s challenges with a fighting spirit.

CLICO Situation

Comrades, though global in scope and reach, the challenges have been felt nationally too. Take for instance, the collapse of CLICO (Guyana). According to the Judicial Manager, Maria VanBeek the liabilities of the embattled company were found to far exceed the Company’s assets and, therefore, not sufficient to meet its obligations. She said that the net asset deficit could rise to G$11.9B should the Company be wound up. Many Guyanese individuals and institutions stand to lose big. However, it is most reassuring that the Government of Guyana has undertook to closely track developments in the Company to ensure that policyholders and depositors’ are protected, as was expressed in Resolution No 82 and passed recently by the National Assembly. That resolution stated “that the National Assembly endorses the statement by the Government guaranteeing the savings, pensions, investments and insurance of all investors, depositors, policy holders and contributors of Clico.” Comrades, GAWU wishes to express our thanks and support for the position taken by the Government.

Plaudits must also go to Government particularly President Jagdeo who recently secured G$3B from the Regional Petroleum Fund towards closing the liability-asset gap of the beleaguered company. At the same time we urge the authority to ensure that there is a careful and proper evaluation of the Company’s assets are conducted to ensure that the said assets are not sold at rock bottom prices, which will mean a greater reliance on the Consolidated Fund to settle with all depositors. At this time, I take the the opportunity to denounce those mischief-makers who are seeking to drive fear among the workers that the NIS G$5.6B investment in Clico will be a loss to the Scheme. These mischief-makers, I daresay, and no doubt, have their own hidden agenda. Let’s beware of them.

Trade Union Unity

Comrades, while there is need for unity among workers and their union, it is sad to say that the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) and FITUG have been unable to reconcile their differences, thus far. FITUG has been very supportive to have the two bodies united. And has given full support to Sir Leroy Trotman, General Secretary of the powerful Barbados Workers Union (BWU), who acted as a mediator towards reuniting the movement; unfortunately his efforts have not been fruitful so far. It is sad to say that support from the TUC, if any, was not encouraging and could not lead to reunification.

The TUC appears to be divided itself; as could be gauged from its President and the General Secretary. It is time for unions affiliated to the TUC to take note and stock of what is taking place in the TUC’s leadership. In the interest of their members, they may want to consider collaboration with the unions of FITUG to reunite and reinvigorate the trade union movement in Guyana.

The unions in FITUG represent some 34,000 workers, while those in the TUC represent about 15,000. A united body will not only speak on behalf of a large number of workers, but will speak, with one voice in Guyana and the world. Strength lies in unity. Unity will give us more courage and make our struggles more effective.

Let us pledge at this rally to support the call and work vigorously for a united trade union umbrella body.

Sugar Industry

Comrade Chairman, the sugar industry of the World and particularly those from the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries have been experiencing dramatic changes. Already you may have heard that the eighteen (18) ACP sugar producing countries (namely: Mauritius, Guyana, Jamaica, Swaziland, Fiji, Belize, St Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Zimbabwe, Cote d’ Ivoire, Malawi, Madagascar, Congo, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique), would no longer trade as a bloc with the European Union since they would now be divided into six (6) difference economic regions with its own Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

Comrades, our sugar industry has found itself at the crossroads. The stakeholders need to carefully work to increase the yield so that the industry could overcome its unacceptably low level of sugar production. The Minister of Agriculture rightly observed that this industry is too important to be allowed to fail. With a workforce of some 18,000 and taking into account their families, the industry supports directly the livelihoods of about 100,000 Guyanese. Around the industry many businesses strive and hundreds of other Guyanese are dependent on the industry.

In the past years Booker-Tate failed to provide proper management of the Industry resulting in poor yields and the plummeting sugar production year after year.

It is indeed good news that the Government ended the Booker-Tate Management contact during March, 2009. Such decision should have been taken long ago.

We can only hope that the two unions in the industry would be consulted on the way forward and that closure and retrenchment would be avoided.

Comrades, the new factory at Skeldon did not come on stream until March this year due to the malfunctioning of a few components in the factory. The prophets of doom were once again proven wrong. They opposed the construction of the new factory and criticized the investment in Skeldon II Project.

The factory now requires the Guyana Sugar Corporation and the private farmers to supplu it with adequate canes in order to realize the targeted output of 110,000 tonnes per annum.

We believe that the Board of Guysuco and the Management of the Industry will not work steadfastly to address all the issues which impede production like the poor cane growth arising from poor land preparation and the dominance of grass and bushes in the cane fields.

We believe that the industry has the resources – field, factory and human – to produce over 300,000 tonnes of sugar and when Skeldon becomes fully operational, to produce over 400,000 tonnes. With such a production level, once again the industry can occupy a commanding position in our economy and contribute even more to the well-being of its workers and to the Guyanese society as a whole.

We must all work to ensure our industry overcomes it present poor state. It requires the contribution and support by all stakeholders. Lest, I be mis-understood, let it be clear that co-operation does not mean giving up the gains and benefits, we have struggled for over the years. We must continue to defend our rights and struggle to expand our gains. It is important also that Management recognizes the need to improve workers’ pay and conditions in order to maintain that vital workforce so much needed for this important industry.

Berbice River Bridge

Comrades, without a doubt this ancient county is being transformed as our country continues to prosper. The Berbice River Bridge is another important achievement. Last year when I addressed you I said the “long awaited dream of Berbicians and of course all Guyanese, would soon become a reality. The Berbice River Bridge would be completed and be operational before we meet again next year at our May Day Rally.” Many were critical and even doubtful that the Berbice River Bridge would become a reality. Again the doomsayers were proven wrong, now they are at it again, this time, criticizing positive investments made by a leading and reputable financial institution of this country. We must be proud the bridge is there and will allow for a host of new economic opportunities and activities. Gone are the days when we Berbicians have to wait for hours just to cross the river.

Conclusion

Comrades, though our times are troubled, as workers we know of struggles and the importance of struggles to bring about changes, big or small. To be effective, our struggles need clarity, commitment and organization. With these weapons the GAWU is confident that we can score greater victories ahead. Let us all be ready to stand up and respond to today’s challenges.

Our continent is going through an exciting period we cannot be oblivious to these developments. In many countries the working people and its political and social organizations are assisting themselves. They are rejecting the neo-liberal policies imposed on them and seeking to chart an independent path of development. They are doing so under difficult conditions. They need our moral and active support and solidarity

As a working class organization, GAWU today sends its unwavering solidarity to all peoples of our Region, indeed, the world, who, like us, are dreaming and struggling for a new and just world order, to take back their political economic sovereignty and building a life based on steady progress, peace, democracy and freedom.

Many decades ago, Karl Marx, a genius of the working class, issued the slogan: Workers of the World Unite! He urged the workers to struggle as they have nothing to lose but their chains.

In our day, comrades, more than ever, our watchwords must be Unity! Struggle! Solidarity! Let us commit ourselves to those slogans as we continue our march to a better and more fruitful life.

Long Live May Day
Long Live Workers Struggles
Long Live the Workers of Guyana
Long Live Proletarian Internationalism”