Govt must come to its senses on Wales issue

Dear Editor,

The support given on any issue to a group or individual, government or non-governmental, is premised on upholding and respecting laws, international conventions, charters, time-honoured principles and the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens/workers. No one must count on me to give support on any matter that borders on the violation and transgressing of these. The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), which I have the honour to represent has consistently taken a stand on these tenets regardless of who forms the government or which non-governmental organisation/person is affected.

When the APNU and AFC were in opposition and vacillating on issues of national import the GTUC took principled and strident positions. There is no other organisation, including of the APNU and AFC that was more strident in holding the PPP government accountable. This nation is encouraged to examine the GTUC’s record on issues of good governance in this country and holding governments accountable. The GTUC is proud of its record and stewardship.

The GTUC for years has been making a clarion call for the respect of rights and the rule of law. The issue of the sugar industry has the hallmark of a government that wants to control every space, ignore the principle of collective and representative leadership, agencies, and affected stakeholders. Such clearly demonstrate an absence of regard for the Constitution and laws they swore to uphold. Article 147 of Constitution protects the right of persons to be represented by a trade union of their choice. Section 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act says that so long as there is a recognition agreement between an employer and a trade union, it requires the employer to treat with the union.

Workers at Wales estate are unionised and this must be respected. Outside of trade union representation as in the instance of cane farmers they have formed a group and consistent with Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution they must be involved in the management and decision-making of this industry which will impact their wellbeing with the proposed closure. The regional and local governments are too affected because unemployment and loss of economic opportunities will impact residents socially and economically.

This is where contempt continues to be shown by the government in addressing an issue that has serious consequences for this nation. While the government speaks about inclusionary democracy, national unity and social cohesion, an ideal opportunity is in front of them to bring the opposition and other stakeholders on board to address Wales and the sugar industry. Instead, what we are seeing are acts that border on arrogance and divisiveness. In fact, what Guyanese are witnessing today is a continuation of the Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar style of governance.

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder is on record dismissing every proposal made by anyone on the Wales matter without even engaging any individual or group. The GTUC has submitted a proposal to the minister and requested to meet with him. Up to the time of writing not even an acknowledgement has been received. This behaviour is a common feature by a number of ministers in the government. The arrogance is further displayed when the minister can be talking through the media and in the National Assembly as to what he will do for workers and citizens without even engaging them.

There is no dispute that sugar is in crisis, it has been a drag on the economy, and something has to be done about it. Arriving at solutions for sugar and the welfare of those who will be affected must be in accordance with laws, rights and time-honoured principles. This is what the government is failing to adhere to and we the people must insist they come to their senses.

Sincerely,

Lincoln Lewis