Latest update April 20th, 2024 12:01 AM
Jun 22, 2009 Letters
Dear Editor,
Enmore Martyrs Day has come and gone, and what was significant about the observation a few days ago was the national aspect of it. In the old days, even when the PPP was in Government, there was a solemn ceremony sponsored by GAWU and attended by some people from the PPP at the graveside of the martyrs.
Today the Government is taking part fully. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds is leading the spiritual side of things. Even though all the martyrs were Hindus, there are prayers from Muslims and maybe Christians. The President of Guyana is the main speaker at the Enmore Monument. The ceremonies are accompanied by the GDF/Police band.
There is now attempt to link the Enmore situation to some great political development. It is true that Dr. Cheddi Jagan did say that the deaths of the Enmore workers greatly influenced him in his political motivation. Personally, I believe this was a sentimental feeling and Cheddi, who had already started his political career a couple of years before, with or without Enmore, would have continued in his chosen revolutionary political path.
One gentleman Mr. Kenneth Joseph from FITUG even went to the point in saying that Enmore led to our independence in 1966. Well I would suggest to Mr. Joseph that he should study our local history. With or without Enmore, Guyana would have had its independence in 1966. Even the TUC, taking part in this partisan affair, opportunistically tried to compare the situation that existed in 1948 to what exists now and went on an attack against the government. FITUG went into a critical role and called for unity of the Trade Union movement. Well, I should tell both the TUC and FITUG that Enmore Martyrs Day observation is not the time for such statements. They can choose Labour Day or many other opportunities.
I would like to congratulate the President of GAWU in recognising all those who suffer martyrdom in the sugar industry even before there was GAWU. Are these martyrs supposed to remain nameless and faceless? GAWU has all rights to observe Enmore Martyrs Day as the persons killed were members of their unions. What about other unions? Didn’t any of their members suffer martyrdom?
This national aspect of the observation of Enmore Martyr Day is wrong and must cease. As a government, what they should be doing is recognising all the Martyrs. Let Dr. James Rose, Dr. McGowan and Dr. Tota Manga and others come together and decide on our martyrs.
Let us have a National Martyrs Day. It should also be a national holiday.
Fazel Khan
Where is the BETTER MANAGEMENT/RENEGOTIATION OF THE OIL CONTRACTS you promised Jagdeo?
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