Latest update April 23rd, 2024 12:59 AM
Feb 03, 2016 Letters
Dear Editor,
APNU+AFC/ Guysuco closure of Wales sugar factory contaminates not only the sugar belt but the entire country. It’s bad for the industry, worse for the West Bank Demerara communities, and worst for the workers. It’s a sucker punch to the working-class community of small businesses, cane farmers and workers, and is the first step in the closure of the Estate that would have long-lasting socio-economic impact. The Guyanese Solidarity Movement-NY(GSM-NY) is convinced that such a retrogressive measure can only emanate from an uncaring leadership
The Granger/Nagamootoo administration has failed the people of the West Bank of Demerara and Guyanese as a whole by adopting the worst available option – the factory closure – and rejecting the many offers of assistance. A far better option is a partnership with workers and cane farmers. Another alternative is to accept the offer of the Opposition to assist in this situation and/or the offer of the Indian government, negotiated by former President Donald Ramotar. It should be noted that the recommendation of its own appointed Commission of Inquiry was ignored. We insist that workers must have a say in decisions about their future.
The arbitrary, ill-conceived decision on the Estate closure must be rejected outright. Agriculture is Guyana’s engine of growth and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future. Manufacturing, service, and the other sectors have yet to achieve significant importance. In the national interest, agriculture must be protected and promoted. Rice and sugar are the most competitive agricultural enterprises in the sector, and prudent management will ensure their expansion and diversification. The Granger/Nagamootoo administration has strangled the entire rice industry. It should not be allowed to strip away the sugar industry. Farmers and workers must unite and struggle to protect their interests.
We urge all Guyanese to insist that the government rescind the closure decision and create one that would take the interest of all the stakeholders into consideration. We challenge government to create a stimulus plan to transform and diversify the industry and restore it to its former importance for the workers and the economy. Sugar is national patrimony, and the appropriate forum for discussion of major policy matters is the National Assembly. We therefore strongly believe that a decision as important as the closure of the Wales factory should be debated there. We fully support the call for a debate in Parliament on the issue. The silence of the “guardians of democracy,” is revealing. We commend the Guyana Agricultural & General Workers Union for its leadership in this battle to save the livelihood of the workers and extend solidarity and support to the workers and Unions in the Industry. We urge Guyanese everywhere to standup for Guyana, for workers at Wales Estate and for democracy. The stakeholders must have a say.
Reuben Khusial
Guyanese Solidarity Movement-NY
LISTEN HOW JAGDEO WILL MAKE ALL GUYANESE RICH!!!
Apr 23, 2024
Kaieteur Sports – Over the weekend, the prestigious Lusignan Golf Club played host to the highly anticipated AMCHAM Golf Tournament, drawing golf enthusiasts and professionals alike from across...Kaieteur News – Just recently, the PPC determined that it does not have the authority to vitiate a contract which was... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]