THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joins with Afro-Guyanese and the rest of Guyana in commemorating the full Emancipation of Africans from Plantation slavery. Rather than dwell on the now well-used theme of there would have hardly been Arrival of Indentured Indians had there been no Emancipation, GAWU instead would direct African Guyanese to use this week-end to give full practical meaning to the United Nations – designated Year of People of African Descent.

Besides reflecting on what one hundred and seventy-three (173) years after full freedom have brought upon generations of Afro-Guyanese, including an objective enumeration of the challenges which prevented a better life, GAWU respectfully suggests that Afro-Guyanese use the principles and initiatives their fore-parents displayed to improve their own circumstances.

How did the post-1838 Africans confront and overcome the hostile saboteurs of their independence? How did they persevere and sometimes prevail against the combined assaults of the plantocracy, the local merchants and governments, as well as the actions of the British Government? Did recourse into the professions and trades balance uncertainty about agriculture and land? Are there similar situations facing Afro-Guyanese today which do not confront other sections of contemporary Guyanese society?

Amidst the dramatic entertainment of soirees and taking into account the choices available at election time, GAWU recommends that Afro-Guyanese and the rest of Guyana meditate upon the foregoing questions.

For besides cerebral debates, those considerations could also result in practical ideas for collective improvement. GAWU declares that when the African-descended segment of the society is satisfied with officialdom’s fair play; when Afro-Guyanese experience genuine inclusion and when African-Guyanese know social justice and economic progress, all of Guyana gain justice and economic progress, all of Guyana will be the beneficiaries of the Common Good.

May today’s descendants of our original sugar-workers, our earliest nurses, policemen, lawyers and artisans, be inspired to hold their heads high and strive in dignity and with integrity to claim the opportunities and national resources which are there to be shared.

A Happy and Reflective Emancipation Anniversary to all.