– workers urge gov’t

SUGAR workers attached to the Rose Hall Estate are calling on Government and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to reconsider the closure of the Estate, contending that “It is not too late”.

The workers made this disclosure at a press conference held at the Guyana
Agriculture and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) Berbice Office, St Ann
Street, New Amsterdam on Wednesday.

Addressing reporters, Glenn McCleod, 55, a sugar worker, said the sustainability of the estate is vital for the continued development of Canje and the lives of over 2000 workers.

“We are hopeful that there would have been a re-look at the intention recognising the obvious hardship that would result from the estate closure. Moreover, we hoped that our decision-makers recognising the difficulties which now face the people of Wales would have harboured second thoughts.”

He said despite GuySuCo’s recent communication, workers are hopeful that there is still time to re-consider the decision to close.

“We urge the decision-makers to reconsider the closure policy, to think about the people who will be affected. The innocent children whose tomorrow stands threatened. Think about the threats to family life and community well-being, take a step back and look at the bigger picture and not to be consumed only by finance, and recall their promise to us and our families of a good life.”

According to McLeod, the closure will usher in uncertain times for thousands of hardworking people and their families.

“For the people of Rose Hall, the estate represented more than a place of work. It allowed us to reach many life’s goals, to become better people, and gave us the opportunity to contribute to the development of Guyana,” he said.

The sugar worker also lamented that there are no ready alternatives for the workers who would be sent home.

“There is no other industry or enterprise that can readily take us on. While we do face some difficulties now, this would be multiplied several times over should the closure take place. Our hopes of a better future and our now cohesive communities would be affected. We want to believe this cannot be the life our leaders want us and our families to face.”

The workers are optimistic that the estate can succeed and remain viable; however, proper management is needed.

In the community of East Canje, Berbice, workers contend that money is not circulating and they are concerned about the situation that will arise in the future.

Inderjeet Bhopal, 54, a father of five, said to date no plan or assurance of the way forward has been given by the hierarchy of GuySuCo or government to the workers.

He stated that over the years Canje has seen a transformation in commerce and housing and credited sugar for the economic boom.

“What will we do is the thought on the minds of all sugar workers; look at the ones who are over 50. Who will employ them. Many people own their own home – what will happen to their mortgage?”

Also present at the press conference was president of GAWU, Komal Chand.

“We could take from the experience from Wales; it mirrors what would befall the workers at Rose Hall,” he said and urged decision-makers to not let the same happen to Rose Hall Estate.