THE Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and its affiliates, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) and the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) join in extending fraternal greetings to the nation and especially the workers of Guyana on this occasion of May Day 2020. We, at this time too, send our best wishes to the workers and their organisations across the world as we extend our wishes and solidarity to those who are engaged in the varied struggles to protect their way of life, to bring about betterment, and to safeguard their national interests.

We celebrate May Day 2020 also with some sense of sadness as we remember our dear comrade and outstanding leader Komal Chand, who passed on a few weeks ago. Brother Komal who, at the time of his passing, was the first vice-president of the federation, was indeed a committed comrade. During his lifetime he tirelessly advocated on behalf of the working class, not only in Guyana, but across the world as a member of the Presidential Council of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU). He was one of the f,ederation’s foremost speakers on May Day and was always willing when called upon. His addresses, we recall, were incisive and inspiring and for him it was a source of pride and for us all his addresses were enlightening, as much as they were stimulating. Indeed, on this May Day, he is deeply missed as we recall fondly the times we spent with him. As we mourn the loss of this outstanding workers’ leader, we go forward stronger on the path he paved and the contributions he made.

May Day 2020 sees the working-class as a robust force for change. Workers have realized several admirable gains but we see too active efforts to rollback those achievements while the State agencies charged with protecting workers have become toothless poodles. It is in this context that we observe May Day 2020 under the theme “Safeguarding our gains, health, democracy and livelihoods in deeply challenging times”.

May Day 2020 comes sixty (60) days since we held national and regional elections in our country. Many are appalled that the official declaration of the winner remains outstanding, though the victor is already known to many but denied by a few. This situation comes as we see clear attempts to thwart the will of the Guyanese people by a few and their willing handmaidens. Indeed, the functioning and impartiality of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is highly questionable. The actions of a small cabal threaten the majority of Guyanese and could well serve to reverse the many advancements our nation and people have recorded. Harking back to the days of dictatorship is not in the interest of the workers who stand to be pauperised as was the case in the 1970s and 80s, when dictatorship practically ruined Guyana. The federation stands with the forces of democracy as it anxiously awaits – commencement of the CARICOM- scrutinised recount of the ballots cast.

We are hopeful that process will be fair and transparent, though we know that sinister groupings will not easily surrender. We, however, remain convinced and confident that democracy will prevail and the peoples will win out.

The political crisis comes as millions of people globally have been victims of the COVID-19 virus. Since the pandemic arrived in Guyana, the federation has been at the forefront calling on the now de-facto administration to embrace policies and programmes to minimise the disruption to our people’s lives. Indeed, thousands of Guyanese are facing perilous times and yet the political bosses have chosen to play petty politics rather than alleviating the real and substantial woes of too many Guyanese. It seems greater concern is being exercised regarding the appointments of CEO and officers of the national taskforce and could well indicate there is much more in the mortar than the pestle can pound.

We also face economic stagnation and downturn as we see several economic sectors in rough waters. The rosy economic statistics being touted are hardly meaningful, if having any meaning whatsoever. We expressed before our dismay regarding the economic management of our nation. Today, many sectors of the economy find themselves in difficult circumstances and thousands have been affected and thousands more stand to be affected. The government’s magic bullet – oil – has also found itself in hard times and the glitter that it held out has all but evaporated. At the same time, our national reserves have all but been depleted. It brings inexplicably into question what were our economic administrators really doing as our safety net is now removed. The landing could be hard though with out-of-the-box thinking we could avoid some of the consequences. While hopeful, we will not hold our breath, recognising that those who have put us in this predicament could hardly take us out.

While disheartened about the prevailing situation, we have seen our people coming to the assistance of each other in these times. The Guyanese spirit of generosity has shone through these dark and difficult times. The FITUG lauds the efforts of the many individuals and organisations who have sought to lend assistance at this time.

As we observe May Day 2020, we urge, let our voices be heard and heard loudly. We have a country to build and a struggle to win. We stand to lose though we have much to gain.

Let us remember as workers we have only our chains to lose. Let us continue to hold high our banners of struggle and solidarity; let us continue to wage our justifiable struggles, and let us remain united in the face of those who seek to weaken our all-round thrust for betterment and improvement. Let us all go forward together!