Independence cannot be celebrated when bauxite workers remain trampledWE CANNOT, with seriousness, celebrate 50 years of political Independence when workers employed at the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) are being treated inhumanely by foreign management, and that unfortunate circumstance in a company co-owned by the Government of Guyana.

Given my experience on this matter, the Governments of Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan would never have tolerated that state of affairs, much less allow such contempt to fester this long — since 2009!

The blatant violation of the Laws of Guyana, and transgression of the rights and freedoms of citizens/workers enshrine therein, as seen with the Bharrat Jagdeo Administration, continued under the Donald Ramotar Administration, and remain under the David Granger/Moses Nagamootoo Administration! We, the people, must sit up and take notice.

When in Opposition, the current Government condemned the PPP Government for the infractions, campaigned on a commitment to reverse them, and won the support of the citizens/workers on this promise. Yet, today, the workers remain denied!

Let it be known that, while ministers within ministries may be assigned tasks, the Cabinet ministers, who hold the instruments under the Guyana Constitution, have the final responsibility to ensure that, consistent with the laws, actions are taken to hold the BCGI to account.

This March marks 90 years since the Caribbean Labour leaders met in Georgetown, Guyana to chart a course for improving the lives of workers in the region and putting in place a concerted common interest, to secure political self-determination through internal self-government. It does this nation no credit for this anniversary to be marked with regression in our development and the undermining of the spirit and intent to free us from the shackles of colonialism. Independence was not granted; it was fought for, and the fight pre-dated Burnham and Jagdeo, who were the beneficiaries of predecessors such as Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, on whose shoulders they stood.

Today there are talks and images about celebrating Guyana’s 50th. There is expectation of an increase in the numbers of overseas Guyanese and visitors coming for the celebration. Some even harbour a notion that this year must see a show of ‘national unity’, which for them entails everybody being in the same space, attending the same rally and listening to the same talks. Being ignored, most importantly, is that political independence means a country and its people enjoying the right to self-determination at all times. Also, national unity can only be realised when grounded in universal principles to which all are held accountable.
The foundation of independence is built on indigenous laws, from which flow the rights, freedoms and responsibilities of citizens and Government and non-governmental institutions. It is Government, as guardian of the State, to shoulder primary responsibility for defending and safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty by ensuring it sets the tone for society by adhering to the laws.

When, in 2016, we face a situation in which bauxite workers are denied their rights and freedoms, and are either forced to endure such injustices in order to provide for themselves and families or walk away, we must question the celebratory events of this year, which evidently cannot be consistent with what political independence constitutes.

Where men, in the quest to ensure their dignity and equality under the laws are upheld, though driven to tears remain committed, they are the ones who, like their forebears, are the real champions for the right to self-determination. For them, independence is not about pomp, ceremony, specific colours and parades; it is about being free to enjoy the dignity and equality they are ensured under the laws. They recognise the fact that independence is not secure by mere symbolism, but by actions, deeds and constant vigilance.

The symbol for the jubilee is the Jaguar. The Jaguar is Guyana’s National Animal. It is known not only for its majesty, beauty and rarity, but for its strength and courage to confront its adversaries, and its refusal to cede what it owns. When one transposes this persona to the Government of Guyana, it is deserving of answer whether there exists collusion with, or subordination to, the BCGI Russian management — which would make Guyana a satellite colony of Russia under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, and bring dishonour to this ‘animal’.

Windsworth Blair, a worker fired from BCGI for speaking out against mistreatment, and colleagues are the defenders of the spirit of independence, and the protectors of what Critchlow, Jagan, Burnham, Peter D’Aguiar and others fought for. To hear this gentleman tell, “We all went into the [BCGI’s] kitchen area, where we go to various sections, and when we go through the store room where they have the rice, the flour and other foodstuff, we find rats, some with young ones in the bags.”

Rats and rodents carry more than 35 diseases! Were dogs exposed to this mistreatment, pet lovers and animal rights activists would have already created an uproar. Human beings are no less deserving.

May has two events of national significance for workers/citizens. May 1st is designated Workers’ Day. It commemorates the struggles and victories of the working class, and signals to the world that the gains made shall not be compromised or eroded. May 26 marks a major victory in the workers’ struggle/fight for self-determination. This year’s May shall not be marked by pomp and ceremony, but by actions that highlight the workers’ struggles; and more particularly what is happening to workers at BCGI with the complicity of Government.

There can be no honouring of independence when there is no honouring of our laws and the workers; the former will ensure and secure our sovereignty, and the labour of the latter will turn the wheels of production, ensure distribution, consumption, growth and development.