PPP emergence forced employers to improve working conditions

IT was not until the emergence of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) that the sugar employers were forced into carrying out improvements and reforms.
The Enmore Martyrs’ tragedy affected the sugar industry greatly. The workers were personally acquainted with all the young men killed and injured.
The funeral procession was led by comrade Janet Jagan, Dr Cheddi Jagan and other leaders to the city 16 miles away where a tremendous mass protest and demonstration took place. At the graveside the emotional outburst of the widows and relatives of the deceased had been intensely distressing and many had difficulties in restraining their tears.
From then there was to be no turning back by the sugar workers. Everyone was furious and they made a silent pledge including Dr Jagan and comrade Janet Jagan.They had dedicated their entire life to the Martyrs and sugar workers’ cause and the struggle of the Guyanese people against bondage and exploitation. Since the country continues to move on the democratic path. Much has been achieved in the sugar industry from 1992 to now since our nation’s return to the democratic fold.
The process of globalisation has been taking place for a long time now.However, over the years it has accelerated causing many problems for the industry. The collapse of the financial markets not only affected the economic fundamentals of South and North America and Europe, but also led to a slowing down of all the economies in the world especially sugar, rice, bananas etc. We must also take cognizance of the devastating effects in a world system which is characterized by socio-economic inequalities.
While many gains were being made for the sugar workers by President Bharrat Jagdeo, there are undemocratic forces within and outside the industry trying their best to destroy all that he has done for the workers and the industry. Before 1992, our sugar industry had been going through anxious times and facing a great challenge due to the onslaught by the PNC regime on the sugar industry. Workers, who are advanced in age, are no longer humiliated by the Means Test, which they had to take in order to qualify for pensions. Now they do not only receive pensions, but their pensions are higher than even before the PNC administration of the industry
The union must also recognize other benefits workers have received in the areas of education, housing, health, water supply, no levy, etc. Under the Jagdeo administration these have helped to deliver a better quality of life for the sugar workers which is a necessary ingredient for the uplifting and welfare of the workers. For me, the President has done remarkably well for the industry despite some minor problems.

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