HUMAN rights and political democracy are all parts of the democratic way of life in general. All two are of crucial importance in any society–if they are to maintain their human dignity as free men and women, and if they are to obtain a fair share of the wealth. This is because democracy offers the only political environment in which we all can flourish. An equally important inter-connection exists between political democracy and general human rights. Democratic politics cannot function without the basic guarantees of freedom of speech and assembly, and the integrity of the person, free from fear of reprisal by the government.
Just as democracy requires human rights, so do they require democracy – but unfortunately this latter connection, so obvious to us in the labour movement, is sometimes forgotten by certain sectors of the liberal intelligentsia. We must do better on this, and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) stands ready to provide our government with detailed information on workers’ rights, so that our policy–makers can know to what degree they are being observed, year – by year-in our country. With the information, we can key our efforts to the interests of the majority of the people in our country, and kindle enthusiasm for human rights as intense among them as it is now among writers, politicians, and other members of the educated elite.
That, of course, is the very purpose of this country. We must pursue full implementation of general human rights and political democracy, because trade union liberty depends on the existence of more general freedom. This has been one of the principal reasons  most of the labour movements of the area are aligned with political parties which support and defend general political democracy. No democracy without human rights, no human rights without democracy. That is trade unions belief; that is our creed.
We can begin with some basic understanding: the first comes from a quote in the Book of Proverbs 22:2. It reads: “The rich and the poor have one thing in common: they are both made by God”.
We must appreciate that we are all labourers, whether on the work site or in the corner office. We’re all labourers in different stations of life. We have to be willing to embrace the people around us, to be open – minded and to follow the principle of reciprocation, where one good deed deserves another, where we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
We also have to get back to values of fairness and respect and to recognise that while there will be differences we can nevertheless work toward common Guyana goals.
Divisiveness and polarisation, demonisation and blame will not solve our problems – nor will playing off one political party against another – because as the Good Book says, we have to build relationships because the trust and understanding that comes from knowing each other better will enable us to work together, to move this country ahead.
Great countries don’t just happen. They are the expression of the people, their hopes and dreams, their values, and their ability to work together toward shared goals.
We have to work at getting this country back on track. Government policy will not be enough. It will take all of us as Guyanese doing our own part to make this country a better place for all our people, young people and old, rich and poor every race of this country. United States of America President Barack Obama said: “Even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime… The road ahead will be long; our climb will be steep; we may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful that I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you we as a people will get there… but there’s so much more to do.”
Today let us realise we are all God’s children. Let us roll up our sleeves and join together as Guyanese for a better Guyana.
I am reminded of a famous a quote by the late Dr. Martin Luther King which I will customise for Guyana:
“The ultimate measure of Guyana’s people is not where we stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but if we have the courage to stand together during times of challenge and controversy.”