Komal Chand commends government, attacks APNU, AFC
PRESIDENT of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Mr. Komal Chand has commended the government for the substantial interest it has shown in the sugar industry, mentioning, specifically, the $4 billion that it has plugged into the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). Addressing hundreds of workers at the National Park in Georgetown, on the occasion of Labour Day, he, however, registered his concerns, over the actions of the Alliance For Change (AFC), which, in his view, seeks to divide the workers and undermine trade unionism, particularly GAWU.
Chand charged leaders and activists of the AFC with attempting to seize on the genuine grievances of some sections of the workforce to promote political ends.
“We have fended them off, so far, but our members must be aware and alert to wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing,“ he warned.
Chand pointed to the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) solidarity statement with GAWU, which said the AFC has revealed an anti-working class and anti-trade unionism tendency and cautioned that mischief is afoot.
The union believes that “APNU’s stand confounds us, bearing in mind that, unthinkably, it has sent many of its supporters’ jobs to the chopping block while preventing programmes that will open up employment opportunities,” he said.
Chand said GAWU questions why would a few politicians without understandable rhyme or reason, seek to obstruct the country’s development,  especially given its low current level at this time when it is making strides, even if small, towards progress.
The GAWU Leader called on workers to be aware of the confidence tricksters or fraudsters, who are  interested only in fulfilling their political agenda and ambitions.
Alluding to the recent developments in the National Assembly regarding the budget cuts, Chand posited that new challenges are ahead and workers must be prepared to face them and stand united.
He noted that the 2012 budget debate has concluded in Parliament but it is continuing in the streets, communities and villages and referred to what was displayed in the House as parliamentary theatrics.
In addition, Chand said he believes the important thing to note is that, although money is available to pay workers wages and salaries, it is a case whereby some politicians seem to find a special gratification in ensuring that hundreds are thrown to the unemployed ranks and their families exposed to the prospect of a “hand-to-mouth” existence.