NEARLY half of a century – forty-seven years – is ample time for any family community institution or country to conclude many things about its existence.

That Guyana has survived intact forty-seven years of political and constitutional independence, forty-three as a Republican State, is itself cause for celebration.

That is only one reason why the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joins the nation in celebrating this year’s 47th anniversary of Independence. Many former colonial “States” have experience conflicts, lasting divisions, even wars, after Independence. Despite a few periods of challenges, the Republic of Guyana is still standing – with strength and hope.

GAWU recalls the general consensus, after initial disagreements, which welcomed our Independence from Britain in 1966. A stalwart of the long anti-colonial struggle was GAWU’s former Honorary President, Dr Cheddi Jagan. Though denied the glory in 1966, his struggles for Independence is etched out in the history and national consciousness of Guyana, no matter what puny detractors deny.

Assessments and conclusions there must be on this annual occasion. Many will come up with their own National “Report Card”. What have we done with 47 years of Independence? GAWU’s perspective on that issue will naturally be from the workers’ platform. From a number of labour-related protective legislation, a National Minimum wage to the provision of housing medical care, public transportation, education and all the necessary safety-net measures for a reasonable quality of life, GAWU’s appeal to national leaders is to use this anniversary for compromise, conciliation and solution of national dilemmas.

GAWU bemoans the current goings-on in our National Assembly, the major challenges facing our Sugar and Rice sectors; the attacks upon our coastlands by the sea and the climate, the municipal mess in our Capital City and other bugbears, developing societies such as ours face. But GAWU is convinced that despite migration over the past 47 years, we have the brains, brawn and expertise still, to combine and release us from the problems that thwart our true Economic Independence.

That’s all GAWU ask for on this 47th anniversary: a coming – together of leadership in the interest of making Independence meaningful.

As a Bargaining Unit for workers in the vital sectors of the national economy, we pledge our active support when called upon.

A Meaningful Independence Anniversary to all Guyanese!