THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has expressed condolences on the passing of former  Chairman of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO), Mr Harold Davis who passed away  on Wednesday August 21, 2013.

Davis, GAWU has concluded, qualified to be deemed “a servant of sugar” – meaning that he devoted a substantial portion of his career and expertise to the administration and management of the local sugar industry and sector during the precarious periods of pre-Independence and post-Nationalisation. Steeped in the Bookers Sugar Estates era since 1959, Davis brought all his experience to bear when the then government invited him to become the first chairman, in 1976, of GUYSUCO.
“Notwithstanding GAWU’s struggles for recognition, its fight with respect to the Sugar Levy and other governmental approaches to the industry then, inclusive of the treatment of the sector’s labour force, GAWU can easily imagine the challenges Mr Davis had to face or was made to encounter as the first and new head of a nationalised industry of that magnitude. That the industry survived then, as one who, reportedly, shunned overt political intrusion and direction, Mr Davis’ stewardship must have contributed to that vital economic success.”
GAWU also noted Davis’s contribution to the national welfare which includes his contribution of time, skills and experience to the University of Guyana, the insurance sector, the Ptolemy Reid Polio Rehabilitation facility and the Rotary Service institutions, among other pursuits. He had been appropriately awarded the Cacique Crown of Honour.
“By whatever perspective or yardstick one measures service, Harold Davis exemplified significant patriotic contributions. GAWU salutes those contributions to Guyana,” the union stated.