MINISTER of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul and other government officials yesterday morning joined with several executive members of the various trade unions and organisations to commemorate the 66th death anniversary of the five Enmore martyrs who were slain on June 16, 1948, during their struggles for improved living conditions.Early on the morning of June 16, 1948, a crowd of about 400 workers gathered outside the factory at Enmore for a protest and picketing exercise. By 10:00hrs, the crowd had grown to between 500 and 600 persons. Several persons managed to enter the compound at the rear of the factory. The policemen tried to push back the crowd, but after this effort failed, they opened fire. Five workers were killed and 14 others were injured.
Lallabagee Kissoon, 30, was shot in the back; 19-year-old Pooran was shot in the leg and pelvis; Rambarran died from bullet wounds in his leg; Dookhie died in hospital later that day; and Harry died the following day from severe spinal injuries. These men, through the years, became known as the Enmore Martyrs.
Speaking at the ceremony at Le Repentir, Minister Gopaul urged the gathering to be vigilant, pointing to Government’s plans for continued development which are being blocked by the one seat parliamentary Opposition. He pointed to the Anti-Money Laundering Bill which has not been approved and could result in economic hardship for Guyanese workers.
The Minister also urged trade unions to be vigilant since opportunities to create employment through other projects have also been blocked. Here, he pointed to the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project and the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
Minister Gopaul observed that despite the 135- day strike to get rid of the levy on the backs of sugar workers, massive oppression, introduction of scabs and the literal destruction of the sugar industry, the bringing in of foreign management by the People’s National Congress in the 1990s also proved to be a disaster. He pointed out that it was the People’s Progressive Party government which rebuilt the industry by pumping millions of dollars into it with a view to its modernisation.
The Labour Minister observed that at the International Labour Organisation’s conference this year, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) was recognised with respect. He said that this international recognition shows the role that trade unions play in the development of the lives of workers. The Minister pointed to the development of Guyana towards which the sugar industry will continue to play a great role. He also pointed to the Acts developed due to agitation by workers and the model of labour relations in Guyana which have been recognised internationally.
GAWU’s General Secretary, Seepaul Narine said the five martyrs lost their lives fighting for justice and the recognition of a union of their choice. He pointed out that they were all shot in the back whilst fleeing. However, continuous agitation by Dr. Cheddi Jagan saw a second Commission of Inquiry which made recommendations through which several things were established. These included the Sugar Welfare Fund Committee and a Wages Council.
Narine noted that 66 years later, the things, the martyrs stood for have all been achieved, with a national minimum wage in place and housing a reality.
NAACIE’s Kenneth Joseph also commented on the struggle which took the lives of the persons who were fighting for the sugar industry in Guyana. “They were fighting a struggle without arms,” he noted, and pointed out that they did not leave their homes with the intention of dying. He added that the struggle continues today with results being seen.
Enmore Martyrs’ Day is observed annually in remembrance of the five sugar workers who were shot and killed on June 16, 1948, by colonial police while they were demonstrating for better working conditions. (GINA)