THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) learnt with dismay of the passing of Albert Boodhoo, widely and popularly known as Thicker Persaud Khalideen. Cde Albert as we would fondly call him died at age 72 in New York, U.S.A. on (Friday) February 20, 2015.Cde Albert Boodhoo, a trade unionist and also a political stalwart, served the GAWU in different capacities including in the high Office of President of our union. As a member and leader, he represented the union in different workers’ fora overseas and in Guyana. He also served on the executive committee of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and in the Federation of

Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG).
In many of the long and bitter battles, GAWU had waged to become the recognised union in the sugar belt to replace the Man Power Citizens’ Association (MPCA), Cde Boodhoo displayed courage, consistency and firm leadership. He stood his ground despite the daunting situations characterised by police intimidation and semi-suppression of union actions by the powers that be in his time. In the rich history of GAWU, a number of illustrious comrades have emerged, forged and nurtured by the workers’ struggles. Cde Albert Boodhoo has been one of these and one who made a worthwhile contribution to our workers’ all-round betterment.
Cde Boodhoo, who was cremated in New York on (Monday) February 23, 2015, has earned the respect of sugar workers and by extension the workers of Guyana for his contribution in their overall class battles of our past. These battles are still going on, and the courage displayed by comrades such as Cde Albert Boodhoo are sorely needed as we continue in the arduous tasks of defending and winning other victories for our working people.
GAWU salutes Cde Boodhoo and expresses its condolences to his wife, children, siblings and other relatives and friends.