THE trade union movement in Guyana believes in peaceful dialogue towards a resolution of conflict, and is inviting the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to adapt this position as the two countries continue to address the delicate border issue.To this end, trade unions in Guyana yesterday organised a peace march through the streets of Georgetown, calling for a peaceful settlement to the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy.
The trade unionists and workers assembled opposite Parliament Building on Brickdam, and moved off at 10:00 hrs for the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on Thomas Street, Georgetown, where they presented a signed Peace Declaration to Ambassador Margarita Reina Arratia Diaz.

First turning north into Avenue of the Republic the parade proceeded east along Church Street before turning north again into Thomas Street, culminating in a peaceful assembly outside the Venezuelan Embassy.
At the embassy, the delegation of trade unionists leading the workers on the march was met by Venezuelan emissaries, including the Venezuelan Ambassador.
Four key trade union leaders, representing the delegation, were invited into the Embassy where they presented and read the Peace Declaration to the Venezuelan Ambassador.
The trade union leaders were CCWU’s General Secretary Ann Anderson who presented and read the Declaration, GAWU’s Komal Chand and Seepaul Narine and NAACIE’s General Secretary Kenneth Joseph.
Giving a gist of what is contained in the Declaration, Andersen told journalists: “It is a joint Declaration calling for a peaceful settlement to the Guyana-Venezuela border issue, being staged by Guyanese trade unions and workers here at home, as well as in Venezuela.”
“As trade unionists, we are saying that while the governments are coming together to negotiate and are discussing how they’ll address the system, in the meantime we want peace. We want to survive; we want to co-exist. We don’t want a military presence at our borders because we’re in negotiation and are deciding the way forward. In the meantime, we want to build our country. At the end of the day, whatever is the decision, the countries will abide. But while they are discussing and negotiating and coming to agreements, our workers want to work and develop the country. The task of nation-building must move ahead,” Anderson said.
Significantly, the peace march staged in Guyana yesterday was scheduled to be replicated in Venezuela around the same time.
Addressing the Venezuelan Ambassador, Anderson asserted: “Our presence here today is one of the activities planned to take place jointly in Guyana and Venezuela. It is scheduled to have the same thing we’re doing here today happening in Venezuela.
And after reading the details of the Declaration, Anderson concluded: “So on behalf of our trade unions and our trade union brothers and sisters in Venezuela, we are here today to present to you, the Declaration that we signed…”
Meanwhile, Venezuelan Ambassador Arratia, in a rather amicable disposition, speaking through interpreter Iewha Phillips, responded that it was an honour to receive the trade union delegation at the embassy. She considered the gesture very important, adding that the border issue engaging the attention of Venezuela and Guyana should be done peacefully between their two countries.
“For us, peace is very important, and this is why we conduct ourselves in peace,” the Ambassador said, noting that it is also the wish of President Maduro.
“I wish to thank all the workers of Guyana for giving their support in this scenario in which we find ourselves, and I think that things should be resolved peacefully,” the Ambassador said.
Thanking the trade unions for their intervention, Ambassador Arratia had special thanks for GAWU as well.
GAWU’s Seepaul Narine told reporters that the document was a joint declaration and followed a meeting between trade unionists from Guyana and Venezuela, held on September 23 and 24, in Brazil. The meeting was initiated by Brazil, through the ITF, of which Guyana’s CCWU is an affiliate. Two sets of trade unionists were involved – one set from Venezuela and the other from Guyana.
Narine reiterated that the trade unionists on behalf of the Guyanese people are calling for a peaceful and final settlement to the Guyana-Venezuela border issue.

By Shirley Thomas