GOVERNMENT has joined with all Guyanese, in particular, the workers in the sugar industry in remembering the sacrifice of the heroic Enmore Martyrs whose lives were taken in the struggle for better working conditions.Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo observed that, “June 16th 2016 is another milestone in a very long journey when we remember the Enmore Martyrs – Lallabaggie, Harry, Surujbally, Rambarran and Pooran – because their lives were cut down as they pursued a noble cause.”
Prime Minister Nagamootoo added, “in 1948 that cause was for better working conditions in the sugar industry and for the recognition of a trade union of the workers’ choice.”

From slavery and indentureship through nationalization much sacrifice was made in the sugar industry, which today faces complex problems. In remembering the sacrifices of the Enmore Martyrs the Coalition Government urges all sugar workers, management and unions to work together to find viable solutions.

The sugar industry has faced severe challenges, and by 2014 had been brought to a state of severe indebtedness. The new Coalition Government has sought to rescue the industry from the years of mismanagement and rising cost of production while since taking office, it has subsidized the industry in the amount of $21Billion.

The new administration is committed to the diversification of the sugar industry to prevent its collapse.

In this regard, the Coalition Government recognises the sacrifice of those who have worked and are working in the industry, making their contribution towards national development.

On this occasion, when we remember and honour the memory of the Enmore Martyrs, we embrace their descendants as we recognise the ultimate sacrifice which was made by these five fearless sugar workers, whose names are indelibly etched into the history of our beloved nation’s struggle for human rights, justice and respect.

The Coalition Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana salutes the Enmore Martyrs for their selfless and monumental sacrifice which transcends all divisions in our society and which serves as a platform for unity in the struggle for a better and more cohesive Guyana.