The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) brings anniversary greetings to Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora. 54 years ago, Guyanese achieved a major milestone in our quest for self-determination. We set aside superficial differences to celebrate the hard-fought victory that began centuries ago and commit to chart a course as “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”

This year marks a nation on the cusp of economic greatness if we can properly harness the resources and revenues from oil and gas to the benefit of country and citizens. Simultaneously, we are waging the battle against the deadly coronavirus virus (COVID 19) and are in the midst of the process of completing the March 2nd General and Regional Elections.

History has shown ours have been a journey of struggles for what we have achieved. That we continue to overcome bears testimony to our resilience and will as a people to not only survive but live in dignity and respect. This election has brought to the fore, once again, the issue of governance. Whereas many viewed it as the ‘Mother of all Elections’ given who will likely secure the privilege to manage the affairs of state at this pivotal juncture, it has also exacerbated ethnic conflict borne out of insecurities and fears of marginalisation. To this all Guyana must turn attention and resolve as matter of urgency.

GTUC reiterates its call for meaning to be given to our political system of inclusionary democracy, consistent with Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution. Said article mandates, “providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.” We recognise and value the importance of this declaration because its aims to bring about peace and harmony among society’s diverse groups.

As we move forward, Guyanese are reminded in true trades union spirit that we are stronger together. We are also reminded of the spirit that guided our great leaders of the past and which we must continue to work hard to achieve as Valerie Rodway wrote in the Hymn for Guyana’s Children:

“Great is the task that Thou hast given:
Thy will to show, Thy truth to find:
To teach ourselves that we are one
In thy great Universal mind
But not in vain we’ll strive to build
A new Guyana great and free;
A land of glory and of hope,
A land of love and unity”