SINCE its origin, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has experienced systemic racism from the colonial days, to date.

In the ´90s, the escalation of racist attacks on the

union led to rule changes and the implementation of policies to facilitate a broader and more comprehensive challenge to this most undesirable occurrence, which the union classified as criminal. The circumstances of the attacks caused the union to appeal to the Public Services International (PSI) to address this concern.

As a basis for finding solutions to this ugly recurring situation, the union took keen interest in solutions proffered for racism worldwide. The United States of America was one such area of focus, where undoubtedly there is recognition of the problem and genuine acceptance of the need to reject as undesirable any incident of racist misdeeds.
The murder of George Floyd on May 28, 2020 is reminiscent of the unresolved extra- judicial killings experienced in Guyana during the period 2003 – 2010. So many years have passed and mothers and other family members still suffer to have closure since the loss of their sons, who had either been slaughtered or had seemingly disappeared from the face of the earth. Like the relatives of George Floyd, they are still waiting for an endnto this most distasteful chapter of their lives.
The GPSU empathises with the relatives of victims such as these and stands in solidarity with the PSI, SEIU and other trade unions around the world that seek to bring an end to racism in any form. Moreso, the killing of a person because of their race/ethnicity should not be condoned by any society. In fact, not only BLACK LIVES MATTER, but ALL LIVES MATTER.

The GPSU has been closely observing the ongoing assaults on minorities, particularly people of colour and once again is most disturbed and outraged by the obvious lack of sensitivity displayed by policemen, who continue to display a conduct of abuse, regardless of public expressions of condemnation.
The GPSU condemns in totality all forms of police abuse and those who by their words or actions encourage or defend such conduct. The GPSU wholeheartedly supports the for Black Lives Matter movement and stands in solidarity yesterday, today and every day with the unions of the United States of America and their members and all law- abiding citizens in protesting and condemning this outrageous and inhumane practice.

Regards
Guyana Public Service Union