Dear Editor
THE Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) extends Emancipation greetings to all Guyanese on the occasion of Emancipation Day 2020.
The fight for Emancipation was bitter and brutal and our freedom must not be taken lightly. In the trade union movement, quite like emancipation from slavery, nothing worthwhile comes easy, because, as evidenced over time, there must be a struggle before anything worthwhile is realized. Just like Cuffy and Damon, among others who fought to achieve emancipation, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow struggled in the 1920’s to get workers’ rights recognized. This resulted in the emancipation of workers from a ten hours workday to the eight hours we now enjoy.

Through emancipation, we have our brothers of East Indian, Chinese and Portuguese heritage coming to Guyana, resulting in the acclamation of Guyana being the land of six peoples. Hence, emancipation paved the way for the creation of many of the physical and cultural heritages currently enjoyed in Guyana. Post emancipation there was the beginning of the Cooperatives in Guyana where the ex-slaves pooled their resources and bought villages, etc. This spirit of cooperation is still with us today and, if harnessed, could result in a more beautiful Guyana.

As we celebrate the anniversary of this exceptional and auspicious occasion, let us take time to reflect on our achievements, from whence we came to where we are today as a nation, and as we look to the future, may we grow to the fulfillment of our national motto of “One People, One Nation One Destiny”. The GPSU wishes all Guyanese a Happy Emancipation Day and may the spirit of cooperation that has been engendered following emancipation continue to be the architect of the development of our dear land of Guyana.
Happy Emancipation Day to All.
Regards
Guyana Public Service Union