–set foundation for fight against injustice, a better future – PM Phillips

PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Sunday joined hundreds to honour the Enmore Martyrs, five sugar workers who were killed during a peaceful strike 76 years ago while fighting for better working conditions and justice.

During brief remarks at the memorial monument at Enmore, on the East of Demerara, he reminded those gathered of the importance of recognising the dignity of all workers, and collectively striving towards a society where everyone can thrive without fear of exploitation.

“These men left a proud legacy that teaches us that the power of collective action can ignite change, and that every voice, no matter how small, contributes to the larger call for fairness and dignity. Moreover, in remembering the Enmore Martyrs, we’re reminded that the struggle for a better life is continuous and must be carried forward by each generation. Their bravery symbolizes the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming adversity,” the Prime Minister said.

He noted that their sacrifice has inspired generations to stand up against injustice, and work towards a better future.

In this light, he noted that the government has made significant strides in improving the lives of workers.

“The progress we’ve made in labour rights and working conditions includes better labour policies, improved working conditions, and the establishment of labour unions that protect workers rights across our nation.”

He reminded of the enactment of some regulatory framework to address workers’ rights. This includes the trade union recognition act of 1997, a landmark legislation, which empowered labour unions by providing a legal framework for the recognition and ensuring that workers have the right to be represented by unions of their choice.

Further, there was the implementation of occupational safety and health laws has been crucial in safeguarding the well-being of workers, which now sees employers being required to ensure safety standards, provide necessary protective equipment and ensure a safe working environment. These measures reduce workplace accidents and improve overall worker health as part of the consistent consideration that workers receive their fair compensation for their labour.

“Our country sees periodic reviews of the national minimum wage to ensure improve living standards for especially those in low-income sectors, helping to reduce poverty and inequality in our society,” he added.

In most recent times, the government, the Prime Minister noted, has demonstrated its steadfast commitment to prioritising workers, and continually striving to enhance their lives and working conditions.

“The mark of the Enmore Martyrs extends far beyond the labour movement. This sacrifice has shaped our national consciousness and has become a symbol of resilience and determination. They have inspired generations to stand up against injustice and strive for a better future. Today, we honour their memory by renewing our commitment to these principles,” the Prime Minister added.

June 16, 2024 marks the 76th Anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs. It was on June 16, 1948 that five sugar workers, namely: Rambarran, Lall, called ‘Pooran’, Lallabagie Kissoon, Surujballi, called ‘Dookie’, and Harry lost their lives while on strike at Plantation Enmore, East Coast Demerara. They were brutally and senselessly gunned down by the Colonial Police.

These heroic sugar workers who died are known as the “Enmore Martyrs”. This is indeed a fitting tribute to the highest price they could have paid, that is, sacrificing their precious lives in their determined struggle to win respect from the very powerful sugar bosses of the day and at the same time in their just efforts to obtain improved working conditions and social justice in general.

The Enmore Strike of 1948 originated from the general dissatisfaction of labourers with their deplorable conditions of work and living. Wages were far from satisfactory. In fact, they were considered extremely low. At the same time the cost-of-living index had moved from 95 to 247 between 1939 and 1948 largely as a consequence of World War Two. What it meant was that the workers’ circumstances were deteriorating with each passing year. Further, in spite of repeated demands to improve the existing wage rate, the Sugar Producers Association (SPA) remained intractable.

The strike itself began on April 22, 1948 at Plantation Enmore and it quickly spread to neighbouring East Coast plantations including Non Pariel, Mon Repos, Lusignan, La Bonne Intention, Vryheid’s Lust and Ogle. As the weeks progressed, the strike gained momentum as more and more workers joined in the struggle.

On that fateful day, the striking workers, as usual, gathered outside the Enmore Estate Compound. With tension running high, some of them attempted to enter the compound and it was at that stage that the police took unwarranted action. Without warning, they opened fire into the crowd. Some workers were even shot in their backs as they attempted to escape the onslaught.

Five sugar workers lost their lives and 14 others were severely injured.