ANOTHER anniversary of Guyana’s Republican status has rolled around. This week we observe forty-two years since February 23 when, by national consensus, we replaced the British Monarch as Head of State with our own President. For a Republic connotes power by and for the people, with no place for any real power residing in a foreign monarch – especially one who can symbolize a colonial past.
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joins with the rest of the nation to observe this milestone in status. There are Guyanese who utilize their right to question what is there to celebrate after forty-two years as a republic. GAWU recognises and respects that right to enquire but there is nothing wrong with observing, if even some are not given to celebration.
The Union joins with those who wish to reflect on the challenges, setbacks, achievements and progress over the past four decades and more of Republic status.
As a Union representing the largest bloc of workers in vital segments of our national economy, we assess the past 42 years within the context of progress for the working-class, the quality of life, industrial peace which promotes economic investment, and productive activity and national security in all its manifestations.
Alas, the 42-year old Report Card will show setbacks and stagnation in the pre-1992, the 1970-1990 period. The restoration of democracy in late 1992 then presented hope and promise, challenges and achievement. From organized criminal enterprise in 2002, the great floods of 2005, and political mischief between 1998 and 2006, Guyana had to weather many storms which threatened and disrupted the peaceful aspirations of our members and all the nation’s workers, with the past decade proving the most challenging. However, perhaps drawing inspiration from the courage of the heroes of the February, 1763 Berbice Rebellion, Guyanese prevailed. Reasonably shrewd economic management by government helped us survive a global financial recession, even European Union reversals for our sugar sector. International investors have returned to explore our potential in oil, in other minerals, in the ICT sector, and in medical care facilities.
The consequences of the November 28, 2011, elections are already proving that our elected officials are obliged to find unprecedented ways to collaborate in our interest. To do otherwise would be to betray our people’s electoral and long-term wishes.
This 42nd Anniversary does find Guyana at the crossroads. GAWU pledges its co-operation to those who would convince us that they do have the Republic at heart.
Reflect, celebrate within the Mashramani festival of activities, then hold our leaders accountable.
Happy Mashramani, a reflective Republic Anniversary 2012.