What new sentiments can GAWU share on the occasion of the one hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary of the full freedom emancipation of the forefathers of those Guyanese whose origins are in Africa – the cradle of mankind?

Nothing really brand new, except to observe that 175 years constitute a more than significant anniversary for observers and participants to reflect, assess and take stock – with a view to sustaining acceptable achievements, correcting mistakes, or formulating and implementing new strategies for survival and progress. And also to reflect that after 175 years, today’s African-Guyanese should recall that their forefathers’ full freedom in 1838 paved the way for the arrival of other indentured groups to a colony which became their home and eventual state of Guyana, wherein the multi-racial, multi-cultural mix has produced citizens of an independent homeland ever-striving to become as developed as its abundant resources allow it to be, if properly managed.
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) salutes the descendants of those freed African slaves who became the post-Emancipating pioneers in agriculture, mining, the professions and trades and the founders of the network of former plantations which became our vanguard Village Movement. These were the true pioneers of freedom, independence of sprit, thought and action against the might of the plantocracy, the merchant-class and the colonial governments. In the face of sabotage of their new villages; against the divide-and-rule technique of the local colonialists (1839 to around 1900) the early Afro-Guyanese insisted and fashioned lives for themselves in the public sector and in self-employment – interacting; as they had to, with the newer arrivals turned settlers and, later, Guyanese.
Today, 175 years after full Emancipation, Afro-Guyanese have a right to assess their current status as citizens of the Republic. Political considerations are natural and pivotal to those considerations, GAWU feels. What quality of political leadership and directions was available to the Afro-Guyanese community throughout post Emancipation colonialism? Who were their leaders to lead them where? Did physical, legal freedom result in eventual economic justice? If not why not?
Any meaningful assessment of the Afro-Guyanese condition today must take into account the effectiveness of those who held themselves out as leaders of that community. That is why GAWU respectfully suggests that Guyanese of African descent use this anniversary period to consult with their current leaders. Explore just what is needed to engage government, private sector, disaporic connections and the rest of the Guyanese family right here, to negotiate and demand the fruits of the legacy that the emancipated pioneers of freedom planted 175 years ago.
GAWU wishes the Afro-Guyanese community, hundreds of which it represents, an interesting, thoughtful and happy anniversary of Emancipation.