The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union [GAWU] says it will oppose the closure of any Demerara sugar estate and will be at the forefront of resistance against privatisation of the sugar industry.

Speaking at the 17th Delegates Congress at the J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School at Port Mourant on the Corentyne last Saturday, President of the union and Member of Parliament, Komal Chand said “privatisation of the industry should never be contemplated by the government since workers will never countenance such a negative step and will oppose it.”

Responding to Chand’s statements in his address, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who is performing the functions of President pointed out that the government’s position on privatisation flows out of what options are available and are best for the industry and the country.

“The first arrangement we must keep on board is that of partnerships. When the majority of our production is for export, the issue of links and partnerships is a relevant one. For now and maybe for the next ten years, Guysuco is on a course of re-modelling, re-fashioning and modernising so that it can be profitable on the open market.”

“GAWU,” the Prime Minister added, “has a vital role to play in this process.”

Touching on the challenge at the World Trade Organisation [WTO] by Brazil, Australia and Thailand, Chand said it could spell disaster for the local sugar industry if it succeeds. “If the challenge is successful it will seriously affect our preferential prices by about US$500 per tonne in the European Union.”

Chand in delivering his address reminded the packed school hall that sugar contributes 16 percent to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product [GDP], over 50 percent of its agricultural product, 20,000 jobs and thousands of secondary jobs.

Among those attending the triennial congress of Guyana’s largest agricultural union were Ministers, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and Clinton Collymore, former Agriculture Minister Navin Chandarpal who chaired the proceedings, Guysuco’s Chief Executive Michael Boast, Chairman Vic Oditt, members of the diplomatic corps, local delegates, overseas representatives from sister unions and General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party [PPP] Donald Ramotar.

The feature address was delivered by Trinidad and Tobago’s Member of Parliament, Dr. Roodal Moonilal. He called on the union’s membership to re-commit themselves to the objectives of the union, urging them to “be vigilant and protect what you have won while continuing to struggle for what you want.” Referring to the theme of the two-day congress: “Workers Unite for World Peace and Social Justice”, he called on union members to “find new and novel methods to fight traditional battles,” saying there can be no prosperity without dignity.

“It is time for you to re-affirm your commitment to human dignity as an essential part of human prosperity. But there can be no dignity without equality,” he posited, and “no justice without equality, no peace without justice and consequently no growth and prosperity without peace.”

At this moment, he said, workers should remember the ideals and values which underlined the formation of their union and trade unionism in the Caribbean. “Our predecessors struggled for peace not war, dignity for workers and jobs for the jobless. We are fighting against globalisation and forces external to us,” he told the congress.

“Those who seek profits at all costs will continue to ignore the human cause and those who seek higher profits will not seek higher purpose.” Back in 1994 former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Basdeo Panday had addressed the union’s congress.

Prime Minister Hinds in his presentation said unlike bauxite, sugar has been profitable over the years and should be given an opportunity to prepare for the open market. Stakeholders should also ensure that the industry is prepared and ready to compete on the open market when the time comes.” He referred to GAWU as the premier union in Guyana which played an important role in the historical return to democracy in Guyana in 1992. The union he said has been in the forefront of the struggle for the betterment of sugar workers, while noting its fight for recognition dating back to 1946 and its eventual recognition in 1976.

Some 21 members were honoured at the two-day congress which culminated on Sunday with reports from the working commissions, amendments to the rules, motions and elections and the charge. On Saturday the General Council’s report was submitted by General Secretary Seepaul Narine. The last triennial congress was held in 2000.