Latest update June 1st, 2026 12:37 AM
Labour movement in the Linden/Bauxite community is in a state of paralysis
Dear Editor,
Post stalwarts of the labour movement, who have gone to the great beyond must have groaned and turned in their graves upon receiving the pathetic report of what transpired at the May Day celebrations in the Linden Community.
It was one of the most dismal showings ever – most shameful; coming from a community that once stood out as having the most radical and militant work force, mainly of Bauxite workers, that once locked horns with the establishment and rocked their foundation.
Last Labour Day gone was proof enough that the labour movement in the Linden/Bauxite community is in a state of paralysis. Since the advent of the extension of the “Town Day” event to a “Town Week” this Labour Day celebrations has been coinciding with it, and I did mention some three years ago that the fusion has contributed to diminishing its significance.
Because it is held at the Mackenzie Car Park which is the central spot for the main Town Week events – always buzzing with a hub of activities; it took away greatly from the importance of this day. However, this time around there was a funny twist to it all. Respectfully, there was no loud music being played anywhere in the park, no vehicles swirling and revving while speakers were delivering remarks. On the contrary Digicel unwittingly had unparalleled support to this day by virtually painting the Linden bus park Red – their advertisement in the form of decorations with buntings, signs/posters, flags et al were ubiquitous, they and labour were one that day.
And had it not been for those in and around the park who attended the Town Week activities, and who also maybe wittingly/unwittingly helped to beef-up the handful of participants/workers (25-30) who came out, all would have been totally lost. But the workers – the few who kept the faith and came out must be specially commended, especially the women folks, who not only stood in defence of their men, but also was a tribute to them. Can you imagine a Labour Day event that failed to attract 10 men?
I always thought that May 1st was a high point occasion when all and sundry would emerge, when all grievances, differences, knots and other disturbing issues affecting workers – one way or another, would be ventilated. But sadly, this does not seem to be the case anymore, for if it was so, then, the Guyana Teachers Union/Linden Branch would not have taken a decision to boycott the celebration; clearly they have misconstrued the fullness of labour/workers unity.
A boycott was not the way to settle scores with GTU president Colwyn King. At least they could have marched by themselves. But how does one explain the non-participation of GTUC representatives; how does one explain that the President of Guyana Mine Workers Bauxite Union going to work as usual instead of representing his people?
That the entire organising of the day’s event was done solely by GMWU Vice President Burchel Aaron, who single handedly fetched every item – from water/ice to rostrum to the park, and was the only union official in Linden who was present at the event? The union executive/officers in Linden should in all good faith resign; it would be so shameful to remain put.
Lastly, The Linmine Secretarial CEO Mr. Horace James and the CEO of the Linmine Hospital Complex Mr. Gordon Gumbs ought to be highly commended for being regular participants and presenters at these May Day rallies. What a farce the entire proceedings would have been had it not been for the, encouraging presentations by these two gentlemen, along with Regional Vice Chairman, Mr. Hooper and Chairman of the proceedings, Charles Sampson?
The stage built for the Town Week celebrations and the well decorated park were a blessing.
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