The results of a protest

Dec 18, 2013 Letters

Dear Editor,
There is this brother in Linden who keeps track of every 11th December, a date indelibly etched in his mind; a date to remember and a grim reminder when on that date in 1976 he and 41 other bauxite workers were locked-up in a cell and tear-gassed.
Reason? The Bauxite Workers come out on strike and staged a demonstration against a government offer of 6 per cent wage increase. And I know that there are other brothers who were also victims on that day and harbour such sad memory.
Indeed it’s been a long time gone — some 37 years — recalling an event, dead, bury though not quite forgotten. Time and events have changed and so do we, but when we cling steadfast to principle as a virtue, not vacillating, it sure defends us in the end.
Also recalling and highlighting this event is not intended in any way to nail or castigate anyone afresh by casting guilt, neither am I being apologetic. The government recent five per cent increase allotted to public servants as we approach the festive season brought to the fore moreso the value of adhering to principle, it also exposed the fickle mindness of workers; feckless union leaders and a mellow trade union movement.
As is said, everything is relative, can be compared and I’m willing to bet without any sort of economic analysis, from a practical layman’s point of view that the sic per cent increase in 1976 stood taller and did much more for the workers then, than this now 5% hand out — The technical analysts, the experts at numbers can correct me.
It has also shown crystal clear that after all these years — almost four decades — we have not gone past partisan and racial political camps that we still foster and cling to the manipulations and shenanigans of disingenuous types over the welfare and preservation of our family.
While there have always been ethnic/racial political preferences dominant in communities across the land, in my opinion Linden/Region Ten stands out when it comes to bread and butter issues, things that affect them directly, independent of party or government.
Though predominantly a strong hold for the former PNC, they stand on matters of principle, as a matter of right and wrong; bread and justice in opposition and in defiance of party and its’ leadership, except for a handful of irrational diehards, who themselves at times would be forced to grudgingly acquiesce.
Once the issue at hand comes into conflict with and seems detrimental to the interest of self and family, it stands to reason that people will always be on the losing end when they indulge in hypocrisy, selfishness and double dealings.
Thus in the light of this 5% increase which was referred to in fun fashion by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon and which according to A.A. Fenty, “should heighten citizens disdain for arrogance and mockery.”
All working class folks should take stock and re-examine critically everything, their allegiance to party, organisation and their faith in the people they depend on to take care of their affairs and well-being.
No matter who sits in reign of government, these people remain forever vigilant, to always remember that the interest of the community and the livelihood of family must always be well guarded, never to be easily gulled and taken for a ride because of because.
Frank Fyffe

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