Latest update November 16th, 2024 1:00 AM
Latest News
- AFC’s leader, Hughes promises to prioritize country’s interest above Exxon’s as law firm remains on company’s payroll
- Norton not opposed to referendum on renegotiation of oil contract
- Israel ramps up attacks on Lebanon as officials study US ceasefire plan
- Broken sluice door causes flooding in five WCB communities
- Miner dies after pit caves in at Issano Backdam
Labour Day Rally… Advancing members’ interest is fundamental principle – FITUG
By Rabindra Rooplall
“Any trade union movement which does not see it as a fundamental principle to advance the interest of its members is not worthy to be called a trade union, and there are such trade unions in our society.”
These sentiments were made by President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) Carvil Duncan who was at the time making remarks at the Labour Day Rally held at the National Park yesterday.
Under the theme “Advance Workers Interest for Future Development” workers and representatives of various sectors all paraded dutifully along Albert Street then branched off their separate ways at the junction with Woolford Avenue. The Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) headed to its Hall while other groups made up of representatives from the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), Blairmont GAWU branch, Guyana Labour Union (GLU), National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport diverted to the National Park.
Other groups in the Labour Day Rally included: The Guyana Postal & Telecommunication Workers Union, Union of Agriculture and Allied Workers, University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA), The Amalgamated Transport & General Workers, Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and the Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU) amongst others.
According to Duncan, when talking about the future development of the country and workers, one needs to be reminded that “there are those who come to us and say give me your vote and I shall protect you, give me you vote and I shall increase your salary, give me your vote and I shall make life better for you. On one hand they say that and on the other hand they are cutting you down.”
Alluding to the Opposition parties, the FITUG president said Guyana should be put first before petty politics.
“At some point and time we will have to take the civil stance for the things that are beneficial for Guyanese people which the Opposition cut and throw away…Had it not been for the scissors they have, we would have all been happy today. Shame is only associated with those who know what shame is…Give dialogue a chance, if something is suggested and you don’t agree with it, then sit down and talk about it, you may very well achieve what you want to achieve and everybody is happy.”
Adding that the trade union movement is not an authority onto itself but about the workers, Duncan said no one person should make decision for the trade union, “if so then at election time then you should bid them goodbye…Many groups throughout the world cannot celebrate May Day, not by their own violations, their life was cut short, and I refer to a certain country… for this year alone over 38,000 persons were killed. Even though we in Guyana have the right to our own destiny, some workers in other countries are deprived of that right, because of capitalism desperation to regain their ground we have the difficulty in Venezuela… In order to be our brothers’ keepers we must ensure that our brothers enjoy the same benefits that we enjoy.”
According to Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who gave the feature address, the world today is one of partnerships and interdependence. He stressed that Guyana’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill needs to be passed as early as possible since Guyana will be facing devastating effects.
“This is already being felt by businesses which provide employment, putting them at risk, as the banking institutions make it tighter for money flows to and from Guyana. Even individuals are also finding money transfers to be more difficult.”
“The point is, my friends, that there will always be contradictions and contentions that should surprise us, and more so in period of growth and development and changing situations. The challenge is to learn how to resolve the contradictions and contentions creatively and constructively, harmoniously, and with mutual benefit for all,” the PM stated.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Where is the talent in the PPP?
…Peeping Tom Kaieteur News- The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and its exuberant General Secretary, Bharrat... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
