Lincoln Lewis takes aim at the Coalition Govt.

Jul 01, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor;
Those who suffered under the PPP/C and/or were disturbed over that party’s mismanagement of the nation’s business want this government to succeed, for the sake of Guyana and her people. Success will not be achieved when this government continues to repeat the missteps of the PPP/C in handling the nation’s affairs and abuse the people through the transgressing of their rights.
There is one too many instances in this society happening under this government that ought not to be happening, given that when in opposition they condemned them, and moreso these acts border on disregard for the law, principles governing the management of the nation’s business, and the rights of citizens.
Let me make it very clear to those who are inclined to label me anti-government or say give this government a chance; on matters relating to the governance of this country, I have a singular interest and focus- I want good governance, now! Consequently, all who hold constitutional office, be they elected or appointed, shall be held to account by me consistent with the established tenets. On matters of this nature friendship or association is not the motivating factor, but adherence to acceptable universal principles.
The trade union movement did not lead the fight for internal self-government (1926) to sit back and allow the principles underpinning governance in the interest of and on behalf of all the people, to be trampled on by any group or party entrusted the people’s privilege to manage their affairs. There are concerns about several issues and the way these are being mis-handled by the administration.
At this moment attention is being paid to the Labour landscape. It is the first time in independent Guyana where there is no Ministry or Labour and a Labour Minister not being a member of Cabinet, yet workers are expected to turn the wheels of production and increase productivity if there is going to be development. This most vital resource (human) continues to be treated with contempt, of which a few instances are being noted.
Today telecommunications workers are on the streets protesting because the employer is imposing working conditions without engagement with the union, which is in breach of the Collective Labour Agreement and Trade Union Recognition Act, Section 23 (1). There still remains contempt by the Government of Guyana for the 2012 High Court’s decision in handling the arbitration matter between the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated and Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union.
In the sugar industry, the unions representing sugar workers are being shut out from discussion on what will happen to the Wales Estate and by extension the workers. The teachers union continue to witness dilatory acts on the part of the Ministry Of Education in addressing outstanding issues on behalf of the teaching profession. The Public Service Union had to be in the media constantly demanding that the government meet to commence negotiations before government acted some days ago.
All of the issues above speak to the respect for the Laws of Guyana and the fundamental right to freedom of association and collective bargaining for workers/citizens which this government continues to be in breach of.
Lest this government forgets, when it campaigned to enter office, Labour was the major interest group that allowed the group access to share our platform to speak to the workers and citizens. I can say without fear of contradiction that had the workers know that this would have been their lot, i.e. contempt for them, the group that forms the government today would have be in the opposition.
Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar as the nation’s Chief Public Servants have committed some egregious acts against workers in this country. Those who yearned for and/or worked to bring change to society did not expect a David Granger/Moses Nagamootoo administration to seek competition in outdoing their predecessors in this regard. Workers expected when this government spoke about a Good Life it was a life that every citizen would benefit from.
Let me end on a personal note: I want nothing from this government, what I want is that laws be honoured, rights be respected, and time-honoured principles embraced. This opportunity is taken to call on those on the side-line to embrace the tenets of good governance and demand of the APNU+AFC government to do the same.
Lincoln Lewis.

3 thoughts on “Lincoln Lewis takes aim at the Coalition Govt.”

Muhammad Raoof July 1, 2016 at 9:01 pm

Lincoln, it is refreshing to hear that you have not given up on the workers of Guyana. it is a BURNING shame that the working man and woman have to sit and watch a Government that gave themselves A hefty 50% pay rise… as the first order of business. The Collation Government peddled on the backs of the workers to gain office, then had the NERVE to tell them not to expect much…
Arthur Young July 2, 2016 at 8:45 am

“The opposite of poverty is not wealth. The opposite of poverty is Justice” – Bryan Stevenson.
Surujpaul Rampersaud July 2, 2016 at 12:04 pm

Thanks Mr Lewis. You were very vocal in voicing dissent with the PPP administration and I hope you show the same vibrant approach towards the present government. I personally believe that trade union leaders should always refrain from political affiliation. The issues of workers should always be paramount. Any pro worker act by government should be complimented. At the same time any anti worker action by government should be vehemently opposed. Keep focusing on worker issues.