Wales closure is an anti-working class politics

Jan 04, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
Can the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Social Cohesion please explain how the present, imminent and future closure of sugar estates which are and will be severely affecting the livelihoods and financial survival of working families of all ethnicities and their dependents, but predominately those of East Indian descent are helping to forge social cohesion.
I have been told that as a result of the closure of Wales Estate, school attendance at nearby schools was affected as some families were in deep financial distress. To any sensible, honest and non-racial citizen, such actions must be known to be unduly affecting one particular ethnic group disproportionally. To add salt to wounds the seemingly uncaring way in which the closure of working sugar estates has been taking place is unacceptable and seriously discredits the APNU + AFC’s rhetoric about social cohesion.
That such actions have been taken without an independent survey and social and financial audit to assess the impact of the closure of sugar estates not only on sugar workers (field, factory, administrative etc.) and their families directly but the many other small and micro businesses which depend on the wages of sugar workers and estate business for their own survival, is not the reflection of a caring Government who is genuine about social cohesion, social justice and the well-being of its citizens. There was enough time for the APNU +AFC to have conducted an audit and impact survey as millions of Guyanese dollars were found and made available to conduct forensic audits on State agencies.
Let us be clear, the failure of Guysuco is not the fault of sugar workers, so why are they being forced to bear the brunt of the mismanagement of the sugar industry while present and past Guysuco Board members and senior managers continue to enjoy comfortable and financially secure lifestyles.
The APNU + AFC government actions, strategy and policy on the fate of sugar workers in Guyana can only be perceived to be anti-working class and bodes no will for improving ethnic relations, forging social cohesion and improving workers’ rights and fundamental freedoms. Where are the voices of ministers of government and parliamentarians who have spent decades professing solidarity and defense of the working class. You can’t talk out of both sides of your mouth at the same time and be credible.
Danuta Radzik

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