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Denial of Police permission does not augur well for our democratic future

Apr 27, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
A public march organized by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) to take place at Enterprise/Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara (internal streets) had to be aborted on Tuesday afternoon (April 25, 2017) after the Guyana Police Force refused to grant permission. The police in ensuring that their decision was enforced turned up at the point where the march was scheduled to commence with no less than seven (7) armed officers. Interestingly, another officer with a video camera carefully filmed those persons present.
The large number of workers and residents who turned out to participate in the march were most upset by the Police’s denial. They felt that refusal was tantamount to a denial of their inalienable and constitutional right and an affront to Freedom of Expression. As a result of the denial those present quickly assembled at a nearby yard and were addressed by several Union leaders, among others, including GAWU President, Cde Komal Chand; GAWU General Secretary, Cde Seepaul Narine; President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), Cde Carvil Duncan, and Treasurer of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), Cde Bhagmat Hochand. All the speakers, among other things, were critical and strongly condemned the Police’s refusal of permission for the march. It was noted that this was yet another instance signalling that democracy in our country is coming under threat.
The aborted march was one of the activities being organized by the GAWU to call to attention the sad situation that would face the workers, residents and others should the Government and the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) go ahead with plans for further closure of and sell-out estates. The sudden denial was surprising with no reason given and our attempts to seek an explanation received no response from the Police.
In recent times, the GAWU has been conducting public meetings and marches in several areas of the country. Our most recent activity was a public meeting held on April 20, 2017 at Balla Square, Line Path, Corentyne, Berbice. Our applications to the Police have always been in order and favourably considered. Moreover, we have always abided by the rational conditions of the Police Force.
This unusual denial, therefore, is of great concern and worry to us. Our Union while being respectful of the laws of the land at the same time wishes to register its strongest condemnation at this refusal which, in effect, is not in keeping with established Trade Union rights and serves to deny citizens their right of peaceful protest and assembly.
The GAWU believes that this development does not augur well for our democratic future or for the touted ‘Good Life’ which is so elusive to the workers. We call on all right-thinking Guyanese to condemn this denial and to follow up with representation to the relevant authorities and organisations.
Seepaul Narine
GAWU

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