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Quality of life deteriorating; populace uncertain about future
– Teixeira tells May Day gathering
Amid heckling from several sections of the gathering at the May Day Rally at the National Park Georgetown yesterday, Member of Parliament (MP) and Chief Whip of the Opposition, Gail Teixeira, took to the podium and
PPP/C MP, Gail Teixeira
proceeded to speak about the challenges facing Guyanese workers.
As she spoke, sections of the gathering called for solutions to some of the challenges while some stood dressed in their customary red and white, nodding – soaking in what the MP had to say.
Teixeira told the gathering that this May Day and every May Day in the future, Guyanese must unite and “celebrate their achievements; protect their gains; respect their sacrifices; and never forget those lives that have been lost.”
Her somewhat inspiring speech took a turn after she began revealed some of the feedback the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) would have received during their recent meetings at several communities in Guyana.
“Regrettably, many of these hard-fought efforts for gains by workers, are now being threatened…From our travels and meeting across this country, we are aware that the economic and political situation in our country is a matter of deep concern and worry”
Teixeira said that workers from every sector and people from all walks of life – regardless of their political affiliation – are “profoundly uncertain” about their daily existence and their future.
The parliamentarian told the gathering that the populace is witnessing their quality of life deteriorate, and is confused and bewildered by the “refusal” of the administration to take the necessary measures to reverse the declining economy.
Every productive sector, Teixeira said, is on the decline.
“In the Sugar industry, estates are being closed and thousands are being dismissed; in the rice sector, there are no new markets; in the mining sector, small and medium scale miners can longer afford the cost of production; in the forestry sector, no markets for logs in the commercial sector,” Teixeira said.
She also spoke about “burden” being placed on Guyanese by the imposition of over 200 new tax measures.
The MP’s remarks would come at a time when local businesses are taking massive hits and are “struggling to exist”.
Meanwhile, the Government is yet to pronounce on whether there is an economic decline. However, there are indications which suggest there is.
Just recently, this publication carried a series of articles relating some of the measures being taken by local businesses to thin their workforce. While many have opted to lay off their workers, others have resorted to reduce the working hours allotted to their staff with hopes of saving a dollar or two.
Internationally, the economic situation abroad continues to raise eyebrows. Just recently, Macy’s, one of the United States biggest chain-stores, opted to close 68 of its 100 stores due to poor sales. Some 10,000 workers are now without jobs.
Observers believe that the economic situation here in Guyana is due to the harsh economic realities that exist in other countries beyond Guyana’s borders.
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