By Mark DaCosta- The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) orchestrated a monumental May Day March and rally on May 1st. The event is emblematic of Labour Day’s significance in advocating for workers’ rights and fair treatment in Guyana. The event, obviously a culmination of months of planning and grassroots mobilisation, commenced with a vibrant procession from the historic Parade Ground, winding its way through the streets of Georgetown, before converging for a rally at the iconic GTU headquarters. The sheer magnitude of participants, comprising union members, supporters, and concerned citizens, painted a vivid tableau of solidarity and determination.
At the helm of the rally stood a distinguished lineup of speakers, each lending their voice to the collective call for workers’ empowerment and social justice. GTUC President Norris Witter, in his impassioned address, articulated the aspirations and grievances of the working class, exhorting them to assert their rights and demand accountability from those in power. His words reverberated across the gathering, igniting emotions and a palpable sense of purpose and unity among the attendees.
Echoing Witter’s sentiments, GTUC attorney-at-law Roysdale Forde SC delivered a stirring indictment of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government’s neglect and indifference towards workers’ concerns. Drawing upon the recent landmark ruling by Justice Sandil Kissoon affirming the legitimacy of the recent teachers’ strike, Forde underscored the imperative of collective action in effecting meaningful change. “The court has paved the way for you to enter the streets,” he declared, urging workers to leverage their collective strength to compel the government to engage in genuine dialogue and negotiation.
Meanwhile, GTU attorney-at-law Darren Wade seized the opportunity to reiterate the plight of educators and public servants, emphasising the need for fair wages, better working conditions, and respect for their contributions. His impassioned plea resonated with the audience, underscoring the pivotal role of education in nation-building and the imperative of valuing and supporting the teaching profession.
Guiding the proceedings with consummate skill and fervour was GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis, whose seasoned leadership lent gravitas, humour, and cohesion to the event. Throughout the rally, Lewis eloquently articulated the challenges facing workers under the current administration, condemning the erosion of collective bargaining rights and the pervasive culture of exploitation and neglect by the PPP regime. “Workers cannot afford to rest on their laurels,” he admonished, urging them to remain vigilant and resolute in their pursuit of justice and equity.
Interestingly, an unexpected confrontation between Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton and Lincoln Lewis briefly punctuated the beginning of the march, highlighting the complex dynamics at play within the labour movement. The brief altercation was quickly mediated and sorted out by Lewis. While Norton’s absence from the roster of speakers underscored the event’s non-political ethos, the minor altercation served as a stark reminder of the tensions and divisions simmering beneath the surface of our society.
As the scorching sun blazed, casting a golden glow over the assembled throng, the resounding message of the May Day march and rally reverberated across the cityscape: the struggle for workers’ rights and social justice is far from over. In the face of mounting challenges and entrenched inequalities, the onus falls upon each and every citizen to stand in solidarity with Guyanese workers and demand a fairer, more equitable future for all.
The May Day March and rally served as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit and resilience of our nation’s workforce. At the rally, each speaker seemed to convey a common theme: As we look towards the future, let us redouble our efforts to build a society where every worker is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.