Dear Editor,
Permit the space to respond to Sultan Mohamed’s inaccuracies carried in your publication of July 12, titled ‘No to shared governance, yes to federalism.’ The tenor of this letter is not only one grounded in dishonesty but it seeks to pass off myths as truths which over the years have done this society more harm than good. If Guyanese sit silent and allow these misrepresentations to continue those who seek to continue acts of dividing us will be the only beneficiaries of the nation’s bounty and beauty.
My July 7 letter, ‘Evidence-based discussions needed on executive governance to address the interest of all’ did not set out in any form or claim to say executive power-sharing/shared-governance must be the new form of executive governance. It made known the Guyana Trades Union Congress’ (GTUC) position on this issue and what we did to this end over periods, taking into consideration the dynamics in society.
At no time was the argument made that executive power- sharing is necessary in the current environment. What was said is that discussions of such nature be evidence-based, reflective of deep thought and soul-searching answers. Similarly, the GTUC’s current position on governance was made known. The GTUC therefore cannot be accused of now peddling the call for executive power-sharing/shared governance as Mr Mohamed is projecting in his rejection of shared governance, in order to put forward his view that the nation needs federalism. If he feels federalism is what the nation needs, he must be possessed of the strength to make his case on its merit.
To accuse the GTUC of misdeeds towards Indians will not suffice, and Mohamed is called upon to provide the evidence that the GTUC has denied any Indian trade unionist the opportunity of becoming its president. Richard Ishmael, an Indian, and president of the Manpower Citizens Association that represented sugar workers held the presidency of the GTUC longer than any African trade unionist.
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has only once contested the presidency of the GTUC, in the person of Boysie Ramkarran, and this was in 1982. Ramkarran was an Indian. GAWU is today in the PPP-led FITUG and it has apparently escaped attention this union has never sought to take up the office of president in that organisation. Mohamed has failed to advise the nation why this is so, but yet he demands that the GTUC presidency must be given to an Indian from GAWU even though the union is not an affiliate of this federation.
This GTUC has a proud record of fighting for and achieving racial equality, a record that is open for public scrutiny. Some of what the GTUC achieved for the sugar workers/Indians are expediting the request for duty free concession for GAWU to acquire motor cycles for their field officers; solidarity in industrial disputes and advancement of the sugar workers’ wellbeing; supporting the recognition of GAWU which was realised in 1976 and the union welcomed into the GTUC’s fold. The 1948 sugar workers’ struggles which led to the national recognition and erection of a monument to honour the Enmore Martyrs was the initiative of the GTUC. These were done during the stewardship of an African dominated PNC government. I wonder if Mr Mohamed cares to examine the lack of brotherhood or reciprocity towards the GTUC and its affiliates under the stewardship of an Indian dominated PPP government, which when in opposition had the solidarity of the GTUC on matters that border on universal rights and the rule of law.
Universal health care and education; one man one vote; internal self-government; workers’ compensation; National Insurance Scheme; housing; pensions; paid sick and vacation leave; eight-hour work day and 40-hour work week, to name some, were the initiating struggles of a predominantly African-led labour movement. The condemnations of the logie conditions under which Indians were forced to live were sustained by a strong African-led trade union movement.
Contrary to Mohamed’s view the restriction of wheaten flour affected every race in this society. Every Guyanese used and continues to use wheaten flour as a staple and participates in its various preparations regardless of which racial group may have brought a unique dish. Flour was and continues to be used to make bread, roti, dhal puri, bakes, cakes, dumpling/duff, to name some. These are no longer Indian or African dishes; they are all Guyanese dishes.
It is a myth perpetuated in this society that GAWU is the Caribbean’s largest union. For instance the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) and the National Workers Union (NWU) in Jamaica are much larger than GAWU.
One of the strengths of the trade union is our intolerance for the tyranny of the majority and minority. In the desire to avoid tyranny the progressive trade unions and unionists hold steadfast to universal principles of equality, dignity, inclusivity, respect for diversity and the right to self-determination guided by universal declarations, conventions, charters and laws, many of which are enshrined in local laws.
In closing the lack of integrity displayed in Mohamed’s letter if not challenged will be a retrograde step for this nation. Further, his concern about my frequent writings in the media is a right that he also enjoys and is respected by the media, hence the publication of his letter. To seek in any form to deny me the right to expression via the media is indicative of ascribing to himself the authority that only a select few ought to speak on issues of national import. When persons of this thinking project themselves as being in defence of a group, on most occasions they desire the avenues be left uncluttered for them to propagate discrimination against and domination of other groups.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis
