Dear Editor,
For a Russian diplomatic representative in Guyana to say to Guyanese that it is “up to the court to determine whether there were any violations of Guyana’s law” is rude and smacks of presumptuousness. When it comes to the issue of RusAl/ Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI) vs the Guyana Bauxite & General Workers Union (GB&GWU) it is further evidence that this foreign nation and its organisations are only prepared to respect the law of a foreign land when the law is enforced in court or upheld by the people. This fact is perhaps influenced by the history and culture of violations and disregard; these have been highlighted by the international media. It may also result from the encouraged violations and misleading advice received from various operatives operating in a way inimical to the interest of Guyanese labour and guiding RusAl/ BCGI labour relations in Guyana. It puts Guyana’s own culture of labour and rights violations being fostered by this regime in focus.
During the Sochi Olympics the international media highlighted Russia’s track record of human rights violations, and more so its disrespect for the sovereignty of the neighbouring states of Georgia and Ukraine. That Mr Denis Kopyl, the Press Attaché of the Russian Embassy in Guyana is insensitive to the concerns of Guyanese labour organizations and the violation of workers’ rights in this part of the world is not surprising, given the nature of our current regime in power.
Unlike Russia, Guyana lacks the force and cultural imperative to violate neighbouring countries. However this regime does possess domestic presumption and disregard for rights and the rule of law. It is in such a politically acrimonious and divisive environment, where some citizens and sectors are targeted for marginalization and denial that RusAl/ BCGI flourishes and can ignore the rights of Guyanese workers.
Guyanese are again reminded that the company RusAl is no newcomer when it comes to industrial disputes, the violation of workers’ rights, and international financial impropriety.
It is with such a background that the Russians now speak to the issue of a court ruling as evidence of violation. Such is the disrespect and violations that the regime in power has brought on Guyanese labour. GTUC is therefore compelled to refer the Press Attaché to Section 23 (1) of the Guyana Trades Union and Recognition Act (1997). This act speaks to each party treating with the other as long as there is a Certificate of Recognition by the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURB). We also refer him to the agreement between the GB&GWU and BCGI, by virtue of Recognition Registration No 8 dated July 26, 2007. On December1, 2009, BGCI delivered a letter to the Ministry of Labour and the GB&GWU saying it has taken a decision to de-recognise this registered, lawful and recognised union.
The Russians must be reminded that a nation’s sovereignty is not only established by physical boundaries and acceptance by the international community, but reinforced by the laws that govern its actions and protect its people. This is what the Russian managers of BCGI continue to display open contempt for.
The claim that the BCGI has a social programme is a myth. Any social programme designed for the community would not be evident only through archival records, but would be apparent for all to see and from which they would derive benefit. GTUC is aware BCGI runs a social programme reminiscent of that of Reynolds, where community segregation is promoted, such as at its swimming pool which can only be accessed by expatriate employees. GTUC can say without fear of contradiction this segregation would not have been tolerated under Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Forbes Burnham or Desmond Hoyte, in government or opposition. To this end the GTUC calls on David Granger, Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Basil Williams Shadow Minister of Labour and Legal Affairs to address this contempt for Guyanese forthwith. They shoulder a greater responsibility of delivering justice to the citizens where a government doesn’t care about sections in the society.
GTUC reiterates its call to the opposition to have resolution of the BCGI matter hinged on the passing of the AML/CFT. For clearly Russia is not only contemptuous of the laws that guide its relationship with Guyanese labour, but is emboldened enough to think that unless pronounced upon, Russians are free to disregard our laws. And as to the contributions to the GDP for which the BCGI takes credit, let it be known the contribution is made by Guyanese workers’ sweat and ingenuity, utilising the non-renewable resources of this land. GTUC calls on the parliamentary opposition in keeping with GTUC’s right to involvement under Article 149 (c) of the Guyana Constitution and in order to avoid being outmanoeuvred by the PPP (as was done with the CLC subvention) to consult with us. Enforcement of the laws governing both practices forms the nexus binding AML/CFT and BCGI.
GTUC further notes the Press Attaché’s reference and association with the Western diplomatic community speaking out on the AML/CFT, but what distinguishes Russia from this community is contempt for dissent, laws and avenues for addressing grievances. In the Western countries even if the government does something contrary, societal pressure and demands to uphold the law would ensure respect for persons and that violators would be held accountable. Herein lies the difference between the Russian and Western diplomatic community.
Guyana is a sovereign nation, and has a proud history of embracing and respecting international conventions, charters and laws; equally we have demonstrated intolerance for others doing business with this country who do not and who disrespect the citizenry. Instances can be cited with Reynolds bauxite and Bookers sugar. The opposition is called on to preserve and defend this rich history. GTUC stands ready to provide the needed support because this is a political issue that requires political leadership to realise a resolution.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis
General Secretary
GTUC
