Dear Editor,
I am somewhat amazed and perturbed by the manner in which the government and opposition of this land deal with important issues. However, following what appears to be the first collaborative act by the government and joint opposition in relation to the Critchlow Labour College subvention, I wish to take this opportunity to compliment the political parties who by their very agreement have acknowledged that the subvention is of vital importance for the survival of that historical institution.
I strongly believe, however, that the joint opposition should have sought advice from previous labour negotiators since the Guyana Trades Union Congress’s rejection of their proposed composition of the Board of Directors is a clear indication that the matter is much more complex than it appears on the surface, and needed some brainstorming and negotiation before arriving at a conclusion.
I am an APNU supporter and was very disappointed with the party in that no proper consultation was done; I believe they have competent persons who could have guided them on the right path, for example Mr Eon Watusi Andrews, a long-serving member of the PNCR, city councillor and union executive could have been consulted since he was involved in prior negotiations for the return of the CLC subvention during his tenure as a Vice President of the Guyana Trades Union Congress and also Administrative Assistant of the College.
Mr Andrews has been at the forefront, and there are also other APNU/PNCR members who are knowledgeable, so it is surprising that the current leadership has failed to take cognisance of this fact and utilize these persons. I hold no brief for Mr Andrews, but I believe that when a person can organize and unionise minibuses operators in Guyana it is something to take note of, because it has been tried in sister Caricom countries and has failed.
I am advocating that the party seek to involve Mr Andrews owing to the rejection of the agreement by the GTUC; since he was involved in previous negotiations he would be in a position to guide them on the way forward.
Yours faithfully,
Garfield Boston
