By Shabna Rahman and Pushpa Balgobin
Scores of sugar workers yesterday demonstrated in front of Public Buildings, protesting the planned closure of the Wales Sugar Estate while expressing skepticism at government’s statements that plans are in the pipeline to cushion the impact of the shuttering of the operations.
The demonstration in the city followed strike action earlier yesterday by Wales sugar factory workers who vowed to continue until President David Granger meets with them and finds a solution. As the workers demonstrated at around 6:30am, the factory gates remained shut.
“This is a hurtful situation,” a young father said. “The government promised us that they would reduce poverty, but they are increasing it in this community.”
In Georgetown, the protesters at the Public Buildings demonstrated before the sitting of the National Assembly and were joined by parliamentarians from the opposition PPP/C. They demanded answers from government while also vowing to continue their protests.
Over 250 persons stood outside, some holding placards opposing the closure. Some of the slogans on the placards included “No study yet Wales closure”, “Estate closure lies and more lies”, “Who will get the land?” and “Keep Wales, save sugar.”
With emotions running high, workers were even more frustrated that members of government refused to meet with them outside to
