Dear Editor,
As the APNU+AFC government sees social cohesion as vital to this nation’s development, evident in the establishment of a ministry expected to pursue this policy with laser beam attention, it is time the government not only talk the talk but walk the walk. From the outset the Wales estate issue has been handled poorly. It is also reminiscent of what Bharrat Jadgeo did to bauxite workers who heard through the media that they would be made redundant (i.e. sent home) and that LINMINE and BERMINE would be divested.
He who cannot learn from history is doomed to repeat it. The manner in which the announcement of the Wales proposed closure was made has contributed to polarisation in the society and this will deepen and widen if a process is not arrived at to bring stakeholders to the decision-making table. Doing this is not only consistent with the rule of law but would also prevent a very serious issue from further becoming a political football by the self-serving and pushing this nation into camps on a matter that should be a unifier.
GuySuCo is a state entity and any decision taken on this company must be arrived at after careful consideration that would lead to prudent decision-making by stakeholders. In the meantime the National Assembly, the nation’s highest decision-making forum, needs to convene and discuss the Commission of Inquiry Report which can give guidance to the decisions that ought to be made about the industry. This nation has spent millions on this commission and its report cannot be allowed to gather dust like others. This is even more important given the precarious nature of the industry, its drag on the economy, and the socio-economic impact/consequences on workers/citizens.
The Wales issue borders on national interest. The price of sugar is not determined by us and it is for this reason the stakeholders are called upon to constructively engage, with a view of determining what is best for the workers/citizens in Region Three. Wales is located in Region Three. This region is won by the PPP. Since the closure of the estate will impact on a number of workers/citizens and communities it requires the involvement of the affected stakeholders and central government working towards an alternative programme to cushion the impact that will be created. This means that the Regional Democratic Council, the trade unions representing the workers, the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils in the region, central government, cane farmers, and the PPP need to meet and deliberate.
When one looks at the stated configuration what is not seen is a winner-take-all system. What is seen is a platform to realise inclusionary democracy as prescribed by the Constitution in Article 13 which the President of Guyana commits to uphold and has consistently been calling for. This article which is the nation’s Principal Political Objective very clearly states that when it comes to the management and decision-making processes of the State, individuals and groups are required to be involved on matters that impact their well-being.
Minister of State Joe Harmon is on record saying the government has a plan for the workers who will be affected by the closure. Harmon and Noel Holder, Minister of Agriculture are called on to rethink this position. Consistent with Article 13 there cannot be a plan for any community without the involvement of the people and their representatives. The rule of law must be respected at all times. It is the rule of law that would ensure the sought-after social cohesion and national unity, and successfully arrest the lust of those who thrive on the society being divided.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis
