The protection of the rights of workers must not be abandoned for foreign investors, according to PNCR Presiden-tial Candidate Basil Williams.
Addressing the National Assembly during the budget debate last Friday evening, he noted that the trade unions are beginning to reassert themselves in protecting the rights of the workers they represent. Responding to comments made by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who had defended the government’s record with bauxite workers in their dispute with RUSAL, Williams noted that the company has acted in disrespect of the local worker rights laws.
He said that while he supported and welcomes foreign investment, companies coming to Guyana “must not abandon the protection of rights of the workers” and he added “we must have laws that protect our workers against arbitrary actions of companies.”
He said that the Labour Minister could have called for arbitration to avoid the issue being prolonged, but according to Williams “since the (Aubrey) Armstrong tribunal (in 1999) the government does not care to do any arbitration… they have nightmares.”
As regards the budget, Williams stated that over the last three years “we have been having the biggest budget ever…unfortunately, they have not impacted on Guyanese population.” He also touched on the Lotto funds issue, stating that “to have a fund in your back pocket in any country could not be lawful.”
Meanwhile, Attorney General Charles Ramson, during his presentation on Friday, said that the government has significantly reformed the justice sector over the years.
He added that the introduction of legislation such as the Money Laundering Act, the Judicial Review Act and a complete review of the laws of Guyana are tantamount to efforts being made to further enhance the sector.
He said that the authorities also piloted legislation that caters for evidence to be taken using audio-visual links and he questioned, “What more reform do you need?”
Ramson stated that presently there are training programmes ongoing in Hinterland communities in-volving volunteers to find alternatives to the formal justice system.
He said that volunteers are working to inform and teach residents in outlying areas aspects of the law which may impact their lives. Ramson stated that the government’s holding of the Lotto funds from being transferred into the Consolidated Fund is “unequivocally” and “irreversibly” lawful. He said he conducted his research but could not find anywhere in the constitution where such laws that would suggest otherwise exist.
Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai told the House that the government continues to bridge the gaps in development around Guyana and she noted that the growing population of the Amerindians has not been left behind.
According to her, the 2011 budget clearly includes plans to enhance the development of the Amerindian people. She noted that the Opposition Leader had inquired of her if the government has begun “to share goodies for this election year” but she noted that government “shares goodies all year round.”
Over the past 18 years, Sukhai stated, the PPP/C government has promoted inclusive government with a strong connection with the Amerindian people.
She said that the first people have a stable platform and see their participation as equal in terms of national development.
She noted that today there are institutions and events held annually to honour the Amerindian population. While the gaps are narrowing, she said, there remain “challenging situations” and she noted that the government will continue to address same, while providing quality service towards Amerin-dian development.
