GAWU President Komal Chand has warned that some persons and groups are using the name of the late former president Cheddi Jagan in their bid to undermine the working class.
According to a copy of his speech, Chand on Sunday told those attending the Cheddi Jagan Commemoration event at Babu John, Port Mourant: “We must be mindful too that there are still persons and groups who serve anti-working people’s ends just as in the time of Cde Cheddi. They have different names and faces nowadays. They wear different masks and the methods used may vary. Some even use, glibly and conveniently, the name of Cde Cheddi to disguise their true intentions. But their objectives are clear.”
According to the GAWU leader, there are persons seeking to weaken the workers’ genuine organization and are encouraging division in the ranks of the working class, putting workers against workers. “Occasionally,” he continued, “they may use their manipulative trickery with the help of a few misguided workers. But GAWU’s experiences over the years show that such fly-by-night groups are not motivated by the working class overall interests but only as its self-promotion furthering an individual or group’s political or trade union ambitions.”
However, workers should not be duped, Chand cautioned, recalling that the late president would often say “in our unity lies our strength.”
Referring to Jagan as a teacher of the people, Chand noted that his speeches and writings are filled with lessons than can offer guidance in the face of new challenges.
And among the lessons that stand out, Chand said, are his fight for democracy as a condition for development worldwide as well as his belief in international solidarity and the giving of support to just struggles.
Moreover, Chand drew attention to Jagan’s example as a fighter for world peace and asserted that more than ever this question must engage people’s attention.
“We cannot quietly watch our world and our existence at risk whether militarily or naturally. Cde Cheddi did not keep quiet. The fight to safeguard the world is a noble cause and an urgent requirement. Let us walk in the footsteps of our celebrated leader,” Chand urged.
He added that many of the ideas of the late former President of Guyana are still applicable today.
“They must serve as an inspiration and around which to mobilise as we continue the journey to a brighter, happier future,” the GAWU president told the gathering.
Among those in the audience at the observance on Sunday to mark the 15th death anniversary of Dr Jagan were President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, members of the Central Committee of the PPP, members of parliament, and Regional Chairman David Armogan.
