Was it not two/three Fridays ago I sought to provoke thought on the issue of whether trade unions are still relevant in the Guyanese society of today?
Yes indeed. I concluded that trade unionism is relevant, needed to be sustained but unions should make themselves appealing, even dynamic to their members and potential adherents by establishing lively and needed educational arms, economic (assistance) ventures, international affiliations and be seen by members to be effective, scientific and structured in their primary (representative) role as bargaining units for the nation’s (woefully few) registered members.
Now comes Tuesday – May Day, Labour Day, the (so-called) Workers Day. (Funny how the Americans started it, then (because of the Soviet Union’s involvement?) switched from May 01, to the First Monday in September. Naughty, independent, proud, show-off Americans!)
So what should we expect this time around, come Tuesday? Well, briefly, I’ll tell you what to expect. And what I’d like to see. Ready?
Post-Election/Budget May Day
Let’s deem this Tuesday a post – 2011 elections, post- 2012 National Budget May Day.
How convenient to predict the happenings in the context of two now-related national events. Workers were a most significant portion of that last November electorate which catapulted a new configuration into the National Assembly. What are the consequences, therefore, for them on their Day? Which of their new (national) leaders will speak?
Well, I predict that President Ramotar will not resist the opportunity to put on his reddest shirt and speak to the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) rally at the National Park. He knows that FITUG constitutes a very much greater number of registered, unionized workers than those grouped under the “minority” TUC body, however vocal and visible the latter tends to be as an opposition–friendly working-class entity.
Pity the two won’t come together for unity’s sake come Tuesday. (Even the Teachers Union which tried to broker trade union/May Day “unity” last year, might not be around right now (after the Courts pronounced on their recent “elections”.) Solidarity – for never?
Expect Opposition Brigadier to “accept” some role thrust upon him on Tuesday too. Frankly Speaking, I’d prefer that he does not address Gillian Burton’s one-time Old Boys group on May Day, but who am I? Sunday the 29th normally sees the Trade Union leaders at the feet of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow’s monument. FITUG’s President/Guyana Labour Union boss Carvil Duncan has to be there. Critchlow is forever GLU! But is GLU still Critchlow?
In that same compound, the National Assembly grappled with the government’s 2012 Budget of their projected national incomes and expenditure. I regret how workers’ benefits had to be squeezed out of the Administration but I welcome the increases, conditions favourable and, most of all, the new intense scrutiny of government’s economic/fiscal development plans.
A true triumph for those worker-voters who bothered with last November’s polls.
I would have liked …
to see both Ramotar and Granger on one workers platform next Tuesday; to hear a post-Budget surprise package for the “employed poor” announced by Minister of Labour Gopaul; to experience FITUG and the TUC announce a six-month time-table for forging real solidarity and to welcome the new Ivor-English Critchlow College as the new UG Labour Institute and Faculty.
What? I’m dreaming? Well, leave me…
*****
Three police stations…
This past Tuesday morning saw me suddenly having to show up at three police stations in Georgetown
Reason? I sought to render permissible assistance to a friend accused of “damage to property” whilst being held in the lock-ups without being charged.
Now, I’ve read and heard numerous complaints about the lock-ups, the other station-facilities and the ranks’ attitudes and techniques at many precincts. Between Monday night and Tuesday morning, I saw for myself.
Poor Commander Vyphuis. It is not for him to find all the (fund raising(?)) resources to improve physical conditions for his ranks and officers at places like East La Penitence, Ruimveldt and Brickdam itself.
I suppose the poor Commander also can’t be blamed for the unprofessional bullyism exhibited by a few of his (female) ranks.
My cousin, who is an unfortunate neighbour to the Alberttown Station has long regaled me with what transpires there many a night. I see for myself the garbage left by so-called “Community Policemen” and their actual police cohorts after nightly forays. To complain is to attract some officers’ ire, I’m told. Videos can assist here!
I saw a poor lady rank obviously overworked on Monday night. At both Ruimveldt and Brickdam Tuesday morning made me decide to “make-over” the ranks’ physical accommodations, whenever I win the national lottery. Gosh for the whole day male and female police have to dwell in drab, depressing surroundings. The dickens with morale?
And I’m now moved to write a formal list of proposals with respect to how female prisoners are treated at one of the stations visited – Stay tuned!
******
Pre-May Day ponderings…
1*) The Brazilian Goodies are delayed because President Donald had to bargain with Brigadier David over a protracted period.
*2) Name three high-profile court cases involving military persons, just delayed – or fading away.
*3) The Georgetown Municipality plans a real modern crematorium! Why in Hell’s Name do they fantasise with us?
*4) Like “assuring” us that we are ready to handle oil spills! (Are they smoking?)
*5) I understand more now: some station ranks can make criminals out of the innocent!
*6) See you at the evening of Jazz, Umana Yana – this Monday evening – then next day at some Labour Day event.
Til next week!
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