Dear Editor,
Those who suffered under the PPP/C and/or were disturbed over that party’s mismanagement of the nation’s business want this government to succeed, for the sake of Guyana and her people. Success will not be achieved if this government continues to repeat the mis-steps of the PPP/C in handling the nation’s affairs, and abuses the people by transgressing their rights.
There are one too many instances happening under this government that ought not to be happening, given that when in opposition they condemned them, and moreso these acts border on disregard for the law, the principles governing the management of the nation’s business, and the rights of citizens.
Let me make it very clear to those who are inclined to label me anti-government or say give this government a chance: On matters relating to the governance of this country, I have a singular interest and focus ‒ I want good governance, now.
Consequently, all who hold constitutional office, be they elected or appointed, shall be held to account by me consistent with the established tenets. On matters of this nature friendship or association is not the motivating factor, rather adherence to acceptable universal principles.
The trade union movement did not lead the fight for internal self-government (1926) to sit back and allow the principles underpinning governance in the interest of and on behalf of all the people, to be trampled on by any group or party entrusted to manage the people’s affairs.
There are concerns about several issues and the way these are being mis-handled by the administration.
At this moment attention is being paid to the labour landscape. It is the first time in independent Guyana that there is no Ministry of Labour or a Labour Minister who is not a member of cabinet, yet workers are expected to turn the wheels of production and increase productivity if there is going to be development. This most vital resource (human) continues to be treated with contempt, of which a few instances are noted.
Today telecommunications workers are on the streets protesting because the employer is imposing working conditions without engagement with the union, which is in breach of the Collective Labour Agreement and Trade Union Recognition Act, Section 23 (1). There still remains contempt by the Government of Guyana for the 2012 High Court’s decision in handling the arbitration matter between the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated and the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union.
In the sugar industry, the unions representing sugar workers are being shut out from discussion on what will happen to the Wales Estate and by extension the workers. The teachers’ union continues to witness dilatory acts on the part of the Ministry of Education in addressing outstanding issues on behalf of the teaching profession. The Public Service Union had to be in the media constantly demanding that the government meet to commence negotiations before government acted some days ago.
All of the issues above speak to respect for the Laws of Guyana and the fundamental right to freedom of association and collective bargaining for workers/citizens which this government continues to be in breach of.
Lest this government forget, when it campaigned to enter office, labour was the major interest group that allowed the group access to share our platform to speak to the workers and citizens. I can say without fear of contradiction that had the workers known that this would have been their lot, ie, contempt for them, the group that forms the government today would be in the opposition.
Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar as the nation’s former chief public servants committed some egregious acts against workers in this country. Those who yearned for and/or worked to bring change to the society did not expect a David Granger/ Moses Nagamootoo administration to seek competition in outdoing their predecessors in this regard. Workers expected when this government spoke about a ‘Good Life’ it was a life that every citizen would benefit from.
Let me end on a personal note: I want nothing from this government; what I want is that laws be honoured, rights be respected, and time-honoured principles embraced.
This opportunity is taken to call on those on the sidelines to embrace the tenets of good governance and demand that the APNU+AFC government do the same.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis
