Dear Editor,
A few weeks ago we unveiled an arch to commemorate one hundred years of bauxite nining in Guyana. Bauxite mining is the main economic activity of Region Ten both in Linden and the Upper Berbice River community, Kwakwani.
Prior to the unveiling of the arch, there were some letters in the local papers about the history of the bauxite industry, with most omitting the human resource factor which is considered most important, regardless of the ownership or management of the industry. Many of the letters published seem to focus on the political aspect, and the relationship to the world economic situation, for example the global oil crisis at the time.
It is not only financial investment and recapitalisation which were responsible for the survival of the bauxite industry. As an apprentice who came through the ranks of the industry, I recall that period when the skills of the bauxite workers were requested throughout the length and breadth of this country to remedy mechanical problems in other industries. No fabrication, machining, or mechanical or electrical repairs were impossible to bauxite workers. It was said that the industry had the highest concentration of technically qualified workers in the country.
We will recall the trade school which was connected to the industry and the quality of craftsmen and women it produced. The bauxite industry booth at national exhibitions was the most visited because there were complete mining operations.
There is a story of a machinist who migrated, where he was asked to show his supervisor the difference between the part he was given and the one he had fabricated.
Editor, proper recognition must be given to workers of the bauxite industry and the management for so many initiatives taken to train, retrain and acquire benefits for themselves and family.
Yes, it can be considered rough, but a way was found to put additional monies in the workers’ pockets with tax-free overtime. Education was granted through book vouchers once a year. Scholarships with stipends were also given to employees’ children who had the potential to excel. The Thrift and Welfare Plan was the largest pool of money held by workers in Guyana, and the Guymine Games were the biggest track and field championships hosted by any company.
So, as we reflect on the hundred years of bauxite mining in Guyana, let us equally reflect on the challenges that the workers endured to keep the industry afloat.
Yours faithfully,
Jocelyn Morian
