Dear Editor,
Today, 11th December 2016 will mark 40 years since 42 striking bauxite workers were tear-gassed in a cell at the Linden Police Station. Today no more than a handful – about six – are around in Linden; the rest are scattered or deceased. It was a most traumatic and ugly experience that left not only a bitter taste in the minds of the victims, but also the entire community, which was incensed by this outrageous act. Some of the victims choked, some coughed up blood while a few fainted, and if I remember well, two of the brothers died subsequently as a result.
It was an era of some turbulence and anxiety, with radical trade union activism and agitation. There were workers’ protests, demonstrations and strikes, and in many instances jobs were lost, although the fear of being victimized kept others in line. Yes, it was the season of order and disorder, obedience and disobedience.
After the Guyana Mine Workers Union was invited to the Guyana Agriculture Workers Union Congress to be part of the agenda ‒ which was a customary thing then between unions ‒ they gave a splendid and dramatic presentation by way of a skit. Ironically this painful experience created much laughter and held the audience in rapt attention, though the performers were not actors or members of any drama group, and all they presented was what they had experienced first-hand.
Editor, it is interesting to note that the year 2016, our Jubilee year, is also the 100th year of bauxite mining (1916- 2016) which is celebrated in October-November when we witnessed the unveiling of the Centennial Arch. And these anniversaries coincide with the 40th anniversary of the 42 workers who were tear-gassed. Those workers like all the others made a tremendous contribution, each one of them an integral force in bauxite mining. And as I see it, it would be remiss of us not to remember and reflect on what happened to those 42 brothers 40 years ago. For how could we pay tribute to an entity which started 100 years ago, and not remember or recognize those who laboured and stood firm in defiance and in defence of better working and living conditions. To those remaining brothers, the ‘survivors’ wherever they may be: Respect.
Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe