The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) have appealed a ruling by acting Chief Justice Roxane George, who earlier this month denied their bid to prevent the closure of the East Demerara and Rose Hall sugar estates.
On November 9, the judge refused the nisi orders which were being sought by the GAWU and NAACIE against the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and Cabinet’s decision to close the estates. They have since appealed the Chief Justice’s ruling, arguing that she erred in her determination to deny their application. Since the time for the closure is fast approaching, the unions are hoping that the Appeal Court would consider its matter as soon as possible.
The estates were initially scheduled to be closed by year end. However, more recently, Minister of State Joseph Harmon announced that the closures are more likely going to take effect early in new year.