Dear Editor,
Every year, the month of June is dedicated to the memory of the Enmore Martyrs. I could not forget this very same question as I invited a former Councilor to a cup of coffee at ‘Demico House’ at the main car and bus park in the City some years ago. ‘Demico House’ can be regarded as the ‘Conversation Tree’ in the heart of the City. His story intrigued me to say the least. He revealed he was one of the colonial police who was present at the protest of the sugar workers who were demonstrating for better working conditions. Curious to know what happened from his perspective, he related the events as he saw it. What intrigued me the most, however, is his justification of the killing of five workers who probably never knew they would have been gunned down in their just struggle against the sugar bosses who were insensitive to their demands at the time. These five courageous workers paid with their lives for the cause which they believed in. Isn’t this why they are referred to as the Enmore Martyrs?
The former Councilor’s justification for the massacre was quite simple. These workers, he alleged, had attacked the colonial police who opened fire killing the five workers. It marked a turning point for the politics of change in Guyana for freedom from oppression and economic bondage. After witnessing the shooting of the five sugar workers at Enmore, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, so moved by this tragic event, wrote in his book, ‘The West on Trial- My fight for Guyana’s Freedom’ that he took a silent pledge to dedicate his life to the struggle of the people of Guyana for a better life for all. He never once turned back on this promise. The sacrifice of the Enmore Martyrs must never be forgotten. Sugar it is often said is too big to fail. It was sugar through the Sugar Industry Labor Welfare Fund (SILWF) that supported the bauxite industry in its time of need. The struggle of the Enmore Martyr’s paved the way for workers control and decision making that will impact on the future of industry and the country as it is resuscitated and transformed into a viable entity. Long Live the Enmore Martyrs!
Sincerely,
Khame Sharma
Peace Activist
