Dear Editor,
This year marks a century since the trade union movement began the fight for one-man-one-vote. The right to vote is constitutionally protected. The journey to achieve this commenced in 1926 when Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow convened the first Caribbean Labour Conference in Georgetown, Guyana. At that forum issues such as prison reform, universal health care and education, regional integration, one man one vote, minimum wage, fundamental rights and freedoms, housing, and internal self- government were tabled as important in the workers pursuit for self-determination.
At the time there was no mass based political party, here and in the Caribbean, and the Labour Movement single-handedly waged this struggle. 24 years after the trade union found a political ally in the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) which incorporated elements of the Labour Agenda in the political platform.
The trade union’s advocacy on the stated issues reflects a continuity of the struggle waged by our forebears, generations ago. Trade unionists today see this as an act of protecting a formidable legacy bequeathed by those whose shoulders we stand on. Securing the universal right to vote (1953) was never meant to be a one-off act, but the fortification of workers/citizens placed at the decision-making table in furtherance of the social, cultural, economic and political rights. Somewhere on the journey the Movement relinquished its militancy to the local political leadership who it was felt would have carried the workers’ charge.
The split in the political movement in the 1950s brought with it divisions within the Labour Movement. The division manifested ideological (capitalism vs socialism) differences and even impacted on race. While ideology may no longer be a factor, race and political allegiance have proven to adversely impact the workers’ well-being, creating the space/opportunity for political parties to prey on these manufactured divisions to seek and retain elected office. As time progressed where politicians found these useful ‘marketing tools,’ commitment to the workers’ cause began to wane because the premise for association was not primarily driven by accountability to workers’ permanent interest.
Workers of Guyana have more in common that unite us as against what divides us. The historical recognition of informed solidarity in struggles and developmental agenda. There is commonality to be treated with respect and dignity, to participate in and benefit from the nation’s resources, and have the guarantee of its security and protection of its laws. These are values all can identify with, pursue and expect, as we move about our daily business, but yet they remain elusive for far too many.
Every five years, or intermittently, this nation holds General and Regional Elections. Politicians would come to the electorate with a ‘shopping list’ (i.e. manifesto) of promised goodies, which later lends the impression that from the outset there was no intent to honour. Society has had more than its fair share of promises and citizens more than their fair share of non-fulfilment of these promises. As Guyanese we must move in a deliberative manner to change the culture of promise to the culture of fulfilment.
We are in the season where the political campaigns have started, and politicians are once again making promises on the premise that if they are elected, they will implement/honour the promises. From Labour’s perspective we are tired of the promises, as such we would like to see a number of the promises made in the past be worked upon and implemented before the next elections.
The Preamble of the Guyana Constitution “Acknowledge the aspirations of our young people, who in their own words, have declared that the future of Guyana belongs to the young people, who aspire to live in a society which respects their dignity, protects their rights, recognises their potential, listen to their voices, provides opportunities, …”
The judiciary plays an important role in inclusionary democracy. Where it is allowed to function as an independent and co-equal branch of government it plays a meaningful role in the development of society. As custodian of the Rule of Law where citizens have confidence that there will be recourse for grievances it minimises resort to vigilante justice. At the same the importance of confirming the appointments of Chancellor and Chief Justice to bring about the needed assurance and stability in the system. This also includes addressing the injustice meted out to acting Chancellor Yonette Cummings-Edwards.
Power from the people is for the people, not for a few. Our voice and involvement in the political process does not start and stop at the ballot box. The power we exercise through the vote, though electing representatives, is never meant to be bequeathed to a few to do as they please, but that of ensuring this power is used in our interest. A principal way of guaranteeing this is ensuring and retaining active presence in the management and decision-making processes of the state on matters that impact our well-being.
Workers demand their rightful place at the negotiating table. Young people must be given meaningful, permanent roles in shaping the nation’s future. Women must not merely be represented but empowered to influence decisions affecting their lives and families. The judiciary must be stabilised, independent, and respected as a co-equal branch of government. And the vulnerable must be treated not as afterthoughts, but as equal participants in national development.
Inclusionary democracy is the foundation of a just, stable, and prosperous society. The legacy handed down by the labour movement was not one of silence, submission, or symbolic participation. It was a legacy of organised resistance, informed engagement, and relentless advocacy. If democracy is to endure, citizens must remain present, vocal, and organised long after the campaign slogans fade. Power must be exercised continuously, deliberately, and collectively — not handed over and forgotten. Anything less risks undoing a century of struggle and reducing the people’s hard-won rights to empty words on paper.