“A Sea of Red and White”: Opposition and Unions Unite to Blast Government at Labour Day Rally
By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The streets of the capital were transformed into a vibrant display of worker solidarity on Friday as the annual Labour Day Rally saw scores of union members, workers, and opposition leaders marching through Georgetown. However, the celebratory mood quickly turned defiant as the march culminated in a series of fiery speeches at the Critchlow Labour College, with speakers launching a blistering attack on the government’s economic policies and its treatment of the working class.
Under the theme of unity and collective action, the rally became a platform for the Opposition to demand a “reset” of the nation’s wealth distribution.
Azruddin Mohamed: “Six Trillion Dollars and the Workers are Still Hurting”
Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, a prominent figure in the day’s march, delivered a feature address that centered on what he called the “mismanagement of the national windfall.”
- Budgetary Disparity: Mohamed pointed out that between 2020 and 2026, the government has budgeted and spent more than $6 trillion. However, he argued that the “ordinary working class” has yet to feel the positive effects of this massive spending.
- Allegations of Corruption: Citing information he claimed originated from the Auditor General’s office, Mohamed alleged that 40% to 50% of the national budget annually is diverted into the pockets of “friends, family, and favorites” of the administration.
- The Wage Crisis: He described the current public servant minimum wage of $102,346 as a “pittance,” asserting that it is impossible for a family to survive on such an amount, given the current inflationary climate.
Norman Witter: “Vote Out the Tyrant”
Veteran trade unionist and leader of the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC), Norman Witter, did not mince words, calling for a political shift to save the labor movement.
- The Century Warning: Witter cautioned that if the opposition and unions fail to find common ground, “the tyrant will remain in office for another 100 years.”
- Oil Wealth vs. Poverty: He lamented that despite being in the seventh year of oil production, the abundance of wealth has only served to enrich government officials—who he claims are acquiring properties locally and abroad—while the cost of living remains a “noose around the necks” of the workers.
Coretta McDonald: “Don’t Let Handshakes Erase the Hurt”
Member of Parliament and President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Coretta McDonald, emphasized that workers’ dignity cannot be bought with superficial gestures.
- Unity Over Division: McDonald argued that division is a tool used to weaken workers’ bargaining power. She stressed that workers must be compensated fairly for their dedication to keeping the economy turning.
- Authentic Justice: “We cannot allow handshakes, smiles, or brunches to erase the hurt that would have been meted out to us as workers,” she declared, urging members to stay focused on substantive policy changes rather than political optics.
A Call to the Ballot Box
The 2026 Labour Day Rally signaled a hardening of the lines between the labor movement and the Executive. While President Ali’s morning address called for “cooperation and mutual respect,” the message from the streets of Georgetown was one of resistance. As the nation moves toward the 2026 General Elections, the unions have made it clear: the “abundance” of oil must be reflected in the pockets of the people, or the government will face the consequences at the polls.
