Jay Bharrat wanted to know whether the government would be observing the Enmore Martyrs anniversary.

According to Rohee, YES.

the small crowd shouted “no”

Gilly Rohee gun com afta yuh fuh speading prapaganda about de PPP

Jay Bharrat was casting around for spice to flavor his race-bait thing du jour . . . he can't help himself

I got some heavy masala hey if he's interested

Cut rate prices chap

Pointy, I never regarded Rohee as my superior, even though his political godmother JJ catapulted him high up there. If he comes after me, I can deal with him.

Makes sense. You are Comrade Rohee share an identical IQ.

you would agree with shit pon a stick

Thanks, Gil.  You are a wise man.

Glad the Coalition observed the event.

Guyana’s strength lies in its workers – Minister Lawrence, as Enmore Martyrs’Day is observed

Georgetown, GINA, June 16, 2015

Minister of Social Protection Mrs. Volda Lawrence today joined the annual Wreath Laying ceremony for the five Enmore Martyrs at Le Repentir Cemetery, Georgetown. The Minister was part of the procession that comprised mainly representatives of trade unions which moved from the Square of the Revolution to Le Repentir Cemetery, Georgetown.

During an address to the gathering, Minister Lawrence observed that “Guyana’s strength lies in its workers and the workers of today have a rich legacy of struggle, determination, perseverance and success upon which to build.”

The Minister also noted that Rambarran, Pooran, Lallabagee, Dookhie and Harry were five Guyanese heroes whose lives were snuffed out in the battle for better working conditions, and even though their struggle was within the environs of the sugar industry decades ago, the implications, hardship and successes rippled throughout the workforce, and are even present today.

She pointed out that the eulogies given were fitting but noted, however, that Guyanese ensure that workers are recognised and prioritised for the important contribution they have made to the country. Minister Lawrence admitted that current working conditions need to be improved urgently, and not just for emoluments, but places of work and the services offered to workers.

“We need to address shortcomings in the formal and informal sectors, but it is imperative that we constantly raise the bar on what is acceptable and build on our successes,” the Minister declared. She observed that the majority of workers spend most of their waking hours on the job rather than at home, “hence employers have an obligation to ensure that they are comfortable, safe and protected.”

This, the Minister explained would mean that employers cannot continue to demand higher levels of productivity and excellent performance of workers if those demands are not matched with the conducive environment and necessary resources. She pointed out that the approach to work and accompanying ethics are also critical to improving workers’ productivity.

She further noted that workers must not see their jobs as a tool to satisfy their economic need, and are duty bound to perform. “I think they will willingly give their best once they receive the best,” the Minister stated.

She added that at this point, Guyanese should reflect on the struggle of the five Enmore Martyrs and “salute these fallen workers who strove for better working conditions.” She urged all to continue to strive for better working conditions.

Meanwhile, “Lallabagee, Pooran, Rambarran, Dookhie and Harry did not leave home to die. They were hoping that their presence and actions, along with others, would have caused important changes in the conditions of their lives (back then), the lives of sugar workers and Guyanese as a whole,” stated Kenneth Joseph, General Secretary of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NACCIE).

Joseph observed that while the sugar workers from the East Coast of Demerara had begun their protest from June 5, 1948, the management and leadership of the sugar estates were not worried since it was not the first. They moved to bring in employees from other estates to work at Enmore in order to force the workers back to the fields. However, the workers remained defiant and the protest culminated on June 15, when many assembled at Enmore to prevent the scabs from working at that estate.

However, he noted that as they attempted to gain entry, the police advanced and started shooting, killing three persons on the spot, while two others died in the hospital. Those who died instantly were Lallabagee Kissoon, 30, who was shot in the back; 19 year-old Pooran, shot in the leg and pelvis; and Rambarran-from bullet wounds in his leg. The hospital causalities were Dookhie and Harry. These men, through the years, became known as the Enmore Martyrs.

A monument was designed by Guyanese Dennis Williams and was constructed in their honour at Enmore. The names of these heroes should remain in the memories of Guyanese, Joseph pointed out, especially at the time of the search for strength over adversity.

Meanwhile Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle, observed that while these men were shot down and killed during a protest, the objective was for better working and living conditions. “…even though this happened over 67 years ago, what they fought for is still relevant today. Workers, not only in Guyana, but all over the world, are still fighting and protesting, and demonstrating for a better condition of work, salaries and wages, it must be said that we are living in a time where people have to struggle for dignity, respect, and equality on issues of the day to day existence,” Ogle stated.

He noted too that the solidarity of the struggle is for better conditions and so, “let us forge ahead, together, remembering the ultimate sacrifice of our brothers. I hope that when next we gather here, we can say that there are better working conditions in the rice industry, the sugar industry, the bauxite industry, the mining industry and every other industry across Guyana. I hope that when next we gather here, we can say that our brothers did not die in vain,” Ogle declared.

Rohee is an intelligent person but I can't say the same for you.