Did not attack GAWU
I observe that my comments published in the Guyana Times last week, in which I stated that GAWU should not have agreed to partial severance to be paid to sugar workers, are being widely quoted by those who wish to convey the impression of a rift between the PPP and GAWU. I know of no such rift.
My statement is demonstrably being used as evidence of this alleged rift and is being deliberately portrayed as a critical attack upon GAWU by me.
I wish to make it crystal clear that I did not “attack” GAWU in my comments. At the time I made those comments, it was represented in the press that GAWU had agreed to the part-payment of severance to the workers. It was in that context that I posited a contrary view- a right to which I am entitled. My position was solely influenced by what the law mandates in such circumstances: full payment of severance upon termination of employment.
GAWU subsequently clarified that it never agreed to part- payment of severance for the workers.
I hope that this intervention will put this matter to rest.
Yours faithfully, Anil Nandlall that squatters on Yarrow Dam in La Penitence also contributed to their suffering since they have occupied the dam where the excavator would have operated in the past to clear the canal. They also accused the squatters on the dam of defecating in plastic bags and throwing it into the main drainage canal.
It was also stated by the residents they would have to place sandbags at their doors to prevent water from entering their homes.
Following the ceremony, residents took Stabroek News to the canal which was observed to be filled with overgrown weeds. Residents stated that the canal in the past used to be 30 feet wide and 40 feet deep to enable adequate drainage of their village and neighbouring communities.
“We use to stand here and watch out and could have seen over at Riverview but now when you watch is grass right through. At some parts you can walk over to Yarrow Dam…,” Navin pointed out.
Responding to the concerns of the residents, Harmon said that he would only be able to intervene when he has a recommendation from engineers. As such he organised a team of officials from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Mayor and City Council to meet with the residents today at 10.30 am.
He said only when he has a report on the recommendations would he be able to act accordingly. He promised to bring some relief to residents.