President Dr. Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting the interests of sugar workers, signalling that further reforms and investments are being considered to strengthen the industry and improve outcomes for those who depend on it.

The president was at the time paying tribute to the Enmore Martyrs, whose death during a sugar workers’ protest in June 1948 became a defining moment in Guyana’s labour movement.

President Ali acknowledged concerns raised by representatives of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) regarding the performance of the sugar industry and said adjustments would be made to ensure investments in the sector yield results.

“Our investment must bring returns, and at the level of the estates changes will be made because they are necessary for the investments we are making,” President Ali said.

The Head of State disclosed that Government is examining proposals for reinvestment in the Skeldon Estate and is considering additional technical expertise to support the industry’s transformation.
At the same time, he stressed that workers would remain central to any restructuring efforts.

“We are also looking at opportunities to lift the workers from one level to the next level, and if we have to deploy a system of support through public policy… with a direct conversation with the worker, with retraining and retooling, [or] reorganizing…you can rest assured the People’s Progressive Party will do it,” he asserted.

He assured workers that any future decisions would be guided by the objective of improving their livelihoods and creating greater opportunities.

Drawing a contrast between the struggles of the past and present-day development efforts, Dr. Ali said the Government has worked to establish a stronger foundation for workers through investments in healthcare, education, housing and infrastructure.

He highlighted the new regional hospital at Enmore, ongoing road expansion projects and plans for the development of an industrial site in the community aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in agro-processing.
According to the President, these initiatives are designed to create pathways for workers and their families to achieve higher standards of living and greater economic security.

As Guyana commemorates 78 years since the deaths of the Enmore Martyrs, President Ali said their legacy continues to serve as a reminder that progress is built through struggle, sacrifice and collective action.

The Enmore Martyrs — Lallabagee, Harry, Pooran, Rambarran and Surujballi — were killed by colonial police on June 16, 1948, during a protest for improved working conditions and labour rights. Their sacrifice served as a catalyst for the advancement of workers’ rights and political change in Guyana.