On the 77th anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs, the Peopleās Progressive Party (PPP) pays tribute to the courageous sacrifice of five sugar workersāRambarran, Pooran, Lallabagee, Surajballi, and Harryāwho lost their lives fighting for justice and better working conditions.
In 1948, these workers faced tremendous socio-economic challenges, including an oppressive ācut and loadā harvest system and the absence of a representative union. Their peaceful protest met with violent repression as police opened fire, resulting in the tragic deaths of five men.
Dr. Cheddi Jagan, deeply affected by this incident, vowed at their funeral to dedicate his life to liberating the Guyanese populace from exploitation. Despite facing imprisonment and attempts to silence him, his resolve strengthened, culminating in the establishment of the Peopleās Progressive Party in 1950, aimed at championing the rights of the working class.
The spirit of the Enmore Martyrs, along with Dr. Jagan’s relentless pursuit of equity, continues to inspire the PPP, especially during challenging times such as the unjust dismissal of numerous sugar workers under the previous APNU+AFC coalition. Their legacy motivates our resistance to oppressive policies and actions that undermine democracy.
Today, the Enmore Martyrs serve as a potent reminder of the necessity to defend our democratic principles, constitutional rights, and freedoms, urging the PPP to honor their sacrifices by ensuring they remain a vital part of our narrative.
Source: newsroom.gy
