Guyana: Rose Hall Sugar Workers Protest Over Unpaid Retroactive Payments

Frustrated Rose Hall sugar workers on Monday took to the picket line, claiming they are still waiting on retroactive payments they say were promised by the Government months ago. Despite repeated assurances and billions of dollars being allocated to the struggling sugar industry, the workers expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of payment.

The protest attracted the attention of Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, who joined the demonstration and listened to the complaints from employees. Workers indicated that they feel abandoned after being told they would receive the outstanding payments. Mohamed referenced a visit by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali before the September 2025 General and Regional Elections, during which workers were reportedly assured that the issue of retroactive payments would be addressed.

“The President himself came and promised that workers would receive their retroactive payments,” Mohamed stated, as workers reiterated that they were still awaiting the funds. They voiced their concerns that despite those assurances, no retroactive payments have been received, prompting them to publicly demonstrate in an effort to have their issues addressed.

Mohamed argued that workers should not have to resort to protest action to secure payments they believe were already promised to them. He also criticized Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, asserting that responsibility for the situation ultimately falls within his ministry.

Furthermore, the Opposition Leader questioned the Government’s continued financial support for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), noting that the corporation is set to receive another $3 billion through the recently tabled supplementary budget. According to Mohamed, this situation raises concerns about priorities within the industry, as workers protest over outstanding payments while the corporation continues to receive additional state funding.

The protest comes amid growing scrutiny of GuySuCo’s finances, with the corporation once again seeking taxpayer support as part of the Government’s $54.8 billion supplementary spending request currently before the National Assembly. For the workers gathered outside the estate, however, the issue was far more immediate: securing the retroactive payments they say they were promised and ensuring their concerns are finally addressed.

Source: hgptv.com

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