Dear Editor,
Universally it is an accepted concept that governments are instituted to foster and regulate the development of a country by legislation and standards that allow those, who work diligently and aspire to do so to reach their greatest potential. Unfortunately, no one seems to have let our government- past or present- in on this country before self-ideal.
Don’t be fooled that politicians use the saying more or less as cliché their actions speak volumes. It would seem that before 10-10-10 and after our people continue to have the unenviable task of trying to get our government to offer a path to a better future and hope that our children would have a country to inherit or call their own.
We have seen and heard of the many abuses of the working class in this “country” and strangely enough, government seems at a loss at how to attack the pressing issues. As we are aware, unemployment is very high and unscrupulous employers and investors hire and fire at will. There continue to be no intervention from government unless it’s to favour the employer in the case of the casino, and now the ghost companies that are supposedly losing money to people choosing to save a buck by purchasing online.
Government is aware and has been aware of the instances of TELEM, a government- owned company using all kinds of creating and illicit means to circumvent our labour laws and employ illegal outsiders. This very action doesn’t only prevent our people from putting food on the table, but also robs government’s coffers of much-needed revenue.
In the past, a group of Surinamers were recruited and brought in to do work that locals could and should be doing, but the taxpayers’ company refused to grant locals the job. Though under another administration, the company is busy again according to the SMCU union, only this time they are using Jamaicans. As our hotelier friends and financiers do regularly.
And I am told immigration and labour inspectors are giving the union the royal run-around. Don’t be fooled, that is not by error or a result of departments not knowing their areas of competence. I submit that the minister in charge allows this to happen so the company can carry out the project without having to employ locals, and later put it in a study to see what went wrong.
I am at a loss for words on how else to make it clear this government and those before it don’t care for our people. Examples abound with the school bus drivers, the teachers, casino workers and many others. Since only the people can save the people, maybe we should consider action to correct what is an ongoing dereliction of duty on the part of government.
Before they succeed in putting us all on the beggar line or worst, let’s take concrete action to secure our own existence and the future we wish for our children. There is so much talk about this economy and how sensitive it is. But think for a moment, are we to believe we built an economy to benefit outsiders while we beg for bread?
It is time to stop being afraid and stand up and be counted. I put it to you nothing short of direct action will guaranty tangible and effective change. In this case being the friendly island just won’t hack it.
Elton Jones
