Enmore Martyrs remembered

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) today paid homage to the selfless sacrifice of Rambarran, Pooran, Lallabagee, Surajballi, and Harry, all sugar workers who laid down their lives while standing up for their rights 77 years ago.

In 1948, confronted with severe social and economic hardships, an oppressive “cut and load” cane harvesting system, and the denial of a representative union, the sugar workers were driven to protest.

Their just demands were met with brutality: riot police opened fire, killing five innocent workers.

“These martyrs laid down their lives in pursuit of dignity, justice, and a better future for all workers. Their sacrifice deeply moved Dr. Cheddi Jagan, who at their funeral pledged to dedicate his life to freeing the Guyanese people from exploitation and oppression. Despite imprisonment and relentless attempts to silence him, Dr. Jagan’s determination never faltered. His vision and struggle led to the founding of the People’s Progressive Party in 1950 — a party committed to advancing the cause of the working people,” the party underscored in release.

According to the PPP, the legacy of the Enmore Martyrs and Dr. Jagan’s lifelong fight for justice have continued to guide the party, including during the dark days when thousands of sugar workers were heartlessly dismissed by the APNU+AFC coalition, pushing families into economic hardship.

Their example, the PPP said, inspired their resistance to the harsh economic policies of that administration and its attempt to subvert the will of the people during the 2 March 2020 elections.

“Today, the Enmore Martyrs remind us of the enduring importance of defending our democracy, our constitution, and our freedoms against any form of tyranny. The People’s Progressive Party remains steadfast in honouring their memory and ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten,” the release concluded.