Guyana Observer News

Dirty politics by Dennis Chabrol and Lloyd King

Sunday, 07 March 2010

By Lincoln Lewis Sample Image

I am a public figure and my integrity matters. In my call in to your program last evening (Saturday) you made (broadcast) some dishonest and wicked statements against me, as a person and as a trade unionist. These were also made in relation to the Guyana Trades Union Congress. This dangerous appetite for making wild statements, engaging in character assassination and brandishing lies as standard fare, gospel and authority in our public discourse I take very seriously. I shall not be a victim of it or be held hostage by it. I therefore expect the providence of the evidence to support the following charges or the necessary public retraction:

1) That “[I], Lincoln Lewis, blocked the presidency of GAWU based on race.” This is a wicked, dishonest and racially motivated statement to tarnish my image and ability to rise above race in issues of my career. I challenged this accusation and expect that you provide evidence to support the statement. I aid the process by reminding you to provide any evidence outside of 1982 when Boysie Ramkarran, General Secretary of GAWU ran for the presidency of the TUC, (and lost to Samuel Walker) that another candidate from GAWU contested the presidency. This you will be unable to do as that apart there were no other instances and I had no influence in what transpired in that elections. Further, in 1999 while acting General Secretary, GAWU walked out (and remains out) of the TUC in protest against the decision (it supported by vote) to call a three day strike in protest against the police shooting of unarmed striking public servants.
2) That I am “giving the present president of the TUC trouble because she is a woman.” This is a reckless, irresponsible and wicked statement driven by emotions rather than objectivity. Let it be clear and I state publicly for the first time that I have been one of Ms. Burton greatest supporters in her candidacy and presidency. Had you taken the time to seek knowledge you would understand that the structure and functioning of the TUC, the authority outside of conference, is vested in the Executive Council, presided over by the president. This body headed by the President, makes the decision which the secretariat executes. As General Secretary of the TUC I have been on leave since August 2007, living and working outside of Guyana. Gillian Burton has been president since October 2007 and Norris Witter, General Secretary (ag.) from August 2007.
3) RE accountably in the TUC. Provide the evidence that the TUC is involved in financial impropriety of any kind, and
4) Name the paper unions you claim are in the TUC
For now I’d ignore the reckless and irresponsible statements that I “the master behind the condition and status of the TUC” because the ability/inability to prove the above would answer/expose the programme’s journalistic quality and integrity of its hosts.
My posture and principles with regards to trade unionism, workers’ rights and the rule of law have remained resolute over the years. Whatever I have said about the government and any agency or individual I have supported with evidence. And anyone who accuses me and seeks to malign the organization I have a relationship with will have to provide the evidence. You said that my posture is causing problems for the trade union community yet this posture was found “good in the 1980s.” It was good for the PPP, Dr Cheddie Jagan and all those who opposed the PNC. Today the same posture is found to be bad by those who embraced it and used it to their own selfish aggrandizement and political purpose. I remind you that regardless of what is said by those who oppose my positions to challenge the excesses and human rights violations of the government, I shall not be the trade unionist who will kowtow for what is constitutionally and legally mine and those workers of this country whom I am elected to represent. No one will take away my right to freedom of expression, nor my right to employ everyday trade union parlance and tactics for the workers’ cause. I dare you! You are reminded that I, Lincoln Lewis, serve only the purpose of the People and will wear no yoke of oppression, or servitude to break the backs of my brothers and sisters who are burdened by the yoke of a dictatorial, fascist and racist regime.
Enough is enough!

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