So much for claiming to be a party of the working class

Dear Editor,

I am writing to request space in your publication to shed light on a critical issue affecting our country - the salaries of public servants. Editor, I am profoundly disappointed by the apparent unwillingness of our government to address the crucial matter of salary increases for public servants. As a concerned citizen and taxpayer, I feel it is crucial to emphasize the impact of this decision on the dedicated individuals who tirelessly serve our country. Public servants, including healthcare workers, educators, and law enforcement officers play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth functioning of our society. Their

Dear Editor,

In company with my wife and assistant, we joined the protest line on Brickdam to support the teachers and the GTU in their justifiable strike. I did the same thing in 2018 and was critical of the sloth in response by the then Coalition Minister and Ministry. The representatives this morning, in their chants, said not being in the classrooms is not political but economical. Why we decided to show solidarity with the teachers is because our teachers are the worst paid in the region and deserve much better. Teachers spend most of the hours during the week with our children and have, particularly in today’s environment, the heavy duty and awesome burden to not only give an education to our children that is fundamental but also to help mould the character of our new generation.

The callous, cruel response by the Ministers and the Chief Education Officer is unpardonable and beyond belief. How can anyone trivialise the business of pedagogy at this time when throughout the world there is rapid advance in technology, science, sport and culture? Today I also learnt that this government plans to utilise grounds along Carifesta Avenue for commercial purposes. If true, an abomination. A flagrant violation of a covenant given to the people of Georgetown, when the City was established on the heels of slavery and indentureship. I commitment and hard work are invaluable. The government’s refusal or extreme delay in addressing issues related to the public servant salary scale in Guyana is unacceptable. This delay seems equivalent to burying one’s head in the proverbial sand. Must we interpret this as a lack of importance on the government’s part?

Editor, we live in a society where everything seems to be growing except one’s salary. When discussing this matter, individuals are often viewed as adversaries or opposition members. I want to clarify that I voted for the PPP/C in 2020 because, at that time, Dr. Frank Anthony seemed to understand what was needed hope for the sake of my children’s children and those of every Guyanese that we are not being governed by a collection of cultural barbarians who will preside over the hemorrhage of our nurses, teachers and others who are already going to the Caribbean and beyond, only to escape the suffocation and indignity of being unable to cope with the rising cost of living and people in charge of decision-making not representing the important pillar of teachers in the foundation of a nation state.

I expect that parents and their children will from tomorrow join the picket lines, so that the Government understands the cause of the teachers, irrespective of their political, religious or other persuasion that they deserve better. Our Government can begin by respecting our Constitution and collective bargaining and that the leadership of this country should not, as it seems, encourage the widening of the gap between the haves and the haves not. Because when you frustrate teachers in the public sector, you then widen the already worrisome situation where heavy paying private, primary and secondary schools will proliferate, condemning to ignorance and perpetual poverty those who cannot afford these fees. So much for a party in office who claim credentials for being working class.

Sincerely,

Hamilton Green

Elder for healthcare workers. However, it appears he forgot the stats he presented that compared the salaries of Guyanese doctors to those in other Caribbean nations. Editor, one might assume that doctors are well-paid; however, the reality is disheartening. Medical Interns, the most junior doctors, receive a net monthly salary of $167,000. These doctors are mandated to work overtime (on-call) at least twice a week and up to four times a week in Orthopedics, and this overtime is non-payable. That’s right - free labour in 2024. 20 hours a day- free. I find it difficult to believe that the Labour Ministry is unaware of this, but perhaps it holds little importance for policymakers as it does not affect them directly. Furthermore, Senior Registrars working overtime on a weekend receive $4,500 for that call. While it may seem like they are being paid, $4,500 for 48 hours of work equates to about $94 an hour. This is the overtime pay for a senior doctor in an oil-producing nation with abundant resources and wise leaders.

Editor, it has been a week since teachers took to the streets protesting for better salaries, yet our leaders find excuses not to engage with them. If cane-cutters had downed tools and protested, President Dr. Ali, Vice President Dr. Jagdeo, and the entire cabinet would have met with them. I come from a family of cane-cutters, and my point is that the same standards should apply to all. Cane cutters received severance pay from the previous government, and this government gave them an additional $250,000 each plus rehired them. Teachers are still waiting, being insulted, called unreasonable and illegal, among other things. Nurses are leaving in unprecedented numbers, and officials are bringing in Cubans, paying them more, providing housing accommodations, and ignoring the locals’ plea for better salaries. When leaders continue to disregard their people, they will feel the consequences. Ask former President David Granger. He too perhaps felt he was justified.

Editor, the truth is, things are difficult in Guyana for many people. It’s only a matter of time before people can’t bear it anymore. The privileged ones will be able to escape, but what about those who can’t? What about the young man from Sophia, the young man from Black Bush Polder, and the young woman from Canal #1? Where are they going to run to? President Ali has a golden opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. Call for the complete overhaul of the Public Sector Salary Scale. It cannot continue to function in an oil-rich economy. But then again, the big players aren’t earning the same dollars as the small man, so perhaps it is of little motivation to fix. We can’t wear Louis Vuitton too? Editor, I would like to attach my name to this letter, but regrettably, I cannot because of how Guyana is set up... Sincerely,

(Name and Address Withheld)