Dear Editor,
I am appalled at the orchestrated outrage being vented against the Granger administration over the announced 50% pay increase for ministers. I am however consoled at the proven fact that democracy is now truly at work in Guyana.
I must compliment the cabinet for agreeing to work in the first place, for the pittance they were receiving, and this indicated their commitment to national service. The fact is that the last PPP administration degraded Guyana’s currency and living standards to such depths that the majority of Guyanese now consider what is basic in other developing countries, as being super for Guyanese.
No minister in Guyana should be working for less than two million dollars (US$10,000) per month. Professional people have to be properly compensated for their expertise, leadership and the responsibility that rests on their shoulders. This is petty cash when compared to what was paid to the former CEOs of GPL and GuySuCo.
Those who travel on international aircraft will recall that safety instructions advise that in an emergency, you must put on your gas mask first, before attending to anyone who is travelling with you. Public servants will soon be attended to and I am glad that Mr Yarde understands this.
I know that this government is a caring government and we need to give them the space to achieve their objectives and make Guyana a respectable country once again.
Yours faithfully,
George Gomes
Lieutenant Colonel (rtd)