Dear Editor,
It is an accepted fact that the general behaviour of a society is heavily influenced by the words and deeds of leaders in government and society as a whole. We can point to several examples throughout the world to confirm this. Right here in Guyana we have an abundance of examples.
Unfortunately in this regime, led by the PNC, words and deeds are wide apart. This suggests that deception is allowed and not frowned upon. Indeed, it is practised by the leaders in government. This could be seen in relation to the regime’s practices in the hiring and firing of persons. The reason many people say that “politics is dirty” is because of some of the practices that this regime is displaying.
We would recall how much both parties now in government railed against contract workers when they were in the opposition, even though the PPP/C government went to great lengths to explain to them that it was just offering people choice and not trying to undermine the public service. When they had the one-seat majority while in opposition they voted to cut the budget that was providing salaries for contract workers.
One would have thought that if that was a very principled position of those two parties, then they would have moved to stop or curtail this practice at the commencement of this administration. Alas, this is not the case. The APNU+AFC regime has not only expanded the contract workers immensely, but they have also increased their pay greatly, sometimes by more than one hundred per cent. The amount would have been greater, but like the three card tricksters the regime did some manipulation to disguise the real amount being given as salaries.
One advisor on education is being paid $1 per annum. However, he has a duty allowance of $180,000 per month and an entertainment allowance of $ 20,000 per month. This person also has another job with the government where he is also getting a salary, in addition to a pension from the public service.
Another advisor also has a high position of chairman of an important corporation. He has a big allowance there and operates like the CEO. He is now an advisor with a salary of $250,000 per month, 42 days leave per annum, 22 ½ % of gross salary gratuity and one month tax free paid leave allowance. These are but a few examples.
The Ministry of the Presidency alone has two hundred and ninety two contract employees. These alone are costing the taxpayers of the country almost one billion dollars per year.
This is only one ministry.
The regime also gave to the members of the National Assembly a list of persons they call ‘Honorary Ministerial Advisors’. The list has thirty-three names of persons living abroad. They claim that these persons are working pro bono. However, they have not said how these persons’ expenses would be covered. They could pay millions without having to report this to the people of this country as emoluments.
The other message being sent is
“squandermania.” Money is being wasted and this sends a dangerous signal to the society. For this behaviour is also party corruption. That is what has led to petty officers in government demanding bribes, sometimes small amounts, like lunch money, etc, but it still erodes the morality of the society as a whole.
We have also seen the Kaieteur News reporting a fuel scam involving high-ranking government officials and several persons in the private sector. They had promised to release their names, but never did. This is extremely worrying, and is just the beginning of further undermining the morality of the society.
Yours faithfully,
Donald Ramotar