Dear Editor,
With the exception of Mr Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, no leader of the government in Guyana has ever focused specific attention on the importance of teachers, and the necessity for a salary to meet needs and offer a quality life.
In 1975, when I graduated from the Government Teachers College, my salary had moved from US$75 to US$150 after an increase of 100% given by the Burnham government, reinforced by the words of Mr Burnham, words that I have never forgotten:
“The teachers of this nation must be properly paid.”
Loans granted by Mr Burnham’s government to us teachers in training, were cancelled and we had not to repay. How thankful we were!
This government and the previous ones have yet to understand that when the salary structure of a nation for its professionals is known by the population for its inadequacy to afford a reasonable level of living, then the population will treat them as nothing. And to be like them in service, our young will think twice.
As a man in the street, I am appealing to this government to stop playing “bat and ball” with teachers, doctors, nurses and public servants. Get serious!
Yours faithfully,
Krishna Nand Prasad
