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 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 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)
