Dear Editor,
The decision by the Government of Guyana to increase the minimum wages by $60.00 per hour as of 1st July, 2013, having increased last year by $40.00 per hour, making it $100.00 in recent times, is most commendable, which the undersigned fully supports, and will instantly comply, as is always the case. It is unfortunate that it was not doubled to $120.00 on this occasion.
I know some clients will protest on any increase, others will refuse, and in time return. But most of all, while we agree most wholeheartedly with this increase, it is my hope that the Government of Guyana, recognizes the fact that if the sums allocated for security services rendered to all Governmental locations are not increased as of 1st July, 2013, a national security crisis could result. My advice is that the Cabinet and Ministry of Finance address this issue instantly.
It must be borne in mind that when tendering for Governmental contracts, usually, the cost is calculated to the minimum possible, and hence, security services rendering service to Government locations cannot absorb this, coupled with National Insurance (for those of us who comply) and operational expenses.
I appeal to the Government, on behalf of all security agencies serving Governmental locations, to urgently look into this affair, or at least provide this increase to the security agencies requesting the adjustment. Service should not be interrupted to these sensitive Ministerial locations, residences and valuable bonds and structures (properties of the people of Guyana). When Government wishes to increase wages to workers, the Government must think of those who tendered in the past, and put measures in place to cushion the service providers. Roshan Khan