Who in their right mind would agree with this salary increase?

Oct 24, 2015 Letters

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Dear Editor,
With reference to the letter written in the Stabroek News by Mr Craig Sylvester, captioned “Increase in salaries of senior government officials is exactly what is needed”, it is my view that his position is highly biased in favor of Government and raised several important issues: Firstly, Mr. Craig needs to understand that Guyanese cannot approve of any salary increase that does not make sense.
Our expenditures cannot exceed our incomes. Our economy has plummeted under this Government and on top of this to ask us to shoulder a fat salary increase to pamper Ministers is just heartless. To even ask for a raise under these harsh economic times is simply lacking conscience.  If we were to approve of a salary increase, it means that we will be willing to sacrifice our own welfare and that of our country for the benefit of our Ministers. Who in their right mind would agree with this?
During harsh economic times, we need to conserve and reserve scarce dollars for health care and education along with basic needs.  A healthy and educated nation will correct our economy by growing it and generating revenues.  If we pour money into Ministers pockets it will be similar to pouring money into the drain.  We can only entertain a reasonable pay raise and not a bloated one if and when our economy becomes healthy.  Government knows its actions will hurt our country, yet it is forcing its way with a hefty pay raise.
Secondly, Mr Sylvester needs to understand that the APNU/AFC Government is heavily involved in political patronage. Therefore, to argue that a salary increase will thwart corruption is just a dishonest argument to get us to accept it.  Political supporters of the APNU/AFC political party are hired for key positions including Ministers even when they lack relevant expertise and experience – rendering them ineffective.
Obviously, our Ministers cannot serve our country but are highly rewarded so as to remain loyal to the APNU/AFC political parties.  In my view, political patronage is the key element destroying our country.  Government is openly taking care of its own welfare by whacking our country and the result is that we do not get to live a full life.  Our country is buckling and reeling from pains due to Government’s actions.  We need to immediately stop this abuse. Thirdly, Mr. Sylvester discussed that our country needs to move away from obsolete ideas and embrace new ones – which are all good.  So Mr. Sylvester, then why did the APNU/AFC government not move away from political patronage?
This is something Government needs to move away from, so as to allow our country to breathe.  What is holding Government from doing the right thing? This Government deliberately embraces corruption because it is a means to keep its supporters happy.  Government and its supporters are scratching each other backs at the expense of our country.
Through patronage, government has also unjustly given out National Awards to its political supporters, leaving many baffled by its actions. The APNU/AFC is stuck in its old ways and this needs to be replaced, which I am sure Mr. Sylvester will have no trouble with .Mr. Sylvester rightly thinks that we should get rid of the obsolete. We need fresh blood in politics to move our country forward and we need to get rid of the deeply entrenched.  APNU-AFC  has campaigned on a promise of change.  Where is the change? We are duped by its rhetoric. Our country will never move forward under this Government and its governing style.
Fourthly, why is Mr Craig comparing salaries with other countries when the economic standings, finances and qualifications for jobs vary from country to country?  Salary scales are uniquely set up in relation to multiple economic parameters and finances unique to each country along with educational requirements.
Our Ministers are overcompensated as it is.  Some of them bring little to no qualifications or experience to the job. In closing, we are hurting because Government is mishandling our country.  We know how cruel and brutal life can be in this country, particularly for the unconnected poor . Government is brutal and its actions are cutting short lives.
With this, I urge Government to show compassion and respect irrespective of who we are.  A fat salary increase is out of the question at this time. Government needs to use its own private funds to reward its political supporters instead of bleeding our country.  It needs to put the welfare of its people before its own, particularly the most vulnerable- women, children, pensioners and the disabled, among others.  Until we eliminate corruption within Government and focus on the welfare of our citizens, our country will continue to erode.
Dr. Cecil Dilipkumar

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