Social activist thinks Ministerial salary increase is heartless

Oct 31, 2015 Letters

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Dear Editor,
Ever since the hefty salary increases for the ministers of the present government whom have spent less than five months in office there has been an outcry of foul amongst the grassroots citizens of this country. Thus, here I am putting in my “two cents” on behalf of those who vent their disapproval at this unfair move by those who were put in office to serve (not in self-interest),  but the people of this country and  after all, it is the tax-payers who are the bosses of the government and NOT vice versa.                                                    May I remind the ministers that instead of asking “what my country can do for me/us”   They should always be asking “what can I/we do for our country and our citizens?” Secondly the ministerial salary structure and benefits would have been open to their perusal before they accepted any appointment to serve as ministers.
It is understandable that prior to May 2015, most of these ministers practiced as high profiled attorneys, or owned private businesses (which they still do) and raked in huge amounts of cash, but they had to pay out of their pockets for all the fringe benefits they now enjoy.  Judging by the response generated by this latest act of betrayal with this unjust multi-million dollar move (in the opinion of the grassroots’ citizens), if the ministerial salary and various benefits that goes with this post did not appeal to the minister he/she should have simply refused the position and let someone who needs it more accept it as is!
If my memory serves me correctly, prior to budget presentation, the PM Moses Nagamootoo  had indicated that a salary increase was being considered for the ministers but that increase will come into effect at a later date , he further stated that these increases will alleviate the urge to stick their hands in the cookie jar.  This exact reason was given by Minister Harmon as the justification behind the already huge salaries.  Which brings one to the interpretation, (by their own admission) that in other words; they are all thieves but with Big Fat salaries they will resist the temptation to stick their hands in the cookie jar?  A typical case of Bureaucrats speaking Bureaucrap! (as I referred to it)
How can this government be so insensitive and uncaring to the cries of its citizens in adamantly refusing to repeal this erroneous decision which is only in their self-interest?  Yet they expect the citizens to be satisfied with incomes as low as $50,000 per month, without taking into consideration that these low income citizens have to pay all utilities and sustain their families and themselves from such a meager sum with no fringe benefits as being enjoyed by them.  Another observation is how many of these ministers have children below 18 years of age who are their dependents?   Why do policy makers always have to be paid in multi-millions to do their jobs?  Anyone who really have his/her country and its people at heart will give as much of themselves as possible and even accept a cut back in his/her salary; because how much money, posh cars, houses, jewellery, clothing or food does one really need to survive?  Are all these things real necessities before policy makers get their feet wet? Do these over-paid Bureaucrats ever consider the fact that nothing on earth goes with anyone to their graves,(no matter how rich or powerful you were) except ones Deeds – good or bad!
I implore not only APNU/AFC coalition but all the policy makers to take an example of Uruguay’s president Jose Mujica’s life. Please Google that great president to learn about his selfless approach to his people and country.  Certainly, if anyone has claim of leading by example, it is without any doubt this humble and generous soul; who not only refuses all the luxuries that go with his status and opts for a simple life but donates the bulk of his salary to social projects.  While we are on the subject of who is being rewarded for loyalties to APNU/AFC, I would like to ask the question: What provision was made for the families of those who lost their lives and livelihood in their pursuit of this coalition? Certainly if anyone deserves an increase in finances it is without doubt these families.
In closing, maybe the government will reconsider not only to repeal their decision of salary increases but will instead accept a cut all around the table. May I remind our leaders that one’s greatness is not measured by the size of their salary, bank account or other frivolities, but instead by one’s humility and integrity.  Should this notion be applied I am certain praises will be sung for this government that now has now behaved quite the opposite with their arrogance and deceit.  For it is apparent that those who supported or voted for the coalition felt they have been hood-winked and the APNU/AFC are fast losing popularity and thus played directly into the hands of the opposition PPP/C  by signing their own “death sentences”.
Juliet Dukhi
Social Activist

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