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Harmon apologises to “hurt” Guyanese, but not PPP
Weeks after reportedly saying that he has no apologies to make for salary increases to ministers and parliamentarians, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, yesterday appeared to have relaxed his stance.
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon
He is apologizing to the Guyanese people but not to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) — the Opposition.
“I said I have no apologies to make to the PPP but in the event the Guyanese people felt offended by my statement then to the Guyanese people I would say… if they feel hurt or offended by it… I would say I apologized…(but) not to the PPP because I don’t think they deserve it.”
The minister was questioned about it on Friday during the weekly press briefings of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Last month, it came to light to the administration, just after a few months in office, had approved increases for ministers, Vice Presidents, Prime Minister Sam Hinds and President David Granger.
The decision, published in the Official Gazette of Guyana, sparked criticisms even from the Government supporters who felt that timing was wrong.
The PPP put the increases at up to 50 percent, a fact disputed by Government.
The administration explained the increases were necessary as there was no catering for the Vice President positions that were created. The Attorney General was getting more than the Prime Minister, a situation that could not continue.
Questioned, Harmon last month reportedly said that the increases are justifiable and as such the Government has no apologies to make.
His comments were heavily criticized.
Harmon had noted then that the $560,000 paid to a Government Minister previously was on par with what he, as a lawyer, paid his lawyers in private practice.
The Minister also stated that there could not be a situation such as in the past administration, when Ministers were prepared to accept “lowly” salaries, but would engage in corrupt practices.
“We are not going to do that. Our ministers will have to sign to a code of service which requires them to act at a different level. And so we have to pay people well if we want them to perform,” he said, adding that he has no apologies to make in this regard.
“And if you look at the Cabinet, you will find people of quality working there. I believe the increases are justifiable,” he said.
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