Latest update March 23rd, 2025 9:41 AM
Latest News
- ExxonMobil dodges question on whether operations can lead to cancer, other diseases
- Govt., and Opposition MPs a no-show at Exxon’s public meetings on 8th project
- Trump revokes legal status for 530,000 immigrants in the US
- Over 200 affected after fire destroys section of Critchlow Labour College
- Govt. issues order to acquire more land for Gas-to-Energy project
$50,000 bonus does not extend to pensioners – Harmon
A recent $50,000 bonus for public servants does not extend to pensioners, Government says.
Responding to questions on Wednesday related to the bonus announced earlier this month to certain categories of workers, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, explained that the $50,000 payment is for serving public servants who are earning less than $500,000 monthly.
Harmon admitted that previously, it was the practice to give pensioners the level of increase that public servants would receive.
The official insisted that his Government, which came into office back in May following early general elections, has always taken serious steps to ensure that pensioners “…persons who have actually worked their life, given the best years of their life, in the public service…” actually receive them (increases).
Minister of State Joseph Harmon
According to Harmon, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, in addressing benefits for pensioners, had noted that it was the beginning of a number of measures to improve their lot.
Meanwhile, responding to increased benefits for sweepers and cleaners hired to do work in schools across the country, the minister told reporters that the arrangements for them are still being worked out.
The sweepers and cleaners, he said, are not in the same category of workers as other public servants as they work for certain hours.
“I met last month with the (Guyana) Public Service Union and I gave them the assurance that we continue to work on this issue to make sure that it is resolved in the shortest possible time. So I understand the union’s anxiety, but we have also asked the sweepers/cleaners…we ask that they understand that we have their interest at heart and that specific features of the kind of services they provide, the hours of work which they provide on a daily basis…will have to be categorized so we can make a decision in that regard.”
Harmon does not see any major hurdles in having the issue resolved next year.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Teen arrested over uncle’s murder after sharing burial plan with relative
Kaieteur News- A teenager of Tabatinga, Lethem, Central Rupununi, Region Nine was arrested for murder on Friday after he... more
The Caribbean: Destined to Grin and Bear the Consequences of Its Self-Created Vulnerabilities?
By Sir Ronald Sanders For decades, many Caribbean nations have grappled with dependence on a small number of powerful countries... more
Weekend Cartoon
