Guyanese ecstatic about recent salary hikes
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Many Guyanese are praising the Coalition Government’s continuous efforts towards improving the quality of life for all citizens. Several persons took to the social media platforms to express their satisfaction and appreciation to the government for the salary increases over the years. Some also spoke with the Department of Public Information (DPI) following His Excellency, President David Granger’s announcement of the unprecedented salary increases for public servants and an increase in allowances for health workers.
Though a worker in the private sector, Kevon Lythcott told the DPI, “the increase is very good because now more youths in our society will want to venture into the government sector.”
The young man described the increase as a means of giving back to public servants who continually work to improve the delivery of government services.
Tia Thompson, a daughter of a public servant, says her family will be able to manage their debt with the recently announced salary increases better. According to Tia, “it’s going to be better for me because it’s going to assist my mother. At least she will be able to have a better Christmas with all of her kids.”
Meanwhile, Andrea Jackman, who is one of the dedicated cleaners within one of the government ministries, said the salary hike will help her better manage her responsibilities.
“We are looking forward to the increase because some of us have families to take care of, and we have children who are going to school who would need that money,” Andrea stated.
One of the indisputable spin-offs of the salary increases is the added value of careers within the public service. In this regard, Jamie Norville of the Government Technical Institute (GTI) expressed, “it will change our mindset about how we go forward looking at these different types of jobs.”
The Head of State’s recent announcement represents a 9% hike in the minimum wage, bringing it to an all-time high of $70,000. Additionally, public servants will benefit from a tax-free retroactive salary increase.
Since coming to office in 2015, the Coalition has been substantially increasing salaries for public servants. Between 2015, and this year, the total increase stands at 77%.