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Reply to "IF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS WERE HELD SOON: THE APNU/AFC WILL LOSE MISERABLY"

URP Objects to Government’s salary increase

October 18, 2015 | By | Filed Under Letters 

Dear Editor, The URP has remained silent over the last five months as it gives the new AFC coalition government a chance to rule during its honeymoon period. But the coalition seems hell bent on abusing ours and public silence to its policies and actions leading to this public rebuke of several policies. The government disappoints on several fronts: large cabinet, square pegs in round holes, appointments of Ministers and other personnel, the budget, handling of rice prices and farmers, firing of thousands of workers on account of ethnic and political affiliation, racial discrimination in appointments, arrogance on the part of several ministers, and the latest salary increase of Ministers. The latter comes after the government called for wage sacrifices and the public was told the treasury is almost empty with public servants and pensioners being given only a 5% increase. It is also noted that people are surviving under very harsh social and economic conditions with this government cancelling $10K voucher for children for uniform and books that has been a rite of passage over the last several years. It is incredible that the government has almost doubled their salaries a mere four months after coming into office. It is even more galling that Ministers are criticizing those who oppose the hefty salary increase with the government justifying it as a move to curb corruption among Ministers. As other have commented, this cabinet is characterized by self- interest and nepotism. It is built around friends and family for self-enrichment. APNU-AFC is practicing exactly that which it criticized its predecessor. This is the exact opposite of the meaning of good governance which is about service to humanity and not of serving self. A government should be more prudent about its actions and treatment of citizens. This government has done the same things that it criticized the PPP breaking its promise never to do them. It promised, for example, to guarantee rice farmers some $9,000 a bag for paddy. Today farmers are getting between $850 and $1500 a bag and some paddy have been refused by millers. Rice producers and other farmers are operating at a loss – a violation of the commitment given by APNU-AFC. On every policy undertaking, there is little, if any, consultation with stakeholders. The government basically does what it wants because it is in charge”. The government’s policy announcements are underscored by sheer arrogance and excesses, worse than what existed under its predecessor. People, including those who voted for this regime, feel a strong sense of betrayal. It gives an impression that the government officials are not genuine about public service commitment.  Public service and or serving as a Minister should be seen as acts of and commitment to nation and not as acts for self-enrichment or a career. It really should be a call to purpose and not chasing after money. Ministers want massive personal gains while the people whose lives politicians pledge to improve cannot boast of any significant betterment. Love for our country cannot be expressed through self-gains. The URP objects to this ministerial salary increase and other policies found wanting.  Our party calls on the government to pursue policies that will benefit everyone and not hurt anyone. We urge the government to reverse course on the salary and on its discriminatory policies and put the nation’s interest above self and party interests.  Vishnu Bandhu President URP

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