…TIGI boss and Gaskin denounce “excessive”, “premature” raises

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Administration continues to come under fire for

President of TIGI Calvin Bernard

its decision to increase its Ministers’ salaries by a whopping 50 per cent.  Several independent commentators have added their assessment that the raise is way too “excessive” given the fact that public servants were given a miniscule five per cent increase. During last week Minister of State Joseph Harmon confirmed and vigorously defended his Government’s decision to raise the salaries of Ministers, Junior Ministers, including three Vice Presidents. Since then, an increasing number of key stakeholders in society have indicated their disappointment and even outrage in the Coalition Administration.

TIGI Speaking with Guyana Times on Saturday, President of the Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI) Calvin Bernard has also condemned the move by Government, saying it is too soon for a raise and more so such a “very excessive” one. According to Bernard, the issue goes back to early August when the salary increases was first published by this newspaper and Government’s reaction was to merely say they were just “considering it” and were looking at setting up some structure for salary scales. He noted that the impression given by the Administration was that it was not to be implemented anytime soon. He was referring to a statement by Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman who signalled strongly that the projected salary increase would be rescinded. The TIGI President noted that while in opposition, both the APNU and AFC were quick to point out that the salaries of the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration was too high. “This increase, like the modification at the level of ministries, was not part of the party manifesto for the elections so it begs the question:

Ramon Gaskin

how did it become such a priority? The way in which they were done suggest that there was hope that they would go unnoticed. One of the first things we learned from the new Government was that the treasury was near broke when they took office. If we are near broke how do we afford these increases? We should therefore be given a clear explanation on how they will be funded,” Bernard demanded. Moreover, he went on to outline that meagre salaries paid to public servants are “shameful” and is likely to drives some towards corrupting the systems, not necessarily as greed but to earn a little extra in order to survive. The TIGI President opined that the general public service has received no increases that are of real consequence in giving them a decent living and allowing them to stop corrupt activities. “The corruption in the public service is felt directly by the ordinary man who must choose between: going before the court to waste time because the Officers never show up to give witness; and paying the officer a ‘small piece’ or buying them a ‘Chiney’ fried rice; or choose between enduring long lines to access basic services because those who give the persons at the desk/counter a ‘small piece’ have to be served before, and just simply paying the ‘small piece’ for faster service,” Bernard highlighted. One of the justifications given by Minister Harmon for the increases was that it would prevent Ministers from “thiefing” like those under the PPP/C regime, however the TIGI President explained that Ministers never steal for need but for greed. “No matter what you pay a greedy thief, they will still steal. Better to make sure you got no thieves in the system. Additionally, the theft at the high level is indirectly felt by the ordinary man. Minister Harmon says that the ministers deserve the increases, but how could they objectively determine this when they have not been evaluated,” Bernard added.

Gaskin On the other hand, political commentator Ramon Gaskin is also of the view that the salary increase Government has given themselves is way too excessive when compared with the meagre five per cent hike given to Public Servants. Gaskin pointed out that in addition to a salary, Ministers also get a host of other benefits that would rack up to over a million dollars per month each. He mentioned duty free on vehicles, electricity subventions, insurance, free travel allowance, among others. “When you add all of these benefits up, the cost for them is way too much along with their salaries,” he stated. Furthermore he stated, there are too many Ministers in this Government – 27 of them: “It is a lot of money and the country cannot afford to pay such a huge increase to so many Ministers.” Gaskin further opined that it is too early in the game for anybody to get any increases. He noted that before an increase can be given, a certain amount of time needs to pass and an evaluation undertaken. This, he noted, should be done by an independent Committee and not by Cabinet. “It’s like you are setting and giving yourself a salary… You need an independent committee of professional persons to determine this… Ministers should be paid properly but should not be allowed to set their salaries themselves,” Gaskin underlined.