By Samuel Sukhnandan
December 12, 2024
In response to the recent government-announced salary hikes for public sector employees, General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, emphasized that public sector salaries have increased by 80% over the past five years.
He described the increase as a significant achievement, underscoring its impact on public servants across the country.
Dr. Jagdeo noted that the public sector wage bill has grown from 126.8 billion Guyanese dollars in 2020 to 210.7 billion in 2024, representing an increase of 83.9 billion dollars annually.
This does not even account for the additional 8% increase for 2025, which was announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali as part of a continued commitment to improving public sector wages.
The PPP General Secretary rejected criticisms from the opposition, particularly from the APNU and AFC, who labeled the increases as “a pittance.”
Dr. Jagdeo argued that the opposition was deeply troubled by the fact that the salary increases were welcomed by the public sector, with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) having consulted and agreed to a two-year wage increase plan.
Dr. Jagdeo further highlighted the additional benefits beyond salary increases, including 100 duty-free vehicles for public sector employees, increased allowances for travel, housing, and higher qualifications, and the debunching of salaries.
He believes these measures make the public sector a more attractive place to work, putting it in competition with private sector companies for talent at all levels.
Furthermore, Dr. Jagdeo assured that even employees in public enterprises or those whose unions had not yet signed agreements would also benefit from the announced salary increases and additional benefits.
The government’s commitment to increasing salaries and providing additional benefits for public sector workers reflects a broader effort to uplift the workforce and improve living standards across the country.