IN responding to recent reports in sections of the media about a pending salary increase for Ministers and other top level Government officials, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said that there has been mention of an increase in salaries, that is “an increase for sure for persons in the public service,” as Government officials need to be paid a respectable salary.Speaking yesterday during an interview with media operatives, the Prime Minister made it clear that he is unware of any 100% increase for Ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs), Presidential Advisors and Vice Presidents, noting that he has not seen those reports but knows for sure that no such declarations were made by the Government.

REDUCTION IN NUMBER OF MINISTRIES
However, he said that there would be an increase because of the fact that “there has been a reduction in the number of ministries, and also it would be used as a method of preventing ministers from putting their hands into the cookie jars.”
Additionally, “they need to be paid respectable salaries, same as the police ranks and other persons so as to avoid the temptation of stealing, accepting bribes and indulging in corrupt practices.”
The Prime Minister further mentioned that the Government has decided that the salary increases will help to avoid those things because once reasonable stipends and salaries are being paid, it would necessarily be an indictment for them to do something bad.
“We are moving away from the past, you see in the audits how many people have been helping themselves to vehicles and state funds, so I believe that ministers deserve to be paid,” said Mr. Nagamootoo.
Apart from avoiding the illegalities, the Prime Minister noted that there are many qualified Ministers who didn’t come into office because of political loyalties and affiliation, but because they want to make a commitment to their country for which they are qualified.
“Look at the number of persons who have left their legal practices and other highly qualified callings to give service to the Guyanese people… do we pay them enough?”
Meanwhile when asked to share his views on the reports about pending salary increases for Ministers and other senior Government Officials, former President Donald Ramotar stated that it would be “callous” on the Government’s behalf to give themselves huge increases.
“Taking into consideration increases in the number of ministries and also the increasing bureaucracy… and it is callous and insensitive what is taking place in this country,” said Mr. Ramotar.
Reports of pending salary increases first appeared in the Saturday August 1, 2015 edition of Guyana Times, which said that, “Finance Minister Winston Jordan confirmed the assertion that had been swirling of social media to the Guyana Times.”
The article also stated that, “He said the matter is currently under consideration by the Administration and the increase also extends to Members of Parliament (MPs) and basically all individuals who have a role in the House of Assembly. The increase in Ministers’ salary is under consideration. All people that concern the House of Assembly, so that will include Chief Whip, the Opposition, Ministers, and Vice Presidents and so on.”
By Navendra Seoraj