NURSES said they were informed that enough money had been passed in the 2013 national budget to allow public servants a 15% ‘back-pay’ this year. Perhaps, some newspaper or the government will find out who told them this fact.  It is strongly recommended that government tell the nation exactly who will suffer if this money is taken from other budget items.  It is important that the nation understands that the budget is based on available money in the treasury at that time and must be allotted by citizens’ needs, legal government obligations, development and the need to balance these needs on a priority basis.  Some budget items must be reduced or eliminated in order to find the money for a larger increase.  Some workers are reported to have said that “Public servants are not Christmas Ponies” and “5% can’t work. Public servants are not slaves.” Someone needs to point out to them that neither are the rest of the workers and the people depending on some form of government assistance.  It is also worth mentioning that there are other items in the budget, that benefit them or their neighbours.

Perhaps, the labour and opposition political leaders could advise the government which items should be taken out of the budget to pay for these increases.  Surely, they will not object to spending less on pensioners, electricity subsidies, school uniforms and meals, youth training, roads, drainage, police, public defenders and local governments to name a few services that may even benefit the protesters.
Once more, we are reminded of an old saying: “Rob Peter to pay Paul”, except the protesters may be both Peter and Paul.  On second thought, the old story of the “Dog and his shadow” may also apply.  Public servants may not be ponies, but too many are not serving the public, but instead have been taking the public for a ride.

N. AUGUSTUS