OVER the last two years, there has been remarkable improvement in the lives of Guyanese and (it is hoped that) workers, during the just concluded May Day, would have examined the benefits accrued to them under the PPP/C Administration, and more recently, the Donald Ramotar Administration.

While the Opposition has cut the Budgets over the last three years and deprived many from employment opportunities, the Ramotar Administration has forged ahead and saw successive years of economic growth (5.4%, 4.8% and 5.2% for 2011-2013 respectively) and declining inflation of 3.3%, 3.5% and 0.9% for the years 2011-2013 respectively.
As the Minister of Labour pointed out during the 2014 Parliamentary Budget Debate, for the first time there is a National Minimum Wage. This National Minimum Wage Order stipulates a 40-hour work week at five days per week, eight hours daily and more than 31,000 workers have benefited and are now entitled to Leave with pay benefits.
The Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul, also went on to indicate the great gains made by workers, including the country’s ratification of the ILO Convention No. 189 for Domestic Workers, making them eligible for decent wage rates, leave with pay, and better working conditions and benefits. It is important to note that Guyana was the first Caribbean country to ratify Convention No. 189.
Guyana’s Adoption of the Decent Work Country Programme was also significant for workers.
The country is also the first to have tabled Regulations addressing HIV/AIDS in its National Assembly, thus bringing the Regulations into force. This would in a large way protect the rights of workers living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
Therefore, without a shadow of doubt, when one examines the significant benefits brought to workers within recent times, one cannot help but see consistency of the PPP/C Administration in building a country and improving the lives of workers.
The Donald Ramotar Administration has therefore shown, in no uncertain manner, that its loyalty is to the country with a deep commitment to improving the lives of the working people.
This analyst therefore salutes this son that came from the bowels of the working class, and urge that he remains focused despite the challenging times and anti-working class measures being taken by the combined Opposition in slashing yet another Budget.
Insane as they may be, having seen the Chief Justice’s ruling on this matter, this artificial cutting will still have delays in job creation and moving the country’s thrust towards continued improvement of the working class.
Ride on Mr. President! The working people are with you. This analyst condemns the Budget cutting exercise and unpatriotic measures taken by the combined Opposition forces.

ROBIN PERSAUD