Dear EditorI AM grateful to you for publishing my articles, which are written not to attract attention on me, but on the issues I raise.

Today, I am really amazed at the continuous articles being published in all the newspapers concerning the increase of salary for ministers of government. I am overcome by all the comments, although I agree that, as members of our society, every critic has the right to raise issues that concern him/her. However this issue seems to have no end, as comments upon comments are being made, neglecting more pressing issues.

It has become clear to all and sundry in Guyana that this new government has, in a very short time, been doing a great number of things — like improving the sanitation around the country; exposing and bringing to light the many shortcomings of the previous government, leading to some prominent persons being taken to court for their alleged illegal activities; and other things that are yet to be made known.

When you look at the excellent and arguably efficient way this new government is endeavouring to bring all-round improvement to our country, what is the big fuss if they have increased their salary as they did?

This is a normal way of life. You don’t pay the same amount of money for a Toyota as you pay for a BMW or a Mercedes Benz. In the same way, you cannot expect the current government ministers to work for the same money as the previous government ministers. They are like cheese to chalk. What your present ministers have achieved so far, and what they are working towards, are what the previous government has failed to achieve in 23 years of government!

I hereby call upon civil society to make its position known on this issue. Quite recently, I have been hearing that, under the present constitution, civil society is entitled to two seats in Parliament. If this is so, then why is civil society not making its presence felt in relation to what is happening?

None can doubt that no one is perfect. I can recall reading in the Bible in a certain situation when a woman was found unfaithful to her husband, she was found guilty at her trial, and when asked about the penalty she should receive, Jesus said, “He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone”; but in today’s world — and particularly in Guyana – ‘sinners’ are the ones who are throwing the stones instead of being stoned.

At present, everybody knows and understands that, with the oil find in Guyana, it is only a matter of time before Guyana begins to experience change for the better in economic development. So, if you have a team that is capable of such development, why deliberate so extensively on the ministers’ salary increases?

The AFC and APNU, by winning the last election, have demonstrated that if all the races in Guyana cooperate and support each other, much can be achieved for all!

What seems to be happening is that the previous government laid the foundation for the oil exploration, but this new government has the authority to proceed. In this connection, the opposition seems to be picking at every straw in order to cause a government for the people to fail, so that its representatives can once more take over to wreak havoc for themselves, friends and family, and not necessarily for the entire Guyana, as this present government is trying very hard to do.

The opposition has been questioning everything this current government is doing, but is silent and saying very little on the Venezuela situation or the Suriname issue. No effort has been publicly made to demonstrate any assistance to the rice farmers, miners who are being threatened by the Venezuela Government etc. In the circumstances, it can be interpreted by the opposition’s present attitude that they are thinking only about themselves, and not the people of Guyana as a whole.

Civic society, where are you? Now is the time to step forward to assist in ensuring that we get maximum cooperation from all citizens of Guyana, so that we can go forward together in unity. The Bible says you should forgive absolutely and replace hatred and envy with love and affection. This is what Guyana needs.
Respectfully,
Jonas M.F Coddett