Dear Editor,
BASED on the recent picketing by the minibus operators, it’s a relief to see the operators picketing for a reduction in gas prices instead of increase. I would not agree to one article in the dailies that for over a decade they have not been a raise in bus fares.

A short drop fare supposed to be $60 but during the PPP/C era, the fare was increase to $80 and sadly on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), it is $100. At a certain hour they demand that and some so called ‘shine bus’ they charge $300 instead of $200. However, instead of calling for an increase they are calling for a reduction which is fair enough because I am sure they are aware of the conditions of people’s wages in society today.

Editor, not too long ago I penned a letter about the wages and working conditions in places especially on the West Coast, and immediately after I heard that some officials visited certain places I mentioned. Now I am not hearing of any development at these places and it should be noted that many places are still underpaying staff with threat of things hard, people looking for jobs and people want work.

Now, most shop girls are working above the seven or eight-hours shift for a measly $1,000 or $1,200. I know definitely $1,200 is the most being paid all over, especially in Berbice and the West Coast of Demerara. What is even more disgusting is that they are forced to work the whole day on Saturdays and Sundays for the same day’s pay and they are given a day off during the week.

Now, that is not the only atrocities being committed against the working public, but in Guyana it seems as your job designation have a different meaning. Most places you go to, including some government ministries, you will find the security guard querying your purpose, calling to verify etc. Some have to either direct or escort you.

The only part short of them being called guard-receptionist is them not answering the telephones. Security has a whole new meaning here for me. You visit a store, the employees have to sweep and wipe. They have to fetch, pack, measure, and do a lot of extra work that is extended beyond their duty of sales girl/boy. They should have been given the cleaners’ salary and also the handyman’s/porter’s salary because they are doing those jobs. In fact, I know they would not get that and incidentally no one seems to take notice.

Regards
Sahadeo Bates