AS public servants welcome the retroactive salary increases, Minister of Finance, Hon. Winston Jordan, said the pay increases were tied to the fact that more persons were paying their fair share of taxes.

Minister Jordan explained, in an exclusive interview, “Over the last four years, we have been able to do what we have done because attention was paid to those who are paying taxes. Let it be known, that it is this government that has improved dramatically the personal allowance, and it is this government that has reduced the income tax for public corporations who are involved in manufacturing and small industries.”

The Finance Minister added that the Coalition Government’s achievements of doing more for workers and companies, in four short years, surpass the record of the previous 23-year administration.

His Excellency, President David Granger, on November 13 announced a major tax-free retroactive salary increase for 2019. With the minimum wage climbing, public servants earning between $64,200 and $99,999 will, this year, see a 9 percent increase in their salaries. All increases will be retroactive from January 1, 2019. This means that a public service employee who earns a monthly salary of $64,200, will take home $70,000 in December, and it will be tax-free. In addition, they will get more than a month’s salary, given that the 9 percent increase is retroactive for 12 months.

Announcing the improved salary packages, the Head of State said, “The APNU+AFC Coalition is committed to creating a proficient, professional, highly-motivated and well-paid public service. Your government is committed to good governance and ensuring that all Guyanese can enjoy the good life.”

He noted that increases in salaries and wages have positively impacted the performance of public servants themselves, their households and on the national economy as a whole.(DPI)