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As Guyana continues to develop at an unprecedented rate, President Dr Irfaan Ali has assured that his government is working to find innovative ways of ensuring more disposal income is placed in the pockets of all of workers in both the public and private sectors.
“We have to find more innovative ways in which we’ll ensure that our farmers can be supported, the productive sector can be supported and as I speak to you, the government I lead, we are examining those innovative ways to ensure that more money remains in the pockets of the workers especially the working class,” President Ali said while addressing the gathering at a Labour Day Brunch he hosted on the lawns of the State House on Wednesday. The event was held in commemoration of International Labour Day, observed annually on May 1.
His remarks come on the heels of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration already adjusting the salary scales for several categories of public sector workers including those in the healthcare and law enforcement sectors as well as teachers.
The Head of State noted that Guyana’s “diverse and multifaceted” workforce is at the heart of the resilience of Guyana and as the ‘2030 and Beyond’ era approaches, they will benefit not only from the best welfare package in the region but also as the most advanced, educated and skilled population in this region.
This will be as a result of the education revolution that the Ali-led Government has started, which is not only giving those who can get into university a chance but also give those who never got the opportunity to get in secondary school a second chance so that, in a huge upward momentum, all Guyanese will progress together.
President Ali disclosed that when his administration took office less than four years ago, the country had lost 50,000 jobs and the economic was in a state of despair with most of the traditional industries suffering.
Today, with the hard work and commitment of the Guyanese workers, the local economy has generated more than 65,000 jobs in the last three and half years – already exceeding the PPP/C’s 2020 Manifesto promise of creating 50,000 jobs within its five-year term.
The Guyanese Leader went on to emphasise that the most critical part of his government’s transformative agenda, is to improve the standard of living for the poor, vulnerable, and oppressed.
Investments in facilities and the necessary tools are underway to enhance the productivity and earnings of the working class.
“The philosophy that we pursue in building the working class in our country and creating opportunity for the working class in our country is one that is fair and just, one that is equitable and one that seeks to bring the balance among all the balance. There is no other way as we move forward from Labour Day 2024 than a united, strong, resilient and sustainable Guyana, and we will have it no other way… And at the heart of that resilience is the workers of our country,” he stated.
According to the president, his government prioritises pragmatic policies over ideology, aiming to enact tangible social change, as he highlighted the slew of positive outcomes owing to the government’s plans.
“We don’t practice ideology and philosophy; we implement measures and policies that give life and meaning to societal change. We practice a proper differential approach to growth and development,” President Ai underscored.
Meanwhile, President Ali further noted that he sees beyond organisational divisions, recognising the shared Guyanese identity and the collective pursuit of prosperity.
Shifting his focus towards those who aim to create divisions, President Ali urged them to acknowledge the truth and facts. He invited them to join hands under the One Guyana umbrella and contribute to national unity.
“My friends, let us recommit to this task, that has eluded us many times before us…The time is now for the ordinary workers, the time is now for the collective Guyanese spirit to rise, rise as Guyanese, rise as citizens of Guyana, rise as a product of this beautiful country, rise with the future of your children and grandchildren before you, rise in this tide of unity,” the Head of State encouraged.
President Ali then reaffirmed his administration’s trustworthiness, highlighting tangible progress achieved in under three years, including the fulfilment of almost all of its 2020-2025 manifesto commitments.
Labour Day is a day to recognise the contributions, dedication and fight for fair treatment for all workers. It is also a day to honour the efforts and achievements of workers and the labour movement.