‘Guyana’s transformation will be driven by its people’ – Edghill declares at Linden Labour Day Rally

As Guyanese workers across the nation celebrated Labour Day, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, issued a poignant reminder that the country’s transformation is not defined by its oil reserves or gold wealth, but by the unwavering dedication of its people.

Speaking at a Labour Day lunch hosted at the Watooka Guest House in Linden on Thursday, the Minister addressed nearly 300 workers across multiple sectors, paying tribute to their resilience, productivity, and irreplaceable role in shaping the country’s progress.
“The real joy of a dignified worker,” Minister Edghill said, “is how many people’s lives they have made better and how many people they serve.” His comments came in the context of ongoing Government investments aimed at not just improving wages, but at expanding holistic benefits to the workforce.
The Minister emphasised the need to appreciate every role in the economy, noting that workers at all levels—from janitors to engineers, from police officers to teachers—contribute equally to national development.
In a time when some public service professions have come under scrutiny, Edghill made a measured appeal: “Wrong is wrong. But don’t paint everyone with one brush.”
“We salute all of our people who are in the public service. They work until they get their tasks accomplished. We must honour our men and women in uniform. While some of us might be unhappy with the recent actions, they are the people who take care of us. Let us also salute our cleaners, drivers, security officers etc. You are as important as the CEO, Head Teacher, Engineer etc. because if you don’t do your work, they can’t do their work,” the Minister said.
Edghill elaborated on how the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government has made strategic investments to improve the quality of life for workers. Chief among these is the national housing programme, which he credited with delivering nearly 45,000 house lots across the country. This initiative, he posited, has brought dignity and stability to countless families who previously lived in overcrowded, multi-family households.
On the economic front, he pointed to increases in the income tax threshold and new tax relief for parents and dual-income earners. “For the first time,” Edghill noted, “you can claim for your minor children.” He also emphasised reforms that allow up to 50 per cent of income earned from second jobs to be tax-free—a policy meant to support those juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet.
“These aren’t just populist giveaways,” he explained. “They are recognition of a modern economic reality.”
Dual-Income
Further, the Minister sought to normalise the growing phenomenon of Guyanese taking on second jobs—whether in healthcare, construction, or retail, stating that similar trends are common in advanced economies like the United States (US) and Europe. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you are poor because you’re working two jobs,” he said. “People overseas do the same to pay for mortgages and education. You’re striving for a better life—and that is honourable.”
On this point Edghill maintained that Guyana’s development trajectory must remain people-centred. “It’s not oil or gold that will transform this country—it’s the people,” he declared. He described President Ali’s administration as one that listens to the people’s needs, and acts with empathy and vision.
“As we modernise, we must continue to put our workers—our teachers, our cleaners, our builders—at the heart of national development,” he said. “They are not just contributors to growth, they are the engines of transformation.”