Administration cannot afford more than 5% wage increase – Nandlall

By Kurt Campbell

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Against damning criticisms by the main opposition party – A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) – and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) of Government’s announced 5 percent wage increase for Public servants, the ruling Peoples Progressive Party has expressed its full support.

APNU and the GPSU have said that the increase was worthless and an indecent proposal. Several public servants have since protested the announced increase. According to the GPSU only Government “Fat Cats” will really benefit from the increase.

However, according to PPP’s Central Executive Member, Anil Nandlall the Government would have loved to give more, since it would have been ideal for any political party. He explained however that such offers must match affordability, an affordability that does not reside currently with the Administration to offer more.

“The Opposition have lamented the lack of jobs and clamoring for greater increase, that is indeed a noble position but they have to remember that they cut 32 billion dollars out of the economy, how can you do this and not expect these consequences,” Nandlall added.

He said the opposition is largely accountable for the 5% increase having cut over $32 billion from the National 2013 Budget and as such, must accept responsibility.

He said one could not subtract that large amount of money from an economy and expect no effects.

Nandlall was very forthright in noting that the Government is not in a position to offer any increase higher than five percent.