Teachers’ salary increases coming – Pres. Ali

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has committed to salary adjustments for teachers, as has been done for healthcare workers and members of the joint forces, but he could not say specifically when that increase would be provided.

And though it is crucial for teachers to get that increase, the Guyanese Head of State explained that his government is first focusing on adjusting salaries which has the greatest anomalies.

“The day for teachers will come.

“… Every category of worker will be addressed. We are starting from critical areas where there were a number of anomalies and that is how we are progressing,” Dr. Ali told reporters at the sidelines of an event on Wednesday.

But what are those anomalies?

The President gave the example of nurses who, before the salary adjustments, were earning about $98,000. When the adjustments take effect next month, they will be earning $160,000.

Similar adjustment needs were identified among other workers, prompting the increases.

With the increases already announced, over 5,000 healthcare workers will benefit from another $1.5 billion in more disposable income; increases for the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Defence Force, will see an additional sum of $1 billion injected into the economy.

Importantly, the President explained that his government is focused on a “holistic” plans of improving workers’ lives. So, salary increases are not the only benefits that will be provided.

Specifically on teachers, the President said they are an important asset to the country and assured them that he will work towards delivering increases and other benefits to them.

He could not say how soon this will be done but noted that “things are working pretty quickly in this country.”