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In a statement recently, Hon. Amanza Walton-Desir, M.P., Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, criticized the current government for the ongoing plight of Guyanese teachers. Referencing recent graphics that highlight Guyana’s position as the second lowest in average monthly teacher salaries across CARICOM countries, only ahead of Haiti, Walton-Desir called the proposed 6% and 7% salary increases by the government “ridiculous” and insufficient. She emphasized that while Guyana’s real GDP growth outpaces many other CARICOM countries, the benefits are not trickling down to the educators who shape the nation’s future.
Walton-Desir lambasted President Ali’s administration for urging citizens to wait until 2027 to see tangible improvements in salaries, highlighting the immediate needs of families struggling to make ends meet. “The Ali government has the audacity to claim that Guyanese must wait while children go to bed hungry,” she said, pointing to the stark contrast between the nation’s economic growth and the poverty experienced by its teachers. She argued that the government’s plan seems to be to keep citizens preoccupied with daily survival to distract from the rampant corruption depriving them of fair access to resources and opportunities.
The Shadow Minister called for the government to prioritize the well-being of its citizens over political games. “Our nation’s progress hinges on the education of our children and the welfare of our educators,” she stated. Walton-Desir urged the Ali administration to take swift and decisive action to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and no teacher feels undervalued. She concluded by insisting that the future of Guyana depends on the government’s ability to uplift its people and address the inequalities that hinder true progress.
