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Georgetown, Guyana (Credible Sources) Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan has sharply criticized the recent salary measures announced by President Irfaan Ali, arguing they widen the income gap between high-ranking officials and ordinary public servants. Speaking “In The Ring,” our affiliate program hosted by Sherod Duncan, Jordan described the announced increases as insufficient for addressing inflation and the rising cost of living, particularly for low-income earners.
However, Jordan acknowledged certain positives in the measures, giving “props” to the government for concluding an agreement with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) after years of stalled negotiations. “This administration deserves credit for addressing long-neglected allowances, some of which had been untouched for decades,” he said, highlighting the uniform, housing, and risk allowances. He also praised the government for attempting to debunch salary scales and for recognizing the importance of educational qualifications through new allowances.
President Ali’s measures include a 10% salary increase retroactive to January 1, 2024, and an 8% increase in 2025, along with adjustments for public servants at different salary scales and new qualification allowances. While lauding the effort to address long-neglected allowances, Jordan pointed out a glaring disparity in the impact of these increases. “A minimum wage worker, earning $86,150 monthly, will see an additional $8,615—hardly enough to offset inflation,” he said. By contrast, the President, who earns approximately $2.9 million monthly tax-free, will receive an additional $290,000 annually from the same 10% raise.
Jordan emphasized that these increases fail to make a meaningful difference for most public servants. He criticized the government’s lack of a comprehensive wages policy, stating, “The measures are stop-gap and do little to address systemic inequities.” The former minister noted that cumulative increases of 35% over four years pale compared to the 77% increase achieved during the Coalition administration when he held responsibility for the country’s finances, which he says occurred without the financial benefit of oil revenues.
The former finance minister was scathing in his criticism of what he called a failure to uphold campaign promises. He reminded viewers that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had vocally opposed the coalition government’s 50% salary increase for ministers in 2015, pledging to reverse it if elected. “Not only did they fail to revert it,” Jordan pointed out, “but since taking office, they have enjoyed several raises, including this latest hike.” He accused the PPP government of benefiting disproportionately from policies they once denounced, labeling it a case of “double standards.”
Highlighting broader economic concerns, Jordan pointed to the inflationary pressures on the economy and the need for structural public sector reform. “These nominal increases sound good, but in real terms, public servants are worse off. Inflation eats into whatever gains they might think they’re making,” he warned.
Jordan also questioned the intent behind qualification allowances for ACCA, master’s, and doctoral degree holders, labeling them as inadequate incentives to retain skilled professionals. “How do you attract an ACCA accountant with an additional $15,000 monthly that’s taxable?” he asked. He stressed the need for a strategic approach to salary restructuring, performance-based incentives, and competitive pay to retain talent in critical sectors.
The former minister urged the government to prioritize meaningful increases for low-income earners and to develop a clear salary target to ensure equity and sustainability in the public sector.
