Speaking on his online programme Politics 101 with Dr David Hinds on Thursday political commentator Dr David Hinds said teachers, despite their political affiliation, are making a decision based on their class interests.
“What is remarkable about this, is that the Indian Guyanese teachers are very clear about where their class interest is and that is what they are giving preference to at this time.
We are glad that the teachers and by extension the Guyanese population have come to the realisation that Guyana is not the same as it was before first oil. We are a Petrostate now and that comes with a lot of changes.”
The Political Science Professor and WPA Executive member He pointed out that US oil giant ExxonMobil is indeed taking a lot from Guyana because on the bad oil contract. However, compared to where the country was befo re, Guyana is also making a lot of money from the sector. And while the government is taking praises for the massive growth in the GDP, the windfall from the sector is solely responsible. In this regard, payment to teachers and other public servants should not be an issue.
“The GDP means something. It helps teachers’ argument for a living wage. We in the WPA are happy that we were on the right side of that. The workers now have to make their case.”
He said some of the principles the WPA fought for still exist, but the circumstances are different.
“The WPA is saying the objective is not to strike, but to have an improvement in wages and salary and to get the government, the employer, to sit down and bargain with the workers.
Today in Guyana, we have seen the relevance of industrial action as a means of securing a living wage. And our government has exposed itself in the worst way.”
He said the government is acting in a political way , seeking out its own political survival.
Meanwhile Professor of Sociology at the Eastern Connecticut State University Dr Dennis Canterbury and WPA member said it is unfortunate that Guyana, with all its financial resources, is not addressing growing poverty.
“Here the teachers, their call and cry for a living wage fits into this idea because you could have the money but the curse could be the money is not reaching down to the people at the bottom.”
He said with such a big GDP, the government should be able to pay teachers and all workers at a better rate because GDP is up.
“What are you doing with all this money? And when you listen to the political people talking about these issues, they are only insulting the workers, they are making claims that would give you the impression that the teachers don’t have any skills.” (Politics 101)
