Dear Editor,
I recently came across a striking claim in the media: leaders of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) told a visiting IMF team that unemployment in Guyana is a matter of choice, not circumstance. I was immediately taken aback, and after a careful reread, I feel compelled to address this viewpoint directly.
Who granted the private sector the authority to make such sweeping statements? This narrative feels like a dismissal of the real struggles ordinary people in Guyana face. It’s time for the private sector to confront the reasons behind their inability to attract and retain employees. Despite claims that employment costs have surged by about 60% over recent years, the steadfast commitment to a minimum wage of $60,000 shows a troubling lack of willingness to improve conditions for workers. If the private sector were truly transparent, it would provide a detailed breakdown of wage increases to reveal the significant disparity between top earners and those at the bottom.
Furthermore, the recent reports of the private sector meeting with the PNC, welcoming their commitment to raising the income tax threshold, raise serious concerns. Such increases primarily benefit those at the top, as many private businesses are reluctant to raise salaries for their ordinary staff, even when they can afford to do so. It is essential to recognise that increasing the income tax threshold or reducing rates effectively subsidises the private sector, eliminating the incentive to raise wages for workers.
The private sector’s position cannot be separated from the government’s. Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton’s recent endorsement of labour importation is shocking. By warning Guyanese workers of impending competition, he seems to suggest that they must accept subpar conditions and pay. This message undermines the dignity of the local workforce and perpetuates a cycle of exploitation.
The consequences of this mindset are clear, as similar situations have played out globally, often leading to dire outcomes for the workforce. It is imperative that our leaders recognise the gravity of these issues and take decisive action to prioritise the well-being of all citizens in Guyana.
Yours truly,
Andrew Singh
