The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), the voice of the majority of the organised workforce in Guyana, is deeply disappointed by statements attributed to Leader of the Opposition, Mr Aubrey Norton. Several sections of the media reported that Mr Norton contended that subsidies provided to Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) and Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) should be discontinued. According to the news reports, the Opposition Leader advanced that improvements in the operation of those entities would negate the provision of subsidies.
It appears that Mr Norton does not fully grasp the situation. This is tragic as a national leader vying for the highest office in the land. While operational efficiencies could play a role, they cannot fully address the challenges these important utilities face. To a great extent, the input costs, over which we have no say, have been rising due to global circumstances. Certainly, the Opposition Leader and those who guide him would be aware of the situation. At least, we trust they would be. Heaven forbid they are not au fait with current global market trends and developments.
Without support from the State, these utilities would be required to pass the increased costs on to consumers through hiking tariffs. This would be a calamity for workers and their families, who would be impacted directly and indirectly by increased electricity and water costs. We recognised Mr Norton’s proposal that the subsidies be redirected to increased public servant pay and reduced income taxes. On the surface, these sound pleasing to the ears, and the Federation endorses any policy that would improve disposable income. However, we are mindful that the increased income obtained may more than be consumed just by the increased electricity and water costs. It appears a pointless policy if workers and their families are worse off at the end of it all.
The FITUG promotes and supports policies that protect and advance the interests of all workers. We cannot and do not subscribe to proposals that endanger workers’ and their families’ well-being and welfare. The proposal advanced by the Opposition Leader does the latter, and we must express our strong denunciation. We, however, must admit that we are not surprised by Mr Norton’s statements. We all recall APNU+AFC Government’s slash and tax policy that made the Guyanese people worse off and saw us being required to pay taxes on electricity, water, education and health care, among many other hardships.
