quote:

Originally posted by Horse Man:

quote:

1) These workers are not classified as public servants, but as contractural workers and as such it is left on the contractors to pay based on what he/she can afford. We cannnot expect that a contractor who has been receiving an amount of $15,800 to pay a janitor/sweeper would pay a higher amount.

1) These workers are not classified as public servants, but as contractural workers and as such it is left on the contractors to pay based on what he/she can afford. We cannnot expect that a contractor who has been receiving an amount of $15,800 to pay a janitor/sweeper would pay a higher amount.



ASJ this is total bullshit, the government should have clauses in its contracts or Master Services agreements that stipulate that its contractors must abide by the labor laws and laws of the country otherwise they would lose the contract.

This is silly and it is skirting around the issue it is also something that goes to the heart of what people complain about this government today in Guyana there is no accountability.

Where is the government's accountability? These contracts should be rescinded immediately. We in the PPP need to stop making poor excuses to defend the indefensible.

This is wrong, whether you like it or not it is wrong and we in the PPP should not defend or attempt to defend it or tolerate it. This is what is kicking our ass daily down here.

Stop making yourself out to be an ah, and address the issue of Janitor/Sweeper, as it is foolish to go to other issues like accountability and the Government that is for another subject.

Read my reasoning carefully before you put forward a foolish response like you always do.

I take you for what you are....an AFC apologist disguising yourselt as a PPP diehard.

.

quote:

Originally posted by albert:
Horsey aka Ossie R.

The following statement speaks for itself....the Janitors knew with was the contractual agreement and the payment package in advance...

quote....1) These workers are not classified as public servants, but as contractural workers and as such it is left on the contractors to pay based on what he/she can afford. We cannnot expect that a contractor who has been receiving an amount of $15,800 to pay a janitor/sweeper would pay a higher amount.

2) Now this is important, whereas a Public Servant works 8 hours per day for a salary of $32,207 one cannot expect a janitor/sweeper who works 4 hours per day to be paid the same amount of that as a Public Servant. I do not know if janitor/sweeper stays 8 hours in school, as during my days going to school janitor/sweepers would come in after school hours an work for two to three hours and finished their chores, and this goes on for the entire week.

I guess that if you are a businessman and has a business, then I am sure that a worker that works 8 hours will certainly earns more than a worker that works 4 hours....unquote

Ahole it is irrelevant what people knew and what they did not know. If they are in violation of the minimum wage it is up to us as the government and the authorities to uphold the laws of the country and have tight contracts that stipulate contractors for the govt cannot pay a wage of x or y or z to their people.

Do you comprehend that or are you too damn daft to get that.

You call me Ossie I will call you ahole. Continue.

Albert, quite apt to use de marijuana plant as part of your logo.

PPP ALL THE WAY: LET PROGRESS CONTINUES PART 2

Guyana records 5.9% economic growth
Written by Johann Earle
Friday, 02 September 2011 04:08

Export earnings expanded by 34.6 percent to US$533.1 million
Guyana’s economy grew by 5.9 percent in the first half of the year, building on the achievement of five consecutive years of positive growth since 2006 and giving a positive prognosis for end of year results.

The achievement of this level of growth in the first half was described by Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh as most commendable, and was reported in the 2011 Mid-Year Report 2011 tabled by the Minister in the National Assembly yesterday.
The report said that underlying this overall expansion in real gross domestic product in the first half of 2011 was growth in the non-sugar sectors of five percent, while the sugar sector contributed to the overall acceleration of growth.

The report said that, as a result of this positive performance and given the updated outlook for the various productive sectors, the economy is projected to grow by 5.1 percent in 2011. The report said that the non-sugar sector is projected to grow at 3.4 percent, revised upward from the original projection of 4.6 percent and 2.8 percent at the time of the budget of 2011. Export earnings expanded by 34.6 percent to US$533.1 million.
The report said export earnings from sugar increased by 32.4 percent to US$50.1 million, reflecting a 30.4 percent increase in quantity shipped to 99,738 tonnes.
The Mid-Year Report said that in the first half of 2011, the sugar industry showed tentative signs that the path to recovery has commenced.
“The sector returned a 2011 first crop of 106,871 tonnes, reflecting a 30.5 percent increase over the first crop of 2010 and the best first crop performance since 2004,” the report said.
“The industry continues to emphasize that if workers maximize the opportunity days available for harvesting for the second crop, the [target] of 298,879 tonnes is achievable,” the report said, adding that the recent conclusion of an agreement between the unions and the sugar corporation on wages and salaries for 2011 is likely to be helpful in achieving the target.
It said that rice continued its trend of successful first crops, with the industry coming off a remarkable production performance in 2010. The 2011 first crop was 207,514 tonnes, 23 percent higher than at the corresponding period in 2010, and the highest first crop in the industry’s history, the report said.
The report said that rice export earnings expanded by 35.1 percent to US$92.6 million, mainly attributed to a 26.4 percent increase in average export price to US$551.4 per tone, coupled with a 6.8 percent increase in export volume to 167,945 tonnes.
It said that the performance of the sector is attributable mainly to improvements in drainage and irrigation as a result of government’s investments, the development of new and more tolerant rice strains, higher yields and higher acreage of paddy planted.

Though production in the livestock industry was targeted to remain stable through 2011, the report said that for the first half of the year, overall production levels actually increased by 2.7 percent, with increases in poultry meat, table eggs, mutton and beef, while pork production declined. Fish also suffered a decline in production, having been projected to grow by 0.4 percent.
The report said that in the forest sector, during the first half of 2011, production of logs, lumber and roundwood all contracted, resulting in an overall negative growth in the industry of 30.3 percent.
“Notwithstanding the resumed production of plywood manufacturing operations, sustained international demand for several of Guyana’s traditional species now boosted by the penetration of Guyana’s lesser used species into the international market and attendant improvements in international market prices, the sector is now projected to contract by 19.9 percent by yearend compared to an earlier projected contraction of 1.4 percent,” the report said.
It said in the mining and quarrying sector, bauxite production reached a total of 815,505 tonnes at the half year, an increase of 38.6 percent compared to the same period in 2010. “While both [RUSAL and BOSAI] have posted higher production, the increases came largely from the two lower valued products,” the report said. It said that the projected growth rate for value-added in the bauxite industry is 13.4 percent.
Total gold production in the first half of 2011 was 163,413 ounces, an increase of 14.9 percent over 2010. “With gold prices hovering firmly above US$1,500 per ounce and approaching US$1,800 per ounce in the post mid-year period, there is every incentive to invest and operate in the industry…gold production is now projected to reach 320,000 ounces resulting in an upward revision in the industry’s projection,” the report stated.

It said too, that the average export price of gold witnessed a 29.1 percent increase to US$1,370.3 per ounce, contributing to a 56.4 percent increase in export earnings to US$229.5 million.
The report said expectations for the wholesale and retail sector were exceeded with robust growth of 21.7 percent being recorded for the half year.
Turning to the achievements in the financial sector, the report said that deposits of the private, public and non-bank financial institutions increased during the review period, and led to total resident deposits expanding by 7 percent to $253.2 billion.
It said private sector deposits, which accounted for 77.9 percent of total resident deposits, increased by 8 percent. Private sector credit grew by 6.7 percent and amounted to $119.8 billion at end June 2011.

.

quote:

Originally posted by asj:

quote:

Originally posted by Horse Man:

quote:

1) These workers are not classified as public servants, but as contractural workers and as such it is left on the contractors to pay based on what he/she can afford. We cannnot expect that a contractor who has been receiving an amount of $15,800 to pay a janitor/sweeper would pay a higher amount.

1) These workers are not classified as public servants, but as contractural workers and as such it is left on the contractors to pay based on what he/she can afford. We cannnot expect that a contractor who has been receiving an amount of $15,800 to pay a janitor/sweeper would pay a higher amount.



ASJ this is total bullshit, the government should have clauses in its contracts or Master Services agreements that stipulate that its contractors must abide by the labor laws and laws of the country otherwise they would lose the contract.

This is silly and it is skirting around the issue it is also something that goes to the heart of what people complain about this government today in Guyana there is no accountability.

Where is the government's accountability? These contracts should be rescinded immediately. We in the PPP need to stop making poor excuses to defend the indefensible.

This is wrong, whether you like it or not it is wrong and we in the PPP should not defend or attempt to defend it or tolerate it. This is what is kicking our ass daily down here.

Stop making yourself out to be an ah, and address the issue of Janitor/Sweeper, as it is foolish to go to other issues like accountability and the Government that is for another subject.

Read my reasoning carefully before you put forward a foolish response like you always do.

I take you for what you are....an AFC apologist disguising yourselt as a PPP diehard.

.

Whatever I have been called worse than an AFC apologist before.

The bottom line is that the govt cannot be giving out contracts to people who are starving their employees and paying them minimum wage. We should have standards and stipulations in our contracts for contractors.

This is a huge problem and it is the reason that we end up with substandard work as well as we get a bad name when these people are out there picketing against us. People do not buy that it is the contractor not paying them they ultimately hold the govt accountable.

This is why in America and Canada and these countries contractors for the govt have strict guidelines they must adhere to else they lose their ability to supply the govt or be a vendor for the govt.

We need to implement the same standards rather than passing the buck which is what this is. Focus on the issue do not attack persons ASJ. You are getting to be no different than some of these AFC fools.

quote:

Originally posted by Horse Man:

quote:

Originally posted by asj:

quote:

Originally posted by Horse Man:

quote:

1) These workers are not classified as public servants, but as contractural workers and as such it is left on the contractors to pay based on what he/she can afford. We cannnot expect that a contractor who has been receiving an amount of $15,800 to pay a janitor/sweeper would pay a higher amount.

1) These workers are not classified as public servants, but as contractural workers and as such it is left on the contractors to pay based on what he/she can afford. We cannnot expect that a contractor who has been receiving an amount of $15,800 to pay a janitor/sweeper would pay a higher amount.



ASJ this is total bullshit, the government should have clauses in its contracts or Master Services agreements that stipulate that its contractors must abide by the labor laws and laws of the country otherwise they would lose the contract.

This is silly and it is skirting around the issue it is also something that goes to the heart of what people complain about this government today in Guyana there is no accountability.

Where is the government's accountability? These contracts should be rescinded immediately. We in the PPP need to stop making poor excuses to defend the indefensible.

This is wrong, whether you like it or not it is wrong and we in the PPP should not defend or attempt to defend it or tolerate it. This is what is kicking our ass daily down here.

Stop making yourself out to be an ah, and address the issue of Janitor/Sweeper, as it is foolish to go to other issues like accountability and the Government that is for another subject.

Read my reasoning carefully before you put forward a foolish response like you always do.

I take you for what you are....an AFC apologist disguising yourselt as a PPP diehard.

.

Whatever I have been called worse than an AFC apologist before.

The bottom line is that the govt cannot be giving out contracts to people who are starving their employees and paying them minimum wage. We should have standards and stipulations in our contracts for contractors.

This is a huge problem and it is the reason that we end up with substandard work as well as we get a bad name when these people are out there picketing against us. People do not buy that it is the contractor not paying them they ultimately hold the govt accountable.

This is why in America and Canada and these countries contractors for the govt have strict guidelines they must adhere to else they lose their ability to supply the govt or be a vendor for the govt.

We need to implement the same standards rather than passing the buck which is what this is. Focus on the issue do not attack persons ASJ. You are getting to be no different than some of these AFC fools.

Again HM, you are not addressing my points, makes me ask the question once more.......

WHY SHOULD JANITOR/SWEEPERS PAID MORE THAN A PUBLIC SERVANT WHEN THEY WORK FOUR HOURS OR LESS AND NOT EIGHT? it would seems that they the janitor/sweeper are in the same grade as a public servant..........no?

.

Address that then we will move

You continue to miss the point it is not about paying anyone more or less it is about paying the minimum wage. If we dont need cleaners for more than 4 hours then hire them part time and pay them on an hourly basis but pay them the minimum wage.

quote:

Originally posted by asj:
Hi Gerhard

Looking at the articles that you have posted, the thoughts that comes to me is that there might be a reason or reasons why sweepers/cleaners are paid a contracted amount of $15,800 instead of the minimum wage of $32,207.

1) These workers are not classified as public servants, but as contractural workers and as such it is left on the contractors to pay based on what he/she can afford. We cannnot expect that a contractor who has been receiving an amount of $15,800 to pay a janitor/sweeper would pay a higher amount.

2) Now this is important, whereas a Public Servant works 8 hours per day for a salary of $32,207 one cannot expect a janitor/sweeper who works 4 hours per day to be paid the same amount of that as a Public Servant. I do not know if janitor/sweeper stays 8 hours in school, as during my days going to school janitor/sweepers would come in after school hours an work for two to three hours and finished their chores, and this goes on for the entire week.

I guess that if you are a businessman and has a business, then I am sure that a worker that works 8 hours will certainly earns more than a worker that works 4 hours.

And in conclusions let me point out that during my days in school, janitor/sweepers never used to work 8 hours, I do not know what are their working hours now..........but if it is 8 hours, then I will certainly think that they deserve that public service minimum wage and all frills that goes with it. But if it is a four hours or less per day, then this will be a hard case to sell.

.

asj, there are no contractors involved. These people are paid by the Gov't. Indeed, some cleaners do not work all day, but that depends on how many there are per school. If there are a few, obviously the hours would be longer. asj, these people are required to come to work everyday, so regardless of how many hours they work, they must be given the minimum wage at least. Other Gov't employees who receive the minimum wage often don't work all day either. And what are the sums we are talking about? It is US$160 per month! Come on asj, be reasonable here.

Further, a caring Ministry of Education would have seen to it that the cleaner-sweepers get involved in other activities so as to boost their pay. Those with some amount of education could be given work in the school office, or they be offered the option to sell snacks in the school yard or run the school canteen. How can the Gov't be so uncaring and unconscionable? This is a needed service we are speaking about here, and it includes heavy work such as lifting and moving benches, tables and chairs. A private firm would cost so much more, asj.

Here is what Ramjattan said: "...such a directive effectively serves as the basis for paying sweeper-cleaners, despite their many years of service, half of the minimum wage, and denying them the benefits associated with the public service categorization. Ramjatan stated that, “The AFC has also noted that the Ministry of Finance in executing such a directive would override the authority of the RDC by sending such instructions to the Regional Executive Officer (REO) who, in contravention of the stipulation of the constitution, functions also as the Chief Finance Officer. The REO (it should be underscored) is an officer within the authority of the Council.” “This practice can certainly be deemed ultra vires the dictates of the Local Democratic Organs Act, which stipulates that the State may delegate any of its authority to a Local Democratic Organ and not to staff within that Organ,” he added. “As a result of this dire situation, teachers have had to resort to soliciting monies from parents to pay sweeper-cleaners. A duty that rightfully belongs to the State,” Ramjatan asserted emphatically.

http://guyanafriends.com/eve/f...604972/m/84420015051

Under the P.P.P/C progress will continue

posting that picture should be banned by the moderator it is distruptive to the conversations we are trying to have and just plain stupid.

And grow more marijuana Albert, as depicted by your logo.

If we in the PPP are touting ourselves as the party for the working class how and why are we allowing this unfair treatment of cleaners to take place right under our noses?

SCHOOL CLEANERS CONTRACT:
quote...My understanding is that the Government contracts out school cleaning chores to contractors, and in turn contractors then employed their own workers to do the cleaning at an agreeable wage/salary before accepting the job. Sometimes I did understand that workers were paid for amount of square feet/and or rooms cleaned as per contract. Now if the Contractors is underpaying its employees and not providing them with benifits then my friend, it is a job for those concerned to change the system,
but I would not shared out blames towards the PPP/C.

I can understand that contracts are being given out on a bidding process......and the lowest bidder gets the contract.....and in order for him/her to accrue a profit for that contract then, he/she has to pay his/her workers accordingly.

Mind you, I am not saying or implying that paying wages below the minimum standard is right, but what I am saying is that an overall look into the system and see where we can improve for the betterment, is the correct way to go.

There are schools in different parts of the world where the same problem exits re: the following is one example: http://unitedvoice.org.au/file...report-FA-screen.pdf

I do hope that we can see a promise by the authorities to revise wages of school cleaners....unquote

How albert does this reinforce or align with our famous tout that we are the party for the working class?

Which kiss me ass working class are we for?

Ossie..pls read my above post...

Just as i thought you are all just piss in the wind.

All talk and zero substance prem.

Let Progress Continue

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Horse Man:
Just as i thought you are all just piss in the wind.

All talk and zero substance prem.

On election day..the masses will be endorsing the P.P.P/C

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Horse Man:

Just as i thought you are all just piss in the wind.

All talk and zero substance prem.

Key Achievements in 2010

 The domestic economy achieved real growth of 3.6 percent, with non-sugar gross domestic expanding by 4.3 percent. This marks the fifth year of consecutive growth.

 Inflation contained to 4.5 percent.

 External Reserves increased to US$780 million, compared to US$277 million in 2006.

 External Debt has been reduced from 72 percent of GDP in 2006 to 47 percent in 2010.

 Fiscal Deficit reduced from 7.2 percent of GDP in 2006 to 4 percent in 2010.

 The first tranche of performance-based funds, approximately US$30 million was disbursed by Norway and deposited with the trustees into GRIF (Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund). This was one of the first payments for climate services received by a developing country and represents a new economic opportunity for our country.

 Gold declarations increased by 2.9 percent to 308,438 ounces

 Rice production amounted to 360,996 tonnes, representing 0.4 percent value added and the second highest output since rice production commenced.

 Construction industry grew by 10.8 percent.

 Information and Communication sector grew by 7 percent.

 Private Sector Credit grew at an average annual rate of more than 15 percent per annum over the past 4 years and amounted to $112.3 billion in 2010.

PPP ALL THE WAY: LET PROGRESS CONTINUES PART 2

quote:

Export earnings expanded by 34.6 percent to US$533.1 million
Guyana’s economy grew by 5.9 percent in the first half of the year, building on the achievement of five consecutive years of positive growth since 2006 and giving a positive prognosis for end of year results.

.

quote:

Originally posted by asj:
PPP ALL THE WAY: LET PROGRESS CONTINUES PART 2

quote:

Export earnings expanded by 34.6 percent to US$533.1 million
Guyana’s economy grew by 5.9 percent in the first half of the year, building on the achievement of five consecutive years of positive growth since 2006 and giving a positive prognosis for end of year results.

.

Asj how do you reconcile this with policemen salaries at a mere 45K per mth.

Teachers 50K per mth.

Sweepers pittance.

NIS 17000 per mth.

Chicken price growing at a break neck pace and eid is not to be blamed.

quote:

Originally posted by albert:



On election day..the masses will be endorsing the P.P.P/C

PPP ALL THE WAY: LET PROGRESS CONTINUES PART 2

quote:

Total gold production in the first half of 2011 was 163,413 ounces, an increase of 14.9 percent over 2010. “With gold prices hovering firmly above US$1,500 per ounce and approaching US$1,800 per ounce in the post mid-year period, there is every incentive to invest and operate in the industry…gold production is now projected to reach 320,000 ounces resulting in an upward revision in the industry’s projection,” the report stated.

It said too, that the average export price of gold witnessed a 29.1 percent increase to US$1,370.3 per ounce, contributing to a 56.4 percent increase in export earnings to US$229.5 million.

Sometimes I think that we should tell those jokers of Norway, that our interior can be more productive than their broken promise.

.

PPP ALL THE WAY: LET PROGRESS CONTINUES PART 2


More Schools for Guyana's Children: Men working on the floor of the Diamond/Grove Primary School

Education Minister inspects construction of Diamond/Grove Primary School

September 1, 2011

Education Minister Shaik Baksh yesterday checked on the progress of the new Diamond/Grove Primary School and expressed his satisfaction with the pace of the work.
“I’m satisfied with the progress being made in the construction of this school here and I hope that both the consultants and the contractors keep up the momentum,” Baksh said.
The Diamond/Grove Primary School, being built at a cost of $130M will provide occupancy for 1000 children in the adjoining communities.

“This is much needed and will bring great relief to the parents, who at great expense are sending their children outside of the area for primary education,” Baksh said.
Government has already built the Diamond Secondary School that is benefiting 1000 children. Government is also making provision to construct two nursery schools in the scheme, next year, Baksh said.
The schools cater to the growing children population in the community, he said.
The construction of the Diamond/Grove Primary School is part of Government’s thrust to bring education to every community, Baksh said

“Government has been investing heavily in the education sector, building new schools and providing the appropriate learning environment for the nation’s children,” he said.
The education ministry has also made provision for the residents to record their observations and concerns as it relates to the construction of the school, Minister Baksh said.
Kares Engineering Inc contractor, Radesh Rameshwar said that work on the school is beyond the work programme that the contracting service has submitted to the ministry.
Construction on the school began seven weeks ago and, according to Rameshwar, the building is already 20% complete.

The foundation, columns and floor slabs have already been completed, Rameshwar said and assured that the contracting service is facilitating all necessary measures to ensure quality work.
“I want to assure the public that we are going to work very hard to complete this project on time and within the specifications outlined in the contract,” he said.
Rameshwar also said that the contracting service welcomes the community’s involvement in the project.
“I am happy if the community comes and sees every stage of the work that we are doing and if there is any thing that they need clarification on they can always talk to us,” he said.

Regional Educational Officer of Region Four, Baydewan Rambarran said that the region is eagerly waiting the handing over of the school.
“When the building is handed over to the region, we will ensure that all systems are in place for maintenance and upkeep of the building and its compound,” Rambarran promised.
The L-shaped school will be approximately 11580sq ft with an Information Technology section, a library, a canteen, and kitchenette as well as accommodation for the teachers, 24 regular classrooms along with one large classroom.
The school is expected to be in operation by September 2012.

.

PPP ALL THE WAY: LET PROGRESS CONTINUES PART 2


Kares Engineering Inc constructing equipments in action at the Grove/Diamond Primary School
Ongoing constructions at Diamond/Grove Primary School


Ongoing constructions at Diamond/Grove Primary School


Minister of Education Shaik Baksh in discussion with the project contractor Radesh Rameshwar and project consultant Noel Adam on site at the Diamond/Grove Primary School

.

quote:

Originally posted by asj:
Hi Gerhard

Looking at the articles that you have posted, the thoughts that comes to me is that there might be a reason or reasons why sweepers/cleaners are paid a contracted amount of $15,800 instead of the minimum wage of $32,207.

1) These workers are not classified as public servants, but as contractural workers and as such it is left on the contractors to pay based on what he/she can afford. We cannnot expect that a contractor who has been receiving an amount of $15,800 to pay a janitor/sweeper would pay a higher amount.

2) Now this is important, whereas a Public Servant works 8 hours per day for a salary of $32,207 one cannot expect a janitor/sweeper who works 4 hours per day to be paid the same amount of that as a Public Servant. I do not know if janitor/sweeper stays 8 hours in school, as during my days going to school janitor/sweepers would come in after school hours an work for two to three hours and finished their chores, and this goes on for the entire week.

I guess that if you are a businessman and has a business, then I am sure that a worker that works 8 hours will certainly earns more than a worker that works 4 hours.

And in conclusions let me point out that during my days in school, janitor/sweepers never used to work 8 hours, I do not know what are their working hours now..........but if it is 8 hours, then I will certainly think that they deserve that public service minimum wage and all frills that goes with it. But if it is a four hours or less per day, then this will be a hard case to sell.

.

asj, there are no contractors involved. These people are paid by the Gov't. Indeed, some cleaners do not work all day, but that depends on how many there are per school. If there are a few, obviously the hours would be longer. asj, these people are required to come to work everyday, so regardless of how many hours they work, they must be given the minimum wage at least. Other Gov't employees who receive the minimum wage often don't work all day either. And what are the sums we are talking about? It is US$160 per month! Come on asj, be reasonable here.

Further, a caring Ministry of Education would have seen to it that the cleaner-sweepers get involved in other activities so as to boost their pay. Those with some amount of education could be given work in the school office, or they be offered the option to sell snacks in the school yard or run the school canteen. How can the Gov't be so uncaring and unconscionable? This is a needed service we are speaking about here, and it includes heavy work such as lifting and moving benches, tables and chairs. A private firm would cost so much more, asj.

Here is what Ramjattan said: "...such a directive effectively serves as the basis for paying sweeper-cleaners, despite their many years of service, half of the minimum wage, and denying them the benefits associated with the public service categorization. Ramjatan stated that, “The AFC has also noted that the Ministry of Finance in executing such a directive would override the authority of the RDC by sending such instructions to the Regional Executive Officer (REO) who, in contravention of the stipulation of the constitution, functions also as the Chief Finance Officer. The REO (it should be underscored) is an officer within the authority of the Council.” “This practice can certainly be deemed ultra vires the dictates of the Local Democratic Organs Act, which stipulates that the State may delegate any of its authority to a Local Democratic Organ and not to staff within that Organ,” he added. “As a result of this dire situation, teachers have had to resort to soliciting monies from parents to pay sweeper-cleaners. A duty that rightfully belongs to the State,” Ramjatan asserted emphatically.

http://guyanafriends.com/eve/f...604972/m/84420015051

PPP ALL THE WAY: LET PROGRESS CONTINUES PART 2

Guyana’s growth ‘enviable’ anywhere in the world – President Jagdeo

Saturday, 03 September 2011

says he is ‘extremely pleased’ with Mid-Year Report that shows 5.9% growth

President Bharrat Jagdeo pointed to the positive fiscal results of the economy during the first half of 2011, to debunk assertions that the economy is being built by drug money.
He spoke at a press conference yesterday at the Office of the President where he addressed several issues that warranted his comment.

“I am extremely pleased with the Mid-Year Report on the economy…It is a great achievement for a country to keep a high level of growth in light of the global turmoil,” he said, pointing to the almost six percent growth for the first six months of the year.

“Our country for the past six or seven years has been on a significantly elevated growth trajectory and this has continued in the first half of this year. We had a 5.9 percent growth which is an enviable figure anywhere in the world. Our exports increased by 30 percent. We have had double digit growth in the mining sector,” he said.

“We had the largest rice crop ever in our history. We had the highest sugar production since 2004,” he said.

Inflation rate for the first half of the year was pegged at three percent. “Our revenue grew by over 13 percent. So these figures are testimony to the sound management of our economy and the dynamism that you see reflected today,” he said.

“We have always argued that a significant part of the progress that you see in the housing sector comes not only from bank loans, but also from equity that people are putting into these houses. If you listen to the opposition, you would think that every bit of progress that this country makes comes from narco-money…in fact they are saying it is a narco-economy. It is real people who are creating the wealth…the bauxite workers, the gold miners, the rice farmers, the people who work in services. They create value added and they create wealth,” the president said.

The report said that underlying this overall expansion in real gross domestic product in the first half of 2011 was growth in the non-sugar sectors of five percent, while the sugar sector contributed to the overall acceleration of growth.

As a result of this positive performance, and given the updated outlook for the various productive sectors, the economy is projected to grow by 5.1 percent in 2011. The report said that the non-sugar sector is projected to grow at 3.4 percent, revised upward from the original projection of 4.6 percent and 2.8 percent at the time of the budget of 2011. Export earnings expanded by 34.6 percent to US$533.1 million.

Export earnings from sugar increased by 32.4 percent to US$50.1 million, reflecting a 30.4 percent increase in quantity shipped to 99,738 tonnes.

The Mid-Year Report said that in the first half of 2011, the sugar industry showed tentative signs that the path to recovery had commenced. The sector returned a 2011 first crop of 106,871 tonnes, reflecting a 30.5 percent increase over the first crop of 2010, and the best first crop performance since 2004.

Rice continued its trend of successful first crops, with the 2011 first crop being 207,514 tonnes, 23 percent higher than at the corresponding period in 2010, and the highest first crop in the industry’s history.

The report said that rice export earnings expanded by 35.1 percent to US$92.6 million, mainly attributed to a 26.4 percent increase in average export price to US$551.4 per tonne, coupled with a 6.8 percent increase in export volume to 167,945 tonnes.

It said that the performance of the sector is attributable mainly to improvements in drainage and irrigation, as a result of government’s investments, the development of new and more tolerant rice strains, higher yields and higher acreage of paddy planted.

.

PPP ALL THE WAY: LET PROGRESS CONTINUES PART 2

quote:

“We have always argued that a significant part of the progress that you see in the housing sector comes not only from bank loans, but also from equity that people are putting into these houses. If you listen to the opposition, you would think that every bit of progress that this country makes comes from narco-money…in fact they are saying it is a narco-economy. It is real people who are creating the wealth…the bauxite workers, the gold miners, the rice farmers, the people who work in services. They create value added and they create wealth,” the president said.

LET PROGRESS CONTINUES BY VOTING:



.

PPP ALL THE WAY: LET PROGRESS CONTINUES PART 2

quote:

The Mid-Year Report said that in the first half of 2011, the sugar industry showed tentative signs that the path to recovery had commenced. The sector returned a 2011 first crop of 106,871 tonnes, reflecting a 30.5 percent increase over the first crop of 2010, and the best first crop performance since 2004.

Someone says that Skeldon Modernized Sugar Factory is a white elephant?

.

PPP ALL THE WAY: LET PROGRESS CONTINUES PART 2

quote:

Rice continued its trend of successful first crops, with the 2011 first crop being 207,514 tonnes, 23 percent higher than at the corresponding period in 2010, and the highest first crop in the industry’s history.

Never yet in the history of Guyana....Rice had it soo good.

.

quote:

Originally posted by Gerhard Ramsaroop:

quote:

Originally posted by asj:
Hi Gerhard

Looking at the articles that you have posted, the thoughts that comes to me is that there might be a reason or reasons why sweepers/cleaners are paid a contracted amount of $15,800 instead of the minimum wage of $32,207.

1) These workers are not classified as public servants, but as contractural workers and as such it is left on the contractors to pay based on what he/she can afford. We cannnot expect that a contractor who has been receiving an amount of $15,800 to pay a janitor/sweeper would pay a higher amount.

2) Now this is important, whereas a Public Servant works 8 hours per day for a salary of $32,207 one cannot expect a janitor/sweeper who works 4 hours per day to be paid the same amount of that as a Public Servant. I do not know if janitor/sweeper stays 8 hours in school, as during my days going to school janitor/sweepers would come in after school hours an work for two to three hours and finished their chores, and this goes on for the entire week.

I guess that if you are a businessman and has a business, then I am sure that a worker that works 8 hours will certainly earns more than a worker that works 4 hours.

And in conclusions let me point out that during my days in school, janitor/sweepers never used to work 8 hours, I do not know what are their working hours now..........but if it is 8 hours, then I will certainly think that they deserve that public service minimum wage and all frills that goes with it. But if it is a four hours or less per day, then this will be a hard case to sell.

.

asj, there are no contractors involved. These people are paid by the Gov't. Indeed, some cleaners do not work all day, but that depends on how many there are per school. If there are a few, obviously the hours would be longer. asj, these people are required to come to work everyday, so regardless of how many hours they work, they must be given the minimum wage at least. Other Gov't employees who receive the minimum wage often don't work all day either. And what are the sums we are talking about? It is US$160 per month! Come on asj, be reasonable here.

Further, a caring Ministry of Education would have seen to it that the cleaner-sweepers get involved in other activities so as to boost their pay. Those with some amount of education could be given work in the school office, or they be offered the option to sell snacks in the school yard or run the school canteen. How can the Gov't be so uncaring and unconscionable? This is a needed service we are speaking about here, and it includes heavy work such as lifting and moving benches, tables and chairs. A private firm would cost so much more, asj.

Here is what Ramjattan said: "...such a directive effectively serves as the basis for paying sweeper-cleaners, despite their many years of service, half of the minimum wage, and denying them the benefits associated with the public service categorization. Ramjatan stated that, “The AFC has also noted that the Ministry of Finance in executing such a directive would override the authority of the RDC by sending such instructions to the Regional Executive Officer (REO) who, in contravention of the stipulation of the constitution, functions also as the Chief Finance Officer. The REO (it should be underscored) is an officer within the authority of the Council.” “This practice can certainly be deemed ultra vires the dictates of the Local Democratic Organs Act, which stipulates that the State may delegate any of its authority to a Local Democratic Organ and not to staff within that Organ,” he added. “As a result of this dire situation, teachers have had to resort to soliciting monies from parents to pay sweeper-cleaners. A duty that rightfully belongs to the State,” Ramjatan asserted emphatically.

http://guyanafriends.com/eve/f...604972/m/84420015051

Hi GR, your scanned second document points out that "Please be reminded that sweepers/cleaners for schools are contracted service providers and should be reflected under chart of accounts 6284"
Now if I were to follow this, I would get a different understanding from your point of "asj, there are no contractors involved." further this was a directive issued by Government that all janitors/sweepers would not be intitled to the minimun wages.
It is surprising that you say that most janitors/sweepers works eight hours or more per day, during my time in school it was customary for janitors/sweepers to come in to school after classes are finished for the day.......given that they comes in at 4.00 pm, I do not think that I can remember that they work longer than 7.00 pm......which makes it three hours per day.
It would be interesting to know what Janitors/Sweepers do within the eight hours that you say they worked. Also it would be interesting to know that workers who receives a minimum wage who does not work for eight hours?

If the Government were to give in to the AFC demands, (The AFC are in no position to demand) then it could have an effect with the other minimum wage earners.

I would love to see Janitors/Sweepers receives the minimum wages, but then as all wages increased goes.....it has to be negiotiated, if something is wrong with the system, then corrective measures would need to be the outcome.......it is not fair to blame the Government and then you have to go back to the Government and seek for increases........bai when your hands are in tiger's mouth, it is advisable to navigate with care.

.

quote:

Originally posted by asj:
PPP ALL THE WAY: LET PROGRESS CONTINUES PART 2

quote:

“We have always argued that a significant part of the progress that you see in the housing sector comes not only from bank loans, but also from equity that people are putting into these houses. If you listen to the opposition, you would think that every bit of progress that this country makes comes from narco-money…in fact they are saying it is a narco-economy. It is real people who are creating the wealth…the bauxite workers, the gold miners, the rice farmers, the people who work in services. They create value added and they create wealth,” the president said.

LET PROGRESS CONTINUES BY VOTING:



.

PPP ALL THE WAY: LET PROGRESS CONTINUES PART 2



.

quote:

Originally posted by sachin_05:

quote:

Originally posted by asj:
PPP ALL THE WAY: LET PROGRESS CONTINUES PART 2

quote:

“We have always argued that a significant part of the progress that you see in the housing sector comes not only from bank loans, but also from equity that people are putting into these houses. If you listen to the opposition, you would think that every bit of progress that this country makes comes from narco-money…in fact they are saying it is a narco-economy. It is real people who are creating the wealth…the bauxite workers, the gold miners, the rice farmers, the people who work in services. They create value added and they create wealth,” the president said.

LET PROGRESS CONTINUES BY VOTING:



.

PPP ALL THE WAY: LET PROGRESS CONTINUES PART 2

Okay if you AFC Goons want to play dirty and plaster my post with your AFC poster then we can play the same game by me doing the same for every AFC Post. It is called retaliation in kind.

.

quote:

Originally posted by asj:

quote:

Originally posted by Gerhard Ramsaroop:

quote:

Originally posted by asj:
Hi Gerhard

Looking at the articles that you have posted, the thoughts that comes to me is that there might be a reason or reasons why sweepers/cleaners are paid a contracted amount of $15,800 instead of the minimum wage of $32,207.

1) These workers are not classified as public servants, but as contractural workers and as such it is left on the contractors to pay based on what he/she can afford. We cannnot expect that a contractor who has been receiving an amount of $15,800 to pay a janitor/sweeper would pay a higher amount.

2) Now this is important, whereas a Public Servant works 8 hours per day for a salary of $32,207 one cannot expect a janitor/sweeper who works 4 hours per day to be paid the same amount of that as a Public Servant. I do not know if janitor/sweeper stays 8 hours in school, as during my days going to school janitor/sweepers would come in after school hours an work for two to three hours and finished their chores, and this goes on for the entire week.

I guess that if you are a businessman and has a business, then I am sure that a worker that works 8 hours will certainly earns more than a worker that works 4 hours.

And in conclusions let me point out that during my days in school, janitor/sweepers never used to work 8 hours, I do not know what are their working hours now..........but if it is 8 hours, then I will certainly think that they deserve that public service minimum wage and all frills that goes with it. But if it is a four hours or less per day, then this will be a hard case to sell.

.

asj, there are no contractors involved. These people are paid by the Gov't. Indeed, some cleaners do not work all day, but that depends on how many there are per school. If there are a few, obviously the hours would be longer. asj, these people are required to come to work everyday, so regardless of how many hours they work, they must be given the minimum wage at least. Other Gov't employees who receive the minimum wage often don't work all day either. And what are the sums we are talking about? It is US$160 per month! Come on asj, be reasonable here.

Further, a caring Ministry of Education would have seen to it that the cleaner-sweepers get involved in other activities so as to boost their pay. Those with some amount of education could be given work in the school office, or they be offered the option to sell snacks in the school yard or run the school canteen. How can the Gov't be so uncaring and unconscionable? This is a needed service we are speaking about here, and it includes heavy work such as lifting and moving benches, tables and chairs. A private firm would cost so much more, asj.

Here is what Ramjattan said: "...such a directive effectively serves as the basis for paying sweeper-cleaners, despite their many years of service, half of the minimum wage, and denying them the benefits associated with the public service categorization. Ramjatan stated that, “The AFC has also noted that the Ministry of Finance in executing such a directive would override the authority of the RDC by sending such instructions to the Regional Executive Officer (REO) who, in contravention of the stipulation of the constitution, functions also as the Chief Finance Officer. The REO (it should be underscored) is an officer within the authority of the Council.” “This practice can certainly be deemed ultra vires the dictates of the Local Democratic Organs Act, which stipulates that the State may delegate any of its authority to a Local Democratic Organ and not to staff within that Organ,” he added. “As a result of this dire situation, teachers have had to resort to soliciting monies from parents to pay sweeper-cleaners. A duty that rightfully belongs to the State,” Ramjatan asserted emphatically.

http://guyanafriends.com/eve/f...604972/m/84420015051

Hi GR, your scanned second document points out that "Please be reminded that sweepers/cleaners for schools are contracted service providers and should be reflected under chart of accounts 6284"
Now if I were to follow this, I would get a different understanding from your point of "asj, there are no contractors involved." further this was a directive issued by Government that all janitors/sweepers would not be intitled to the minimun wages.
It is surprising that you say that most janitors/sweepers works eight hours or more per day, during my time in school it was customary for janitors/sweepers to come in to school after classes are finished for the day.......given that they comes in at 4.00 pm, I do not think that I can remember that they work longer than 7.00 pm......which makes it three hours per day.
It would be interesting to know what Janitors/Sweepers do within the eight hours that you say they worked. Also it would be interesting to know that workers who receives a minimum wage who does not work for eight hours?

If the Government were to give in to the AFC demands, (The AFC are in no position to demand) then it could have an effect with the other minimum wage earners.

I would love to see Janitors/Sweepers receives the minimum wages, but then as all wages increased goes.....it has to be negiotiated, if something is wrong with the system, then corrective measures would need to be the outcome.......it is not fair to blame the Government and then you have to go back to the Government and seek for increases........bai when your hands are in tiger's mouth, it is advisable to navigate with care.

.

asj, marnin . You haven't read through what I wrote at all. I did say that in most cases they would not be working 8 hours, depending on how many cleaners are employed. Your point about contractors is still moot. It is the Gov't that has contracted these people, therefore they ought to be given the minimum wage, which I emphasise again, is a mere US$161 per month. I went on to say that there were other things the Gov't could negotiate to ensure that 8 hours of work are available to these people. Jobs are scarce in Guyana, asj, and these are mostly mothers seeking work, often they are single parents too. How can you have Gail Texeira getting $880,000 (US$4,400) and Odinga Lumumba $660,000 (US$3,300) on the one hand, and workers in the education sector receiving $15,800 (US$79) on the other? Come on asj, I respect your right to support the PPP, but do you truly support what is happening in this specific situation?