Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali announced a significant boost in salary for all public servants in a move aimed at supporting the nation’s workforce and incentivizing education and skill development. The announcement came on Tuesday during a breakfast meeting with officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
Ali revealed that public servants would receive a 10% retroactive salary increase, effective from January 1, 2024. The raise will contribute to a cumulative 35% salary increase over the past four years. Additionally, a further 8% salary increase will be implemented in 2025, following discussions with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).
“This 10% increase in salary, retroactive from January 1, 2024, is part of a broader effort to ensure the continued development and welfare of public servants,” President Ali said. “We have also agreed that in 2025, public servants will see another 8% increase in their salaries.”
The President emphasized that, alongside these increases, the government would work on adjustments to salary scales starting next year, ensuring that public servants receive higher monthly take-home pay.
In another major move, Ali announced the introduction of qualification allowances starting January 1, 2025, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to encourage educational advancement and professional growth. Employees with qualifications from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) will be entitled to a monthly allowance of GUY$15,000. Those with a Master’s degree will receive GUY$22,000, while individuals with a doctoral degree will be eligible for GUY$32,000 monthly.
“This is in keeping with our commitment to incentivizing education, training, and the development of our human capital,” Ali stated.
The President also highlighted additional benefits for members of the disciplined forces, including increases in housing and risk allowances. Health workers, too, will see an improvement in their benefits, with eligible categories of health workers receiving a GUY$5,000 annual increase in uniform allowances, while other public servants will get GUY$10,000.
Starting January 1, 2025, public servants transferred to hinterland locations will receive a monthly housing allowance of GUY$35,000, while public servants in certain riverain and hinterland areas will also be eligible for a GUY$8,000 station allowance. Furthermore, risk allowances will see a 50% increase, while motor car and travel allowances will see a 104% boost.
To further support the nation’s healthcare system, Ali announced that 100 duty-free concessions would be granted annually to staff nurses and above. Priority will be given to those with the longest years of service and those who have not previously benefited from duty-free concessions. This initiative is aimed at encouraging the retention of nurses in the healthcare system.
“This would ensure that those who qualify for the duty-free concessions have met the necessary service requirements,” Ali explained. “This is an incentive to retain our dedicated healthcare professionals.”
The President concluded by emphasizing the government’s commitment to the wellbeing of every category of workers in Guyana. “From this announcement, you can see this government’s commitment to every category of people in our country is unquestionable,” he said.
