Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton has once again called on the Government to provide a live-able wage for public servants, and to put systems and programmes in place to ensure that all Guyanese benefit from a better life.

Speaking at a rally in Linden over the weekend, Mr. Norton said thousands of Guyanese simply cannot afford to live on the salary they are currently receiving as the cost of living continues to climb. He said many have found themselves facing poverty.

Mr. Norton told residents of Linden that the Government appears happy to give Guyanese “one-off cash grants”, when their plight is a long-term.

“And that cannot take people out of poverty, what we need is proper social programme to ensure that we help our people. We have too resources for people to be punishing.” Norton said.

According to the Opposition Leader, Guyana can afford to raise the quality of life for its people now. But he is convinced that there is no political will to do so at this time.

He said the Government appears more concerned about pomp and fanfare.

“There are many programmes that can be put in place to ensure that people of this country benefit, what stops the government from raising the Income tax threshold to $150,000? All the people who earn $150,000 or less will benefit and that is most of the people of Guyana. 

Mr. Norton said although the Government continues to withdraw billions of dollars from the Natural Resource Fund, the money is not reaching the people.

He said with almost four years into oil production, every Guyanese should have at least been happy with their standard of living, but that is not the case. 

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