By: Paul Sarran
October 31, 2023
According to a news article reports on a statement made by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago,Dr. Keith Rowley, regarding the payment of back pay to public servants by Christmas.The back pay is related to a promise made by the Finance Minister, Colm Imbert, to provide a four percent increase in wages to workers in certain trade unions, including teachers, police officers, prison officers, and firefighters. The Prime Minister’s comments raise questions and concerns about the timing and feasibility of delivering this back pay.
Doubts about Back Pay:
The Prime Minister cast doubt on the possibility of public servants receiving their back pay by Christmas, as previously promised by the Finance Minister. This contradicts the earlier commitment made in the budget presentation, which had set the expectation of payment by December.
Uncooperative Public Servants:
The Prime Minister expressed frustration with what he described as uncooperative public servants. He criticized them for questioning the government’s ability to deliver on its promises, suggesting that certain public servants were resistant to the current government (PNM).
Agreement on Four Percent Increase:
The article mentions that certain trade unions had agreed to accept a four percent increase in wages, despite acknowledging that it was not the best offer. The Finance Minister had assured the parliament that the government would find the money for these increases.
Lack of Clarity:
The Prime Minister’s statement left stakeholders, including the head of TTUTA (Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association) and a former head of the Public Service, Reginald Dumas, puzzled. They were uncertain about the reasons for the potential delay in back pay and questioned whether it was due to a lack of available funds or administrative issues.
Minister of Finance’s Responsibility:
Reginald Dumas highlighted the Finance Minister’s role in ensuring the availability of funds and suggested that such promises should be made with a clear understanding of the financial implications. He expressed surprise that there appeared to be uncertainty about the availability of funds.
Confusion Surrounding Public Servant’s Communication:
There was confusion about how a public servant could communicate concerns about the availability of funds without the knowledge of the Finance Minister. This raised questions about whether the Minister of Finance had made a commitment without ensuring the necessary preparations.
Power Dynamics:
Dumas also questioned the power dynamics between public servants and government ministers, as the statement by the public servant seemed to contradict the Finance Minister’s promise.
The article highlights a situation in which the promised back pay to certain public servants in Trinidad and Tobago may not be delivered as initially expected. The Prime Minister’s statements suggest a lack of clarity and coordination within the government regarding the availability of funds and the timing of the payments, leading to confusion and concern among stakeholders. The comments also raise questions about the responsibility of the Finance Minister and the relationship between public servants and government ministers.
Call a snap election NOW
(Paul Sarran is a student pursuing a Political Science degree at the University of the West Indies Global Campus in St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago.
He is currently in his final years of college and has intentions to become a Political Scientist or an Independent Senator)
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