Dear Editor,
Permit me to share with your readers as it pertains to a very important concern; as a former serving regional councillor for Region Four, I feel I owe it to myself and to the newly placed councillors also.
I would like to bring to the newly appointed Minister of Local Government’s attention, the compensation of regional councillors of a mere $10,000. Regional councillors are the second tier managers/leaders, within the ten administrative regions of Guyana. I would like to remind you of a promise that was echoed on the increase of stipend for all regional councillors, dating back to July 31st and August 4th, 2015 respectively by the then government. I firmly believe that this was the right direction, but the past government failed to honour its promise.
I know that the sitting minister means well and would gladly support such an outline with respect to my proposition. My proposed stipend/salary should be pegged at $70,000 minimum. I would like to further stress that as an arm of the state, it is prudent that its members should be treated as valued servants, hence, an increased stipend should be pegged to the rising cost of living. These are some identified areas that should be considered also as a comprehensive package for all regional councillors:
(1) Duty Free – Every 3 years.
(2) Health Insurance – $50,000
(3) Phone Allowance $5000
(4) Entertainment Allowance $10,000
(6) Professional Training Annually
(7) Regional Retreats.
This would allow the councillors to have a sense of pride and commitment to support their work and services to the regions’ advancement and development as a whole.
Yours respectfully,
Ivan Bentham
