Dear Editor,
I take this opportunity to highlight a worrying experience faced by all the Toshaos throughout the length and breadth of this beautiful land of ours, Guyana. Toshaos, are paid a stipend of thirty thousand ($30000) and this little amount is usually payable, every two months. These men and women, are elected leaders of their respective communities who serve their communities on an almost twenty- four (24/7) hour basis. In the Guyana Times Newspaper, edition of 30th October, 2021, I read of the commitment made by President Irfaan Ali, reassuring the Public Servants of an increase in wages and salaries, before the end of the year, retroactive from January, 2021. I applaud the Government of Guyana for its continued efforts in addressing this issue since it is my belief that this sector deserves to be treated with full respect.
This brings me to my main question… which category of workers do Toshaos fall under? Should not these persons be considered public servants, too? In my humbled opinion, I think Toshaos deserve better than just a stipend. These men and women work tirelessly for their respective communities. Toshaos wear many caps and do the work of peace officers, police officers, councillors, receptionists, negotiators, forest rangers, managers of their respective communities and the list goes on. The Village Councils, which they head, are like an arm of many Minis-tries of the Government (Amerindian Affairs, Agriculture, Health), since they are expected to execute many plans of the Government. The CSO’S and the C.I.I.P workers are being paid the same amount of stipend ($30000) and when one compares the work load to that of Toshaos, it is very evident that Toshaos deserve to be treated with a lot more of respect. The duties and responsibilities of a community leader is far more than one can imagine and I feel it has been too long that toshaos are being neglected in this area.
To make matters even worse, most toshaos are family men and women. How can someone do all this work and still manage to provide for their families sufficiently with thirty thousand? We do encounter expenses for our school children, we have family obligations which all require money to get done. Editor, recently pensioners were awarded a twenty five thousand ($25000) cash grant. That was most welcomed. Farmers are in the line to benefit soon for some relief cash from the Government of Guyana. Sugar workers too, were able to receive monies just a couple of weeks ago. It would not be a sin to consider paying Toshaos a salary. I humbly recommend that we be paid a sum equal to or above the minimum wage of this country. Editor, I am fully convinced, Guyana have true leaders who really care for all Guyanese, regardless of sex, age, religion, creed or geographical location. I think it is time to have our Toshaos be considered as Public Servants and be paid a salary and done away with the stipend they receive presently. The festive season is upon us and just imagine our Toshaos spending thirty thousand to meet the needs of their families. Reward us with a bonus to motivate us working even harder to achieve our community goals and serving our communities better. I close here, pleading for salaries for our toshaos.
Sincerely,
Vivian Edwards
Village Toshao
