4th of September, 2020. Georgetown, Guyana, South America
Last updated: September 4, 2020 at 17:43 pm
Dear Editor,
HAPPY Heritage Month everyone! Something I think can be addressed in keeping with the heritage month theme. The measly salary /stipend paid to Toshaos. Toshaos receive a monthly salary/stipend of $30,000 gyd. That’s right 30,000 Guyana dollars. That is equivalent to 150 usd per month. In this time and age this is how we pay our Toshaos.
I think we as Guyanese should do better. How can we expect these Toshaos to live? Most Toshaos perform their duties way beyond the normal scope required. The sacrifice their family time to act as: police officer, medec, chafeur, coucillor in family disputes, cultural organizers, translators, record keepers, attend meetings, fisherman, hunter for the village. Midwife. And countless other duties.
Many of these Toshaos put aside family and personal activities to perform Toshaos duties. It is a 24/7 job. This salary needs to be upped. It is unacceptable. I don’t know the reason for this little pay. Whatever excuse or reason why Toshaos are paid so little, I would like to know. I have heard it is a voluntary job, hmmm.
I think this issue should be addressed at the coming budget. Let the Toshaos receive a dignified salary.
Sincerely,
Yimochi Melville
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