Guyana government enhances Teacher compensations and benefits: New chapter for educators

Guyana: The Ministry of Education is pleased to declare a milestone Memorandum of Agreement that significantly enhances compensation and benefits for teachers across the nation.

This agreement between the parties lays the foundation for government’s unremitting endeavour in support of educators, recognizing their pivotal roles in molding the minds of the future.

Major salary increases over three Years

The new agreement now embodies a salary increase over the next three years, and the percentage is very encouraging. Salaries are set to increase by 10% in 2024, 8% in 2025, and 9% in 2026. These increases are expected at any time during these three years, as the salaries of general public servants outweigh those of the teachers.

The teachers in remote areas will particularly welcome increased Remote Area Incentive. The allowance presently stands at $9,000 in November 2023, jumping to $20,000 in December 2023, while under the new agreement, this will increase to $23,000 per month.

This enhancement shows that the government has come to understand the challenges that have been faced by educators in remote locations.

Better allowances for advanced degree holders

The agreement also brings good news for teachers with advanced degrees. Those holding doctoral degrees will witness increase in their monthly allowance from $30,000 to $32,000, a 7% rise. Similarly, teachers holding master’s degrees, who saw their allowance double from $10,000 to $20,000 this past December 2023, will now see it at a monthly allowance of $22,000, a 120% increase from the original amount.

Educators with postgraduate diplomas, advanced graduate diplomas, and certificates in education will also benefit and see their allowances increase to $7,000 and $5,000 respectively. Lastly, teachers who have completed the Certificate in Education Management Course will, for the first time, see a monthly allowance of $5,000.

More station and Hard lying Allowances

In addition to these enhancements, the station allowance, which compensates teachers for working in certain locations, is now uniformed at $5,000 for all categories eligible to receive it. The increment by category varies from 11%, for Headmasters (A), to 108% for other teachers in category A. The hard lying allowance, also applicable by category, is now also uniformed at $5,000 with increments that range from 19% to 67%.

Additional benefits and concessions

The clothing allowance, too, has almost been doubled from $8,000 to $15,000. The duty-free concessions have also increased by 50 percent, moving from 100 to 150 annually.

Those teachers who are approaching retirement with substantive appointments and who have not previously benefited from a concession will now be eligible for a duty-free concession for motorcars up to 1500cc. In addition, all teachers serving in the hinterland and riverine areas will be eligible for concessions on outboard engines and ATVs.

Professional Development Support

The agreement increases the number of scholarships granted to teachers annually from 50 to 100, thus affording more educators the opportunity to pursue further studies at the University of Guyana or through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL)

Re-employed retired teachers will also be remunerated based on their last salary scale owing to their continued service and experience.

Compensation for Extra Duties

For the first time, teachers will be paid to mark and supervise SBAs & NGSA Grades 5 & 6 Mock Exams. Teachers who are non-graduates will also get two additional increments after three years in service that may see their pays go up by as much as 15 percent, with over 9000 educators predicted to be benefitted by this.

The agreement is a turning point in valuing and supporting educators nationwide.