Proposed Parliamentary Pay Increase Sparks Public Backlash

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – As Bahamians continue to grapple with the rising cost of living, a proposed pay increase for Members of Parliament and senators is sparking heated debate.

Kia Fawkes – Resident

“There are a lot of persons out here who still need food to eat and homes. They can put the money elsewhere instead of giving raises because most of them already have another job. I don’t agree with it at all.”

That was just one of the many reactions heard Wednesday, as resident Kia Fawkes voiced her opposition to a proposed bill that would give Members of Parliament and senators new duty allowances.

According to the Nassau Guardian, under the draft legislation, MPs would receive an additional $32,000 a year, while senators would receive $16,000 annually, both paid in monthly installments.

Currently, MPs earn $28,000 a year, while senators receive $12,500.

If approved, the changes would bring an MP’s total annual salary and duty allowance to $60,000, while senators would receive $28,500.

The proposal would also raise the Leader of the Opposition’s salary from $50,000 to $66,000, along with a new $5,000 duty allowance.

Cabinet ministers, who already receive separate ministerial salaries and allowances, would also qualify for the new parliamentary duty allowance, pushing their total compensation to well over $120,000 a year.

For many of the people we spoke with, the biggest issue isn’t the pay raise itself — it’s the timing.

Resident
“Bahamians are barely surviving, and I feel like they’re spending money on so many other things when they could be investing in the Bahamas and in Bahamian lives.”

Petral Lock – Resident
“I don’t think they need it at this time because a lot of them have just gotten there, so they haven’t proven themselves yet. And with gas prices and the cost of living already so high, they should probably give it some time.”

Free National Movement Chairman Dr. Duane Sands and Coalition of Independents Leader Lincoln Bain also weighed in, saying a proposed salary increase for parliamentarians at this time is a slap in the face to the average Bahamian.

Dr. Duane Sands – Chairman, Free National Movement
“This was certainly not something that was signaled by this administration in the lead-up to the election. Many Bahamians are struggling to pay bills, afford food and pay for medication, and this is the first thing you come out the gate with? This is your priority? Let’s give millionaires a pay increase.”

The proposed compensation would still remain below that of some of The Bahamas’ regional neighbours, with MPs in the Turks and Caicos Islands and Jamaica earning more than $90,000 annually.

But Coalition of Independents Leader Lincoln Bain says regional comparisons don’t change the reality that many Bahamians are facing financial hardship.

Lincoln Bain – Leader, Coalition Of Independents

“I just think they don’t care. They know exactly what’s going on with the Bahamian people. They’re very astute politically, and they know exactly what’s happening in this country because they’ve caused everything the way it is. They’re responsible for it. They know, but they just don’t care. They’re giving themselves more money, and that’s what politicians do. They find every way to direct money to themselves.”