Mitchell: Minimum Wage Should be Higher Than $250

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Wages should increase to more than the projected $250 slated for the public sector next month. That’s according to Foreign Affairs and Public Service Minister Fred Mitchell, who says he believes it should be higher given the record high cost of living.

Jasmin Brown has more in this report.

The Foreign Affairs and Public Service Minister giving his take on the topic as he led off day two of the 2022/20223 Budget Debate in parliament.

He says increasing minimum wage would be good for the pockets of Bahamians.

Mitchell adds it would also be good for the economy.

Minimum wage is set to increase to $250 in the public sector in July, according to the Prime Minister.

Minister for Economic Affairs Michael Halkitis also said last week, government hopes to increase minimum wage in the private sector soon after.

Currently, the private sector minimum wage is $210 a week, while the public sector minimum wage is $225.

The minimum wage increase comes as the country faces a sharp increase in the cost of living — a concern for residents who are frustrated over increased expenses and stagnant salaries.

The PM told parliament on Wednesday, the minimum wage hike is just one of the measures his administration is introducing to help residents cope with inflation.