National

PM Tackles Minimum Wage, Crime, BPL and Healthcare

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The prime minister addressing the nation, Tuesday, in his first national address since coming into office.

Published

3 years ago

October 12, 2022

Italia Hall

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The prime minister addressing the nation, Tuesday, in his first national address since coming into office.

Among the announcements was an increase in minimum wage. The nation’s leader also defending the government’s decision to increase rates at Bahamas Power and Light, while announcing relief efforts he says will propel the country forward.

It’s been a long awaited promise by the Progressive Liberal Party.

Minimum wage now moving to $260 per week in both the public and private sectors.

The last time minimum wage was raised in the country was back in 2015.

With this newest increase, minimum wage earners in the public service, the change will be retroactive, going back to July 2022.

The PM admits the minimum wage increase will not eliminate the hardship of trying to make ends meet for many but insists it’s a step closer to a livable wage.

As for the hike in fuel costs at BPL, the PM says the power company is working to minimize the impact and says the increases are short-term.

The nation’s leader also announcing that 38 items have been added to price control, including diapers, chicken and eggs.

As for the healthcare sector, the PM says the government will break ground by the end of this year for a new $200 million hospital in Grand Bahama.