Proposed MP Raises “Unbelievable” and “Unthinkable”

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS –

Belinda Wilson – President, Bahamas Union Of Teachers

“It’s unbelievable, actually. It’s unthinkable that the government seeks to grease their pockets by increasing the salaries.”

Those comments came from Bahamas Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson after Parliament passed a bill late Tuesday night granting Members of Parliament an additional $32,000 a year in duty allowances, while senators will receive $16,000 annually in addition to their salaries.

For Wilson, the issue isn’t just the pay raise — it’s the timing.

She says while Bahamians continue to feel the pinch of high food prices, rising utility bills and an overall increase in the cost of living, teachers are still waiting for their new industrial agreement to be finalized.

Wilson, who has spent months publicly pressing the government over the stalled agreement, says educators have continually been placed on the back burner despite their contributions to the country.

Belinda Wilson – President, Bahamas Union Of Teachers

“Educators possess doctoral degrees, master’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees. And you are where you are because of a teacher.”

Belinda Wilson – President, Bahamas Union Of Teachers

“Produce your report card. Give an account of the duties you have completed satisfactorily before you table a bill for more money.”

She also sent this message to the Prime Minister.

Belinda Wilson – President, Bahamas Union Of Teachers

“Before you even dream of increasing MPs’, ministers’ and senators’ salaries and introducing a duty allowance, I urge you to ensure that the new industrial agreement, with increased salaries and allowances between the government and the Bahamas Union of Teachers, is completed, signed and registered.”

Belinda Wilson – President, Bahamas Union Of Teachers

“Pay the outstanding premiums owed to the insurance company so that teachers’ medical insurance can be safeguarded.”

And she didn’t stop there. She also joined growing calls to rule out Politician Number One.

Belinda Wilson – President, Bahamas Union Of Teachers

“Please find and rule out Politician Number One so that he or she will not receive the proposed salary increase and/or duty allowance, as poor performance or alleged criminal activity should never be rewarded.”

The government’s decision to boost the pay of MPs and senators is likely to face continued scrutiny, particularly from public sector unions, which argue that while elected officials are receiving more, many of the workers who keep the country running are still waiting for promises to be kept.