Union Demands Apology from State Minister

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Finance officers gathering outside the Office of the Prime Minister Tuesday afternoon, demanding an apology from State Minister For The Public Service Pia Glover-Rolle, over claims they overpaid themselves by $4 million.

As Berthony McDermott tells us, the union is not only demanding an apology, but threatening legal action.

Glover-Rolle’s comments came ahead of the weekly cabinet meeting. At the time she told reporters the findings came through a recent audit report.

Glover-Rolle did not say when the salaries were adjusted or how many individuals were involved.

She says both the finance and public service ministries are meeting to determine the way forward.

She said the next step is to recover the funds. She assured members of the public that consequences will follow.

Our News obtained these documents which revealed cabinet approved salary increases for financial employees.

The first document titled, ‘Revised Career Path and Salary Scales For Accounting and Audit Officers Memorandum by the Minister of Finance is dated June 19th, 2020, and stamped by the Office of the Financial Secretary.

It reads: “To avoid losing current and prospective professionals to the private sector, the Ministry of Finance recommends that the career path and salary scales of accounting/auditing personnel be upgraded effective January 2020.”

The second document dated February 21st, 2021, and signed by Permanent Secretary Donelle Bodie says, “approval was granted for the creation of posts and upgrade of scales for the Treasury Department and internal audit with effect January 1st, 2020.”