Public Service Minister: “We Hate to Lose Anyone in Public Service, We’ve Been Doing Our Best to Uplift Salaries”

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – Financial pressures are continuing to take a toll on the public service, as some government employees consider leaving for better opportunities.

Our Delvardo Emmanuel caught up with the labour minister, who said the government is working to improve retention.

The rising cost of living is forcing some public servants to reassess their future, with many saying their current salaries are no longer enough to meet their daily needs, and they are now considering new career paths.

Labour, Public Service and National Insurance Minister Pia Glover-Rolle admits this is a concern the government takes seriously.

Pia Glover-Rolle – Minister, Labour, Public Service and National Insurance
“We hate to lose our teachers. We hate to lose anyone in the public service. We’ve been doing our part to try our best to uplift salaries. Over the last administration, we had annual increases for our teachers and nurses, and of course we want to continue to work toward that.”

Earlier this week, a Family Island educator came forward expressing concerns about working in the public sector due to financial pressures and a lack of resources.

Glover-Rolle says while it is disappointing to see experienced public officers leave, she recognizes that many are simply trying to provide a better life for themselves and their families.

Pia Glover-Rolle – Minister, Labour, Public Service and National Insurance
“We do understand that persons have obligations, and if salary levels aren’t meeting their expectations or their needs, then you will see persons looking for alternate opportunities. We hate to lose our teachers. We hate to lose anyone in the public service.”

The minister was also pressed about the government’s proposed pay increase for members of Parliament and the timing of the proposal.

The plan has drawn criticism from some Bahamians who say it comes at a time when many families are struggling with the high cost of living.

Pia Glover-Rolle – Minister, Labour, Public Service and National Insurance
“Just as we’re weighing the cost of living increases for our public servants and workers across the country, and implementing increases as we have over the past five years, it’s a matter of review. We’ve done salary reviews for public servants. It’s a matter of reviewing salaries. The Prime Minister has given his reasoning, and we wait to see what happens from there.”