Minister of Labour Shane Gibson announced in the House of Assembly today that the national minimum wage will increase from $150 per week to $210 per week, a 40 percent increase. Gibson said the decision was made as a result of a recommendation from the National Tripartite Council.

Should both houses of Parliament approve a resolution, the increase would take effect August 15, 2015.

The last increase took effect on January 21, 2002.

"While we in the government would like to have seen it higher we have accepted the recommendation of the National Tripartite Council," Gibson said.

He said while some fear the increase would have a negative impact on the economy and on the job market, the increase in the minimum wage in other countries in the region has had the result of improving economic activity as people with more money usually spend more on goods and services.

Gibson also warned employers who withhold the increased pay from employees would be aggressively pursued and prosecuted.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian