Backlash over MPs' push for salary review

Mon, May 19th 2014, 12:31 AM

Parliamentarians should not be seeking an increase in salary, nor should the government construct a new Parliament in this term, Bahamas Public Services Union (BPSU) President John Pinder and former parliamentarian George Smith said.
"I thought they were very presumptuous to want that at this time when they are saying the country has no money, " Pinder said.
Smith said the timing for such recommendations is off.
"I believe the timing is bad to give thought to increasing politicians' salaries," Smith said.
"It should be revisited when the economy is much stronger and there is a surplus of money in the treasury."
A select committee of Parliament recommended the salaries of members of Parliament be reviewed, noting that MPs have not received an increase in 25 years.
The committee also called for the construction of a new Parliament within this term and an increase in constituency allowances and travel allowances, in addition to the introduction of grants to political parties represented in the House of Assembly.
Bain and Grants Town MP Dr. Bernard Nottage, who chaired the committee, presented its report in the House of Assembly on Wednesday.
Members of Parliament are paid $28,000 yearly.
"While I sympathize with the members of Parliament that they haven't had an increase in a number of years, the timing is poor to suggest right now that government find funds to do that," Pinder said.
"We are faced with the government trying to introduce value-added tax (VAT) on Bahamians who can't afford that. The country is strapped for cash. I have a number of members who work in buildings that have been condemned for a number of years -- they work in poor environments.
"The government first of all needs to ensure that all of its employees are in proper accommodations before they even talk about building any new House of Assembly."
Smith said the notion of a salary review is wrong.
"MPs should stay away from causing the public to believe that people who enter politics do it because they expect to be financially rewarded for their time," he said.
"I see politics as a...noble vocation and politicians should always behave in a way to warrant the public believing that it is a vocation like one who enters the priesthood."
Smith said the government should focus on growing the economy and not on increasing luxuries.
"We should only do it if and when people are contented in it happening," he said.
Nottage said the report received the unanimous consent of all members of the committee, which includes Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell; Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells; South Beach MP Cleola Hamilton; Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant; St. Anne's MP Hubert Chipman and North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian

 Sponsored Ads