Opposition continues criticism of massive salary increase for politicians

 

Opposition Leader Mark Golding has again expressed his disapproval of the government's decision to grant massive salary increases to the political directorate. 

 

He said it is untenable and impractical for Jamaica to be paying its politicians a higher salary than its counterparts in the region with better economic performance. 

 

"It's unjustifiable for Jamaica to be paying its political class at levels which are way out of whack of our regional peers - countries like Bahamas, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and so on. Countries that enjoy much higher income per capita than we do. Countries that have achieved higher levels of growth than we have. How do we justify giving such a huge increase overnight to the political class?" he questioned.   

 

While admitting that political leaders should be paid for their work, Mr. Golding said the compensation should not be so far above the rest of the populace. 

 

"You chose to fix salaries of the highest sub-category of the highest band in the public sector wage scale under the new restructuring and the result has been huge increases never seen before, as far as I'm aware, in the history of Jamaica for elected officials. The country is not accepting it. We must not go ahead with it in this form. Revisit it. Adjust it appropriately, consult widely and come with a better, more palatable package that is proportionate to how our economy is performing and that the people will feel is justified," said the Opposition Leader.  

 

He was speaking at a People's National Party (PNP) meeting in the St. Andrew East Central constituency on the weekend.

 

PNP General Secretary Dr. Dayton Campbell has rejected the rationale that the increase in salaries for the political directorate will attract the best candidates for the job.

 

Since the announcement of the new salaries, both Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke have used the justification to defend the significant increases awarded.

 

But Dr. Campbell argued that the rationale is flawed and there is no research to support the idea.  

 

"The people who could already earn properly, they were coming into politics to serve, dem neva did a come in fi money.... So, all he's going to do is to ensure that the likkle riff-raff dem weh him have over pon him back bench fight fi stay inna Parliament without the ability to make any contribution to the development of the country," he contended. 

 

Dr. Campbell insisted people who enter politics should not do so in anticipation of financial gain but based on what they have to offer. 

 

He was also speaking at the PNP meeting in the St. Andrew East Central constituency on the weekend.