Golding pledges to donate majority of his pay increase

 

People's National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding has pledged to donate the majority of his pay following the massive salary hike for members of the political directorate.   

 

Speaking at a PNP press conference Friday morning, Mr. Golding said his position is unique, as he is the only opposition member in the House of Representives being paid at the senior executive leadership level.

 

As Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Golding will be paid at the same level as the Deputy Prime Minister who will receive $20.1 million as at April 1, 2022, $22.7 million as at April 1, 2023 and $25.7 million as at April 2024. 

 

But Mr. Golding has pledged to donate most of his new salary, saying he will only keep the equivalent of a 20 per cent increase, which is in line with what most members of the public sector received.

 

"As Leader of the Opposition, I must lead by example in a time like this. I will therefore redirect the bulk of the 240-plus per cent increase in my pay and retain 20 per cent of that increase.... I intend to do this until the outstanding grouses affecting the public sector workers arising out of the restructuring have been satisfactorily addressed," he announced.

 

He said his donation would go to those in need as well as other worthy causes. 

 

Mr. Golding noted that other opposition MPs, who will be paid at a lower level, are still in talks about how they will treat with their increases.

 

Members of Parliament will receive a salary of $11.1 million, $12.5 million and $14.2 million, effective from April 2022 to 2024.