Holness prepared for political consequences of pay hike to politicians

 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says he is prepared for the political consequences of the decision to increase the salaries of the political directorate.

 

Following heavy criticism from the public since the salary increases were announced, Mr. Holness on Monday said he will not be accepting the increase. 

 

The Prime Minister's salary would, by 2024, move to more than $28 million under the announced pay increase but Mr. Holness said he will remain at his current salary, which is roughly $9.2 million. 

 

However, Ministers will receive the new salaries.

 

Asked whether the salary issue will affect the Jamaica Labour Party's chances at the polls, Mr. Holness admitted that "when you hold this job, you must be prepared to face the political consequences of your decisions".

 

"That's democracy. And I always have and continue to put myself at the mercy of the people who elected me. I work for them. I am not their master, so I take into consideration what their views are. At the same time, they have elected me to make the best decisions on their behalf, so I have to conduct myself as a good steward and I have to be honest," he asserted. 

 

The Prime Minister, who was speaking at a media briefing Monday evening, said his decision not to accept the increased salary represents a show of solidarity with public sector workers who are disheartened. 

 

"Some people might say it is symbolic. Yes, symbols are important, but I'm doing it because I genuinely also believe that I have to keep faith with those persons who are losing faith, who are looking on and saying 'You see how dem get, and me nuh get' because that is a real sentiment that as leader of the country... I have to make sure that they know that there is someone that looks out for their best interest including being able to put aside any benefits that may accrue to their office that they themselves don't get that accrued benefit."

 

Mr. Holness maintained that the compensation review exercise is in the country's best interest. 

 

"It will lead to the attraction of greater and better talent. It will increase the competition for spaces in the government. It will increase the creativity, the productivity, the ingenuity, the entrepreneurship of the executive of the country. It will in the long run yield the results," he said.