Bermuda MPs say no to pay hike

Premier Dr Ewart Brown announced that members of the House of Assembly agreed that an increase in pay, at a time when the government was asking citizens to tighten their belts, “would be inappropriate and inconsistent”. (Photo: iipt.org)

HAMILTON, Bermuda, November 21, 2008 – Parliamentarians in Bermuda won’t be taking the big pay rise that a Legislature Salaries Review Board recommended, at least not right now.

In a statement issued yesterday, Premier Dr Ewart Brown announced that members of the House of Assembly agreed that an increase in pay, at a time when the government was asking citizens to tighten their belts, “would be inappropriate and inconsistent”.

“This government is keenly aware of the economic challenges that confront the island and we are determined to lead by example in prudent management of the economy and as a model of the sacrifices that we each should make to ensure that our successful economy continues to the benefit of all Bermudians,” he said.

According to the statement, the government’s decision means the proposed pay hike outlined in the recent Parliamentary Pay Report “is currently deferred save for the possibility of a cost of living increase”. 

The report which was tabled in the island’s parliament exactly a week ago, recommended a 30 per cent increase in the basic salary for MPs, giving them an additional US$15,000 per year. It also proposed that Senators’ annual pay move from US$27,102 to US$40,000.

The document was put to the parliament shortly after Labour Minister Lieutenant Colonel David Burch had outlined a plan to help the country deal with the global economic turmoil, in which he had urged Bermudians to focus on their needs and not their wants.