ST JOHN'S, Antigua – IN a move that may have surprised the local electorate, Leader of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) Lester Bird has indicated his intention to forego his salary and take a pension instead.
His pronouncement came at a time when the nation is struggling with economic challenges and has experienced mass layoffs in its tourism sector as well as a weakening of its financial sector.
According to Antigua Sun, Bird, who returned to Parliament after the March 12 general elections after losing his seat in 2004, announced that he had informed the nation’s Accountant General regarding his decision. He claimed that he informed the country’s Accountant General of his decision to “sacrifice” his salary as an example of what should be done in the interest of the country.
"In these difficult times when the government has not paid many public servants on time and have laid off many others, I believe that it is right that all political leaders should make a sacrifice. In the circumstances, I am foregoing my salary as Leader of the Opposition. I intend to live on the pension that I have been receiving over the last five years. If my salary can go toward feeding a family and sending children to school, I am content," Bird said.
Although seen as a noble move, many believe that Bird’s decision may actually cause him to earn more by giving up his salary. In fact, according to news coming out of that country, his pension may be “about twice the salary he has been receiving as Opposition Leader”.
Bird did not indicate how long he would forego his salary but he was confident that the decision would be well-received by the government.
"I have no doubt that this gesture will be attacked by my detractors in the UPP government who have made no sacrifice at all. Following their usual pattern, they will undoubtedly claim that I can live on corruption of the past," Bird said.
Antigua News