BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -- Following years of discussions, a Resolution to increase the salaries of ministers of government, senators, opposition members, and both speakers of the National Assembly, among others, was officially passed in Parliament yesterday (Feb. 23).
The aim of the Resolution, according to Attorney General Hon. Garth Wilkin, is to mitigate corrupt practices, as many of the parliamentarians had thriving businesses before they entered practice. When it does come on stream next month, it will assist in alleviating the need for them to seek additional funds through unfavorable means to sustain their livelihoods because parliamentarians have not seen an increase in more than 19 years.
During Thursday’s session of the National Assembly, the Attorney General presented the resolution to enact the salary increase, which garnered approval. Wilkin highlighted that the recommendations stemming from the Salary Review Commission's Monthly Income Report had been in existence since 2018, emphasizing the long-overdue nature of the resolution's tabling.
In his address presenting the resolution, the Attorney General elucidated the rationale behind the proposed salary adjustments, citing that the existing salaries had stagnated since 2005. Based on the salary breakdown provided, the increases range from 19 percent to 33 percent.
