CHARLESTOWN, Nevis -- On the eve of the implementation of salary increases for Federal Parliamentarians, Premier Mark Brantley has confirmed that the new policy in St. Kitts does not extend to members of the Nevis Island Assembly.
Discussions on this matter are ongoing at the Cabinet level in Charlestown.
Last week, the government passed a resolution in the National Assembly, initiating the salary increase effective from March 1st.
Attorney General Garth Wilkin, in a recent social media post, noted that it had been 15 years since the last salary increase for members of the National Assembly. During this period (2005-2024), according to Wilkin, public servants received aggregate salary increases of 41%, while Ministers of Government received none. In 2024, senior public servants, including Permanent Secretaries and some Directors, are paid higher salaries than the Ministers they report to. The salary of the Financial Secretary, one of the most senior public servants, is 24% higher than that of a Minister.
Since the passing of the resolution, there have been numerous criticisms leveled against the decision, with some expressing their discontent on the airwaves. Critics argue that this is not the most suitable time for the government to increase salaries given the state of the economy.
Those voicing their displeasure received support from the People’s Action Movement (PAM), who criticized the decision to increase salaries at this time.
“This situation is exacerbated by the government’s recent downsizing of the social assistance programmes, which has cut thousands of needy beneficiaries from the system. Further, we find it curious that this same government discarded all the social programmes– PAP, SAFE and the “Peace Programme” that were put in place by the Unity government of which PAM was a majority," PAm said in a media statement.
Brantley, the Leader of the Opposition, is also set to see an increase in his salary. During his latest monthly press conference in Charlestown, he addressed questions regarding the increase, stating, "My view is that for politicians, it will never be the right time!"
Brantley reminded the general public, particularly those in Nevis, that the salary increases only apply to those within the Federal Parliament and not to members of the Nevis Island Assembly. He emphasized that discussions on this matter are currently under consideration at the Cabinet level on the island.
"I will remind the Nevisian public in particular that all the increases given to public servants in Nevis were not extended to members of the Cabinet," Brantley explained. "Even the 15 percent increase given in 2022 did not benefit Cabinet members. It was exclusively for our public servants. This 15 percent increase was implemented in tranches, with the final tranche paid in January 2024. In 2013, 2014, and 2015, a 10 percent increase was also implemented," Brantley added.
