Prime Minister Andrew Holness will now settle for the wage enhance authorised below the 2023 public sector compensation assessment, shifting his annual earnings from $9.16 million to $28.5 million.
The announcement was made in an announcement from the Workplace of the Prime Minister on Friday. The discharge indicated that, following inside discussions and evaluation, it was decided that the officeholder ought to align with the established compensation construction hooked up to the place.
Had the rise been taken when first authorised, the prime minister’s wage would have been phased in over three years, reaching $28.5 million by 2024.
The revised wage is to take impact retroactively from September 2025. Parliament has been notified to formalize the adjustment. The change may even impression pensions for former prime ministers and their surviving spouses, as these advantages are tied to the sitting head of presidency’s wage.
The assertion referenced Holness’ 2023 place when he declined the rise amid public criticism over substantial pay hikes for members of the political directorate. On the time, he advised that reconsideration might happen below a future administration or renewed mandate.
In accordance with the discharge, the choice to just accept the complete compensation was taken after the brand new administration assumed workplace final yr. Implementation, nevertheless, was postponed because of the results of Hurricane Melissa.
The wage changes introduced in 2023 — some exceeding 200 per cent — triggered widespread backlash after being tabled in Parliament by then Finance Minister Nigel Clarke. In response to public concern, Holness opted to forgo the rise at the moment. Opposition Chief Mark Golding had additionally indicated he would decline a good portion of his authorised adjustment.
