JAN 31

Minister of State for Information in the Office of the Prime Minister, has hit out at an attack on Government Ministers made by the the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Senator Einstein Louison was responding to allegations made by Opposition Member of Parliament for St. George North East, Nazim Burke on recent Cabinet Conclusion in relation to the pay of government members.

Burke, a lawyer by profession, expressed dissatisfaction that Cabinet has given approval for Government Ministers to have retroactive pay on their salaries. In a prepared statement to the Nation, Sen. Louison said that the pronouncements by Burke, on behalf of the NDC, were deliberately misleading, far from the truth and only directed to create political mischief.

He indicated that from January 2002 to date and based on agreement by Cabinet, Government Ministers took a 10% cut in salary, which ultimately amounted to approximately seven thousand dollars a year.

According to Sen. Louison, the reason for the pay cut was due to the unexpected downturn in the Grenada economy triggered by the tragic events in the United States in the wake of the September 11, 2001 catastrophe of the World Trade Centre.

"The general feeling was that the Ministers were prepared to lead the way in making the sacrifices that were necessary nationwide to cushion harsh economic effects that were predicted to follow," he remarked.

Sen. Louison said: "It must be noted that Ministers were the first to announce the pay cut, while pay for public officers and other employees were not affected.

"As a matter of fact, Labour Unions, bargaining agents and the Government continued wage negotiations normally and were concluded in good faith.

"The adjustments in Ministers' salaries today is based on the increase for public servants and it should be noted that there is an understanding between the Unions and Government that whenever there is a pay rise for public servants, Ministers' salaries must be adjusted likewise", he added.

Louison who has taken on a more high profile role in government since the November 27 general election admitted that Cabinet has directed that the salaries of Ministers and Parliamentarians be increased on equal terms with that agreed with the Public Workers Union in respect of public officers.

"....It was approved (by Cabinet) that the adjustments in the salaries of Ministers of Government be made effective January 2001 and the back pay will be based on the salaries, which existed prior to the downward adjustment. This was approved by Cabinet in December 2003.

"So, what Hon. Burke was saying in essence, shows that he does not have a clear understanding of the facts and his demeanour is a flagrant attempt to smear the name of Government Ministers, when in fact, under the agreement, Ministers have not had any increase in salary for over a two-year period. Instead, they had a deduction of 10% of their income.

"How could Mr. Burke and the NDC continue to make such pronouncements knowing full well that they are only twisting facts to relish their political appetite.
"...I see their actions as despicable and disdainful and the Nation should be aware of their acts of political maliciousness", Sen. Louison said.

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