JAN 31

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is outraged over a Cabinet decision authorising payments of Back Pay to Parliamentarians along with new salary increases for Government Ministers.

A Memorandum issued by Cabinet Secretary Anthony "Agar" Alexander to all Permanent Secretaries dated January 6th, stated that Cabinet at its meeting of December 22, 2003 approved the new pay arrangement.

The document said that Ministers of Government will now be paid salaries with effect from December 3, 2003, in keeping with the levels which existed in 2001.

Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States and its negative impact on the local economy, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell announced several measures aimed at revenue generation.

One of them was a 10% pay cut for Parliamentarians as well as limitation on overseas travel overseas to attend government business.

With the re-introduction of the 10% cut, the annual salaries of some ministers will move to $65,000.00. According to the Memorandum, the ministers are also entitled to Duty Allowances of $12,000.00 per annum, Entertainment, $4,800.00 per annum, Travelling $5448.00 per annum in addition to petrol to be provided to a maximum of $500.00 per month.

The State is also expected to cover the cost of the Basic Telephone Rental fees for Members of Parliament. As it relates to Ministers of State, the Cabinet Memorandum stated that their salaries will now be $48,480.00 per annum.

They are expected to receive allowances such as Duty $7,200.00 per annum, Entertainment $3,600.00 per annum and Travelling $4,536.00 per annum.

In addition to their travelling expenses, government officials will be provided with a maximum of $5000.00 worth of petrol per month as well as having the cost of their Basic Telephone Rental paid for by the State.

Speaking to reporters at his Tyrell Street Office on last Monday, Opposition Leader Tillman Thomas described the past arrangement under the Mitchell government as "a susu hand".

He said that what has basically happened is that the country was led to believe that the ministers had a10% salary cut but now they are taking it back in another hand.
Member of Parliament for St. George's North-East Nazim Burke questioned the reason behind the increase in salary at this time.

This, he said is happening when hundreds of Imani Trainees are sent home by government and thousands of Grenadians cannot find jobs although they want to work.
Burke, an economist and barrister-at-law by profession, urged the Mitchell government to reconsider its decision at this time and focus instead on creating meaningful employment for nationals.