Today, widespread outrage swept across social media following the release of a story highlighting an 18.8% financial increase for Bermuda’s Senators and Members of Parliament MP’s.
The revelation has left many members of the public angered and questioning the timing and justification of such an adjustment amid ongoing economic challenges for the island.
As the news circulated, social media platforms were flooded with comments criticizing the increase, with many Bermudians expressing their frustration over what they perceive as misplaced priorities. Citizens pointed out the growing financial struggles faced by ordinary residents, including rising costs of living, stagnant wages, and a struggling economy.
In light of the public backlash, TNN reached out to the department of communications for an official response to address the concerns raised by the community. This developing story continues to unfold as Bermudians await an explanation or justification for the substantial pay raise granted to their elected representatives.
responsibilities have significantly expanded. Recognizing their critical contributions and the
long-standing gap in their remuneration, it is both fair and necessary to adjust their salaries
to reflect their hard work, ensuring they are adequately compensated for their invaluable
service to Bermuda.
sacrifice of 2011 when they agreed to an across-the-board salary cut of 10% from Ministers’
annual salary.
including our Ministers and Members of the Legislature. The assessment of the CPI
indicates that the cost of goods has increase by about at least 18.8% since 2004 and the
appropriate factor should be applied to current salary
The Premier of Bermuda released a statement on this matter posted below:
The Ministers and Members of the Legislature Salaries Review Board Final Report August 2024 was generated by an independent body, comprised of representatives appointed following consultations with the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, and the Leader of the Opposition.
It is important to underscore that once appointed, this board operates autonomously and reaches its conclusions without any direction from the Government. This is appropriate and ensures that sitting MPs are not involved in shaping the recommendations.
The law requires this Committee to be formed to report its recommendations to the House, as it has done. While I find some aspects of the Report to be deeply flawed, we have an obligation to review and consider their recommendations as guided by law.
Among my initial concerns are the recommended increases disproportionately favour the Premier and the Speaker of the House. I can state unequivocally that I do not support the recommended increase in the salary of the Premier, and I believe that any cost of living adjustment should be across the board for all officers and members.
While Bermuda’s economy is showing remarkable signs of improvement, the government’s priority remains improving the lives of Bermudians who have not yet fully benefited from this economic growth. To alleviate the cost of living situation overall, this Government has increased senior pensions, reduced taxes for 86% of Bermudians, frozen the price of fuel, cut energy taxes by 60%, built nearly 100 affordable homes and increased the daycare allowance.
As government finances improve, we have invested $25 million in our youth, our families, our seniors, our community, and our infrastructure.
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