Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, has declined his salary increase under the new public-sector-compensation regime. Holness stated during a press conference that his salary will remain at its current level of $9.16 million and that no retroactive payments will apply to his pay. The political directorate’s new salary scales showed that Holness’s salary would have increased from $9.16 million to $22.3 million by 2022/23, effective April 1, 2022; $25.2 million, effective April 1, 2023; and $28.5 million, effective April 1, 2024.
Holness emphasized that the compensation review is the most objective evaluation of jobs in the public sector to date. Despite his decision, he acknowledged that the process is objective and that it will attract the best talent. He believes that once all anomalies are resolved, coupled with the new performance management and accountability system, the public sector’s motivation and productivity will increase.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that there is a historical distrust of the political class and a belief that some politicians are only looking out for themselves. He noted that politicians should be compensated for the skills and efforts they bring to the job and the responsibilities they bear, but there is also an expectation that they must show solidarity with the suffering of the people.
Holness believes that Jamaica has a unique opportunity at this time to attract greater talents and skills into the political domain and “demand the performance from us to earn your confidence.” He asked for understanding and support in this matter, believing that if dealt with once and for all, the nation will move on to a brighter future.
