![Screenshot 2023-12-16 at 8.42.23 AM](https://antiguanewsroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Screenshot-2023-12-16-at-8.42.23-AM.png)
Antigua Government Defends Salary Increases for Parliamentarians
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
Lionel “Max” Hurst, the spokesperson for the Antigua government, has addressed the issue of salary increases for members of parliament, defending the decision amid public scrutiny.
Hurst stated that the matter wasn’t discussed in the recent cabinet meeting but was open to discussing it in the briefing.
He highlighted that Prime Minister Gaston Browne had publicly pronounced on the issue.
Hurst expressed surprise at the controversy, stating, “We’ve never heard of any intelligent people refusing to receive a raise.”
He argued that after years of service, it’s only natural for parliamentarians to be deserving of an increase, likening it to standard practices in other fields where employees expect raises over time.
Furthermore, Hurst debunked claims of unfairness, citing historical instances where similar adjustments were made, such as when the United Progressive Party (UPP) increased allowances before introducing personal income tax, ensuring that parliamentarians’ take-home pay remained stable.
He dismissed suggestions that parliamentarians were underpaid compared to others in the public service, emphasizing that the increases were part of correcting such disparities.
Hurst also addressed the issue of transparency, noting that the salary raises were included in the budgetary presentation, refuting claims of surprise or lack of prior knowledge.
He criticized what he called the “untruthfulness” of some political campaigns that misrepresented the salary increases as unexpected.
Hurst asserted that the raises were a necessary step to fairly reward parliamentarians for their work, although he acknowledged that some may not work as diligently as others.
He emphasized that the decision was part of an ongoing effort to rectify discrepancies and ensure fair compensation for government officials.
Listen to the comments from Hurst in this youtube video posted below:
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
UPP Parliamentarians are a bunch of DUMMIES. Shameful
@ INGRAM
I agree. They are as DUMB as your FAT AZZ.
You’re missing the point Max. If the ABLP paid all the people that worked hard for their money what the government owes them, no one would have a problem with the raise.
I CAN’T EVEN STAND LISTENING TO YOU. YOU’VE FALLEN FROM GRACE.
I applaud the opposition for rejecting the pay raise ABLP is giving to itself at this time and procedure. Politicians should not enter politicians for pay and wealth. I would not be taking any payments if I ever decide to enter politics and if I do, not as high as political currently get in Antigua. Serving the people is an honorable job, not for pay.
Disgusting self-enriched basket cases. The ABLP are acting like greedy pigs in a ‘monetary’ trough.
How on earth can this payment be justified by them, when so many of their country folks are struggling to eat, pay their bills and keep a roof over their heads.
WITHOUT DOUBT, A CRUEL AND UNCARING GOVERNMENT.
However, many of us told you so … this now seems like the SURVIVAL of the fittest.
All the best one and all, because this government doesn’t give a sh#t ’bout we!
The UPP is not taking the pay rise due to inequities within the community. Specifically, the UPP is waiting for outstanding payments to seniors be made good. They did not deem it fair to take a raise until people in need are cared for.
Their concern is full of integrity and is an example of how a government should be run.
This is an example of caring for a community beyond personal gain.
I have seen the movie script before few decades ago. Starring Lester B. Bird and the ALP vs Baldwin Spencer and the UPP. A raise for parliamentarians were debated and passed on both houses …AYES have it…all voted ” AYE”!
The comes the public service outcry at which point opposition leader refused to accept the raise standing with the public servants who were offered a measly increase…but interesting he put his increase in “ESCROW” and then went on a dramatic hungry strike…the lone Ranger on strike…question: where was the other opposition members? Leaving their leader out in the sun on a sympathetic hungry strike? But as usual it was nine days talk!
Now we watching a repeat in history..a new script..new actors..same story.
I’m a bit confused…how does one refused a salary increase..you get paid and sent back the increase..how is it done? But just saying you don’t want it? Instruct the ministry to pay your original salary and keep the rest..someone tell me..
Just saw teachers celebrating their 14% increase…is this right across the public sector?
What about Social security pensioners…? Ther are still struggling to be paid on time monthly and new pensioners still waiting up to two years and more ….haven’t received a cent…I hear no noise about that….!
WAITING TO SEE HOW THE MOVIE ENDS.
You sounded intelligent when you said nothing because in your effort to support grand theft, you have contradicted yourself to the point of no return.
Wickedness in high places can never be broken with the help of God though prayer. These leaders are getting all they rises and it still have public servants that can’t even take home $400 per week and have HIGH WATER BILL TO PAY WHEN YOU HARDLY GET WATER, electricity bill, internet bill and most importantly FOOD. NOW SOMEONE TELL ME IS THIS RIGHT
Wickedness in high places can never be broken without the help of God though prayer. These leaders are getting all these rise and it still have public servants that can’t even take home $400 per week and yet have HIGH WATER BILL TO PAY WHEN WE ARE HARDLY GETTING WATER, electricity bill, internet bill and most importantly FOOD. NOW SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME THIS RIGHT????
Dexter my friend . You are so confused. Please refrain from commenting on things you don’t understand. You are contradicting yourself.
Comments are closed.