The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE Government yesterday reiterated that implementing a so-called “liveable wage” remains its ultimate ambition as the 24 percent minimum wage increase to a weekly $260 was passed in the House of Assembly.

Keith Bell, minister for labour and immigration, said during debate on the Minimum Wage Increases Order 2022 that the Government remains “committed” to “phase in a liveable wage” over time.

A liveable wage, Mr Bell admitted, would require wide consultation with the private sector and other stakeholders. “What we are seeking to do, or what we are going to do, is we’re going to increase minimum wage to $260. That is not up for debate or discussion; that is it. Once that is done, we will then now begin to debate as to what component or what measure that we will adopt in this country in respect to our liveable wage,” he added.

Philip Davis KC, the Prime minister, said: “It’s been a long time since the minimum wage was last raised, in fact, seven years ago in 2015, and you know who did that in 2015. We did it. We got to do it again. We believe that this increase in the minimum wage will provide some measure of relief for working Bahamians, while a growing economy will allow businesses to adjust successfully.

“The minimum wage increase is part of a larger set of policies intended to relieve the cost of living pressures, including reduced or eliminated Customs duties on key items such as food, solar supplies and building supplies; additional price control inspectors to ensure compliance; free Wi-Fi in the parks across the country and emphasis on affordable housing; a major expansion of renewable energy, which we intend to do and we’re working assiduously towards; and a history historic investment in home grown foods.”

Mr Davis said he was “careful” when negotiating this minimum wage increase because he did not want to “slow down job growth. We are very mindful of pressures facing businesses”