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by pltm
(PLTM) - As the National Democratic Party (NDP) led government gears up to increase the wages of two Junior Ministers, Leader of the Opposition and District Three Representative, Hon. Julian Fraser, along with residents of the Territory are now questioning the status of the Ministers’ posts, as well as their job description.
At a constituents' meeting held in the Third District earlier this month, a question posed to Hon. Fraser inquired whether or not the Junior Ministers' positions are full-time ones, in light of the recent salary increases proposed.
Hon. Fraser expressed that he too was baffled as to the status and details of the positions, and noted that some questions need to be asked.
“That’s a question that I want to ask myself. It’s a new position. They don’t have a portfolio and I don’t know how the positions are being utilized. It’s a question that needs to be asked.”
Earlier this month, the government disclosed their intention to increase the salary and allowances of two Junior Ministers, namely Hon. Marlon Penn, Eighth District Representative and Hon. Archibald Christian, At-Large Representative.
In an upcoming sitting of of the House of Assembly, Premier and Finance Minister, Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith will pilot a Motion, moving for an increase in salary and allowances of $15,972.00 per annum with respect to each Junior Minister. Such increases will be made payable with effect from December 16, 2015, being the date of appointment of both Junior Ministers.
This increase is set to occur despite government being accused of being broke and owing small businesses, in addition to recently being forced to seek a $25M line of credit from CIBC Bank to provide working capital support for several initiatives.
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