By Syann Thompson
Tribune Staff Reporter
sthompson@tribunemedia.net
A report tabled in the House of Assembly yesterday recommended judges receive an overall increase of six percent in their current salaries.
As parliament wrapped up for 2019, The Judges’ Remuneration and Pensions Commission report tabled in the House of Assembly made several key recommendations for judges in The Bahamas.
The report recommends a six percent increase in salary across the board for judges in order to compensate for insufficient increases over the last ten years; and an additional three percent increase each year starting from 2018.
The Commission stated the Judiciary must be able to attract high standing and competent lawyers to the Bench.
“This Commission understands that in the ‘real world’ it is highly unlikely that that the average earnings of judges will be able to compare with the average earnings of the Bar for top lawyers,” the report highlighted.
The document explained judges received effectively less than one percent per year in increases over the last ten years.
The report stated, “In addition to the initial increase of six percent in salaries, the Commission further recommends that the Justices receive annual increases thereafter that should exceed inflation if we are to attract Justices of a high calibre. Industry standard increases for senior executives in Bahamian private entities is in the range of two percent to four percent and the Commission therefore recommends an annual increase of three percent.”
Among them include, the salaries of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to be increased to $127,468 per annum, a six percent increase over the current salary $120,253, the President of the Court of Appeal to be increased from $115,902 to $122, 856 per annum , Senior Justice of the Supreme Court to be increased from $113,219 to $120,012 per annum, an ordinary Justice of the Supreme Court increased to $106,041 to $112,403 and Justice of the Court of Appeal from $113,219 to $120,013 per annum.
The Supreme Court has a maximum complement of 15 justices, inclusive of the Chief Justice and four Senior Justices. The Court of Appeal comprises six Justices, four of whom are appointed and the other two are acting Justices.
Section four of The Judges’ Remuneration and Pensions Act every three years allows for a Commission to be formed to review the adequacy of salaries, allowances and pensions for judges and thereafter a report is given to the Prime Minister for approval after it is made public in the House of Assembly.
Comments
mandela 4 years, 10 months ago
WOW, and 75% of the working class which falls under the minimum wage is forced to live on $10,800. per annum.
joeblow 4 years, 10 months ago
... an education significantly improves employment opportunities! This country does not have enough good judges and far too many gas pump attendants!
sheeprunner12 4 years, 10 months ago
Minimum wage is for entry-level workers ........ if any worker is on a job for FIVE years and still making "minimum wage" he/she must examine him/herself ............. An employer is not obligated to give a wage increase without some "value-added" service being provided by the employee. Too many unskilled employees are either complacent or unmotivated to improve their "value" in order to DEMAND a wage increase from employers. Also, many employees are afraid to move on from a "sure job" and take risks to find a better option due to family or parental commitments that consume their stable (but low) income.
sheeprunner12 4 years, 10 months ago
The so-called "rich, respected, professional, and well-connected" gets the grease in this country from Government and the elite ........... if you are not among that 2% "minority", dog eat your lunch ............. you get "sweet talk" and "idle promises".
Well_mudda_take_sic 4 years, 10 months ago
This has Brian Moree written all over it!
bogart 4 years, 10 months ago
The entire public package should also point out benefits whether or not it is a part of Free Full Medical Dental, Eye paid Health Insurance, Free Car full gas maintenance insurance, Driver, House Rental, Subscription to various media etc, Travel, Retirement Benefits etcetc.
The benefits must also be costed and quite common in employment.
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