Following question time this morning in the National Assembly, a Private Notice Question was raised in relation to the salaries of constitutional appointees. State House would like to repeat what Cabinet was apprised of in July 2023:

1. An independent body chaired by Mrs Yvonia Richardson had been set up to have a fresh look at constitutional appointees’ salaries.

2. The committee made a preliminary assessment and report.

3. Consultations with the offices of various constitutional appointees would be done and this would include amongst others the National Assembly and the Judiciary. It is only after these consultations have been done that a final proposal would be considered.

4. As with all laws dealing with constitutional emoluments, this would have to be tabled to the National Assembly for final approval. One of the biggest concerns that arises today is whether or not the country can attract professionals and offer them the right package that will go hand in hand with the various responsibilities entailed in the different positions under our legal framework. At the end of the day, much will depend on the economic realities of the country at the appropriate moment in time.

The figures that were quoted by the opposition this morning were hypothetical propositions by the committee as a basis for further consultation. The public is being advised not to take these figures with any level of seriousness or credibility as the consultation process is on-going and final figures will be presented to them eventually.