Protests spark across Jamaica in response to politician pay rise

Social media outrage and organized protests continue to spark from the May 17th announcement of salary increases for the Jamaican political directorate

Announced by the Minister of Finance and Public Service, the Honorable Nigel Clarke, the directorate including the Prime Minister, the leader of the opposition, members of parliament, the speaker of the house, and the cabinet ministers would all be slated for a drastic increase in salary of approximately over 200% on average

The negative reception has continued despite Prime Minister Andrew Holness declining his salary increase which would have

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Jamaican mother for sacrices taken his salary (as recorded in 2021) from 9,169,617 JMD to 28,587,893 JMD in 2024

“There are those who genuinely feel that, you know, politicians have a higher moral duty to act in concert and solidarity with those who are suffering,” the Prime Minister commented, “I am particularly moved by that argument ”

The Prime Minister encouraged ministers to accept the new rates while promising accountability reforms for greater transparency These new measures include fines for missing parliamentary seatings, written job descriptions tabled in parliament, written accountability reports from members of parliament, special training courses, and added transparency as

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People have taken to the streets

Citizens have taken to the streets in both organized and impromptu protests. The Advocates Network spearheaded a lunchtime protest on Wednesday, May 24th opposite the Ministry of Finance Another protest was held at Emancipation Park on Saturday, May 27th

Disgruntled citizens marched and chanted with placards demanding a rollback of the increases The Advocates Network drew parallels between the plight of Jamaican National Hero Sam Sharpe who was killed on

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May 23, 1832, for leading a rebellion combating the iniquitous system of slavery and British colonial rule, and the recently announced pay rise

Furthermore, the Advocates Network is demanding the immediate disclosure and wide dissemination of the already established series of accountability measures, a rollback across the board of the increases for the political directorate to no more than 20% in line with other public sector workers until an independent report is produced on the performance of each Member of Parliament and each minister of government, and further expansion of the accountability framework continues on B2 – Protest spark

City of Miramar officials Mayor Wayne Messam (le), Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis (3rd from le), Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers (2nd from right), and Commission Yvee Colbourne were joined by guest speakers Sergeant Ludesh Dumesil (2nd from le) of the US. Marine Corps, and Richard Georgi, Rered US. Army Colonel at the citys first ever Memorial Day Ceremony (Photo: City of Miramar)

Jamaican who is a local educator, art director and event curator, poses for a photo at the Network and Mingle event held recently (Contributed)

The founder of the Florida Jerk Fesval Mr Damian Tater (2nd from right) accepted his award from Mr Oliver Meir as Luciano and Commissioner Grant in the run for mayor of Lauderhill looks on proudly (photo credit Tamara H)

Consul General Oliver Mair (right) accepts a proclamaon on behalf of Jamaica celebrang Caribbean Heritage alongside fellow Consul General Stephan Giles (Hai) and Lauderhill Vice Mayor, Karlene MaxwellWilliams (Contributed)

The Florida Jerk fest had all the patrons out including 3 year Abraham Levy the son of one of the sponsors of Status Pro holding the Jamaican flags from Jamaica Naonal Money with pride (Photo credit Derrick Levy) his the crowd said it never gave up an opportunity to take a photo with Jerky the Mascot for the Florida Jerk Fesval (photo credit Tamara H)

As always Ghost with his seducve but soulful voice serenading one of his fans as the crowd screams and cheers for a chance to get a piece of the acon (photo credit Alecia Reynolds)