Legislators got salary increase from $20M budget error too — Rymer

Responding to continued criticism from the parliamentary Opposition about a $20 million budget miscalculation related to the new salary structure for public servants, Minister of Communication and Works, Kye Rymer, has signalled that public officers were not the only ones to benefit from the recent salary increase.

Approximately $11.7 million had been allocated for the salary adjustments. However, an analysis by the Ministry of Finance later revealed that over $25 million was required. “As we talk about money, I heard members speak about this $20 million mistake,” Rymer stated while speaking in the December 2024 sitting of the House of Assembly (HOA). “At no time have I heard any [HOA] member mention about us being able to get that same salary increase as well.”

Rymer confirmed that legislators, along with public officers, also received salary increases. He criticized Opposition members for failing to acknowledge their raises while focusing solely on the $20 million error. “Not one time have any one of us said to pay back the little money that was given extra and give it to the pensioners who didn’t get it,” he added. “I’m not the one that spoke about a $20 million mistake, so since it’s a burning issue, maybe they should consider giving it back then.”