Premier Craig Cannonier has disclosed the salaries of his personal staff in response to questions from the Opposition.

Questioned by Shadow Finance Minister David Burt, Mr Cannonier told the House of Assembly that a total of six people are employed under the Premier and Opposition Leader Personal Staff Act 1983.

Mr Cannonier said chief of staff Dale Jackson receives $122,064 per year, while the Premier’s secretary and administrative assistant, Judy Benevides, is paid $77,254.

The Premier’s press secretary, Charmaine Burgess, receives $113,480 per year while special advisor Don Grearson is paid $105,765 annually.

Mr Cannonier also told the House that a housekeeper for Clifton, the official residence of the Premier, is included under the act and an hourly fee of $35. One person is employed by the Opposition under the act, receiving $33 per hour.

Asked for the difference in the roles of Ms Burgess and Mr Grearson, Mr Cannonier said: “The special advisor is just that, a special advisor on many issues concerning politics, the history and the past. It is important to me to ensure that I look at trends of the past so I can continue to make good decisions today and for the future.

“The press secretary does all of my press releases on a day-to-day basis and handles the media.”

Mr Jackson and Ms Burgess were announced as the Premier’s chief of staff and press secretary respectively in February, while Mr Grearson was reportedly hired by the Premier in July.