It should be no surprise that the newly re-elected Progressive Labour Party government's first order of business was to award itself a significant salary increase.

Before implementing a single campaign promise, before addressing the pressing issues facing our country, and without any prior mention in its platform or during its election campaign, David Burt has made sure to give himself and his colleagues a huge pay raise!

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This decision, understandably, does not sit well with most Bermudians. At a time when the island is grappling with economic hardship, rising debt, public education in crisis and declining public trust in its political leadership, this move raises serious concerns.

The core issue is not whether politicians deserve fair compensation. Public service is demanding and competitive salaries help attract qualified individuals, as the Premier alludes to. However, the problem is the timing, lack of transparency and a feeble attempt to justify this raise.

The Government was elected on promises to create a more affordable Bermuda, transform healthcare coverage and accessibility, support Bermudians through all stages of life, sustain our economy in a changing world, promote a more responsive, people-centred government, address infrastructure concerns, and confront the struggles of Bermudians. Yet, before making any meaningful progress, our leaders have prioritised their own financial gain.

Such a decision clearly sends the wrong message. It loudly signals that self-interest comes before national interest, and reinforces the perception that Bermuda’s politicians are out of touch with the struggles of the people they serve.

When most workers in other sectors seek a raise, they must first demonstrate productivity, achieve key goals and negotiate within existing financial constraints. Why should our elected officials be any different?

Rather than awarding themselves a pay increase, government officials should implement a performance-based salary structure tied to measurable improvements in the country.

Any increases should be tied to clear, transparent metrics, such as economic growth, debt reduction, improved public services and fulfilled campaign promises. If elected officials meet their stated goals, they could then justify a pay raise and we the people would be more agreeable.

Another idea would have been for each MP to receive an allowance to improve their constituency. It should be aggressively monitored for abuse and any politician caught using allotments outside of their agreed scope must resign immediately.

We may tend to agree that a higher salary for politicians has the ability to attract and retain incredible talent and qualified leaders. Very few will disagree that running a country is a demanding job, and fair compensation ensures leaders can focus on governance without financial distractions. Others will debate that well-paid officials are less likely to engage in corrupt practices. However, politicians seem to forget that they are servants to the voters.

By Mr Burt awarding raises before any improvements in any area of the country post-election, it removes all incentives for real progress.

It should be lost on no one that Bermuda is struggling economically and socially. Mr Burt should lead by example and prioritise fixing the nation before awarding raises.

Bermudians are struggling, and we are packing up and leaving our island home. Mr Burt, public office is a position of trust, not a self-enrichment opportunity. True leadership means making hard decisions for the good of the country, not for personal gain.

If a government truly believes they deserve a raise, they should have to earn it first.

Bermuda needs policies that prioritise the people and provides stronger financial management, economic growth and real solutions for our country’s challenges. Until those promises are fulfilled, any discussion of salary increases should have been secondary. This only leads to the belief that raises were discussed in private and this raise was awarded for running a successful re-election campaign.

Bermuda, we must now hold our leaders accountable. They have given themselves a raise before any work has started. However, the fight for responsible governance is far from over. We must demand transparency in how our tax dollars are spent, and we must require stronger checks and balances to prevent self-serving decisions in the future.

Let’s ensure that this government delivers on its promises. Leadership should serve the people and not be seen to self-serve personal interests.

• Mstira Weeks was an independent candidate for Devonshire South Central (Constituency 12) in the 2025 General Election