The personal staff of former Premier Craig Cannonier are waiting to hear whether they still have jobs under the country’s new leader.

Chief of staff Dale Jackson, press secretary Charmaine Burgess and special advisor Don Grearson served at the “pleasure” of Mr Cannonier so became unemployed the moment he resigned on Monday evening.

New Premier Michael Dunkley will have to decide whether to reinstate them under the provisions of the Premier and Opposition Leader Personal Staff Act 1983 — or choose a different team.

The Royal Gazette understands that Cabinet Secretary Derrick Binns explained to Mr Jackson and Ms Burgess on Monday night that their roles were dissolved; Mr Grearson was not present.

The latter told this newspaper yesterday: “I don’t know if I’m still in my job. I have received no official word.” Ms Burgess declined to comment and Mr Jackson could not be reached.

Mr Cannonier disclosed the salaries of his personal staff in response to questions from the Opposition at the end of last year.

He told the House of Assembly that a total of six people were employed under the 1983 Act, including Mr Jackson on $122,064 per year, Ms Burgess on $113,480 and Mr Grearson on $105,765.

He said his secretary and administrative assistant Judy Benevides was paid $77,254 a year, while the housekeeper for his official residence, Clifton, earned $35 an hour.

One person is employed by the Opposition under the Act, receiving $33 per hour.

Last night, Cabinet spokeswoman Nea Talbot explained that the Act permits both the Premier and the Opposition Leader to employ political staff, with their salaries paid out of the Consolidated Fund.

Under section 6 of the Act, the appointment of a political staff ceases as soon as the Premier leaves office.

“Therefore, the Cabinet Office can confirm that in accordance with the Act, the service of political appointees has concluded upon the resignation of former Premier Cannonier,” Ms Talbot said.

“This has also been the case with previous political appointees under the Act.”