Aspects of a report recommending the island’s politicians get a bumper pay rise are “deeply flawed”, the Premier said.

In a statement on Wednesday,David Burt also insisted that he did not support a recommended increase in the salary for a premier, which would rise to more than $250,000 under the proposals.

A report from the Salaries Review Board, tabled in the House of Assembly on Friday, recommended an 18.8 per cent salary rise for MPs and senators.

It also suggested paying an extra $7,000 a year as “an additional incentive to motivate those members of the community that may be interested in serving as an MP” and a reversal of a voluntary 10 per cent cut to ministerial salaries made in 2011.

While the report noted that the “wider community of Bermuda would not likely support any increase in salary packages” it also said there had been no pay rise since 2009 and that since 2015 “the inflation rate has had a cumulative movement of 18.8 per cent”.

One of the biggest beneficiaries of the proposed salary increase would be the Speaker of the House, with the report recommending a total salary of $174,396.

A premier’s pay would also rise considerably if the recommendations were adopted — increasing to a total package of $253,254 from $151,262.

Mr Burt said last night: “The Ministers and Members of the Legislature Salaries Review Board Final Report August 2024 was generated by an independent body, comprised of representatives appointed following consultations with the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House and the Leader of the Opposition.

“It is important to underscore that once appointed, this board operates autonomously and reaches its conclusions without any direction from the Government.

“This is appropriate and ensures that sitting MPs are not involved in shaping the recommendations.”

He said the law required the committee to report its recommendations to the House.

Mr Burt added: “While I find some aspects of the report to be deeply flawed, we have an obligation to review and consider their recommendations as guided by law.

“Among my initial concerns are the recommended increases disproportionately favour the Premier and the Speaker of the House.

“I can state unequivocally that I do not support the recommended increase in the salary of the Premier, and I believe that any cost of living adjustment should be across the board for all officers and members.”

He said: “While Bermuda's economy is showing remarkable signs of improvement, the Government's priority remains improving the lives of Bermudians, who have not yet fully benefited from this economic growth.

“To alleviate the cost of living situation overall, this government has increased senior pensions; reduced taxes for 86 per cent of Bermudians; frozen the price of fuel; cut energy taxes by 60 per cent; built nearly 100 affordable homes; and increased the daycare allowance.

“As government finances improve, we have invested $25 million in our youth, our families, our seniors, our community and our infrastructure.”

The report has been referred by the Speaker to the Standing Orders Committee, which is due to meet soon.

It will send a recommendation to the Cabinet, which will meet to decide on whether to approve the pay rise, or not.

A PLP spokesman said: “We fully understand the concerns raised by members of the public and appreciate the heartfelt reactions to this issue.

“Many Bermudians are facing significant challenges due to the high cost of living and we hear your frustrations.

“The document tabled in Parliament was produced by an independent committee and neither the Government, nor Parliament are under any obligation to enact these proposals, many of which we oppose.

“We want to be clear: no changes have been approved or enacted despite what may have been reported.

“We will consult with our caucus and our constituents taking the necessary time to ensure that any decisions we make reflect both careful consideration and the values we stand for.”

• To read the full report, see Related Media

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