Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 20, 2024 (PMO)– During his closing remarks on the 2025 Appropriation Bill debate, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew addressed recent public criticism surrounding salary increases for government ministers. He revealed that this adjustment was not initiated by this administration but was, in fact, a decision budgeted for by the former administration under Timothy Harris in the 2022 budget estimates.
“The former Prime Minister and Minister of Finance brought this matter to the House in 2021 for the 2022 budget. He planned an 84% increase over a three-year trajectory,” PM Drew stated. He further disclosed evidence from official budget documents showing that Timothy Harris had intended to implement this increase and had even presented it in Parliament. These revelations underscore the hypocrisy of Timothy Harris, who has publicly criticized the Drew-led administration by labeling the adjustment as an “egregious act.”
Highlighting the importance of transparency and fairness, PM Drew elaborated on the rationale behind his administration’s decision to finalize these adjustments. “It is disingenuous to mislead the people of St. Kitts and Nevis by pretending this was a decision made by my administration. This adjustment ensures that ministerial salaries align with the leadership roles of civil servants and corrects an imbalance created by the previous administration.”
The Prime Minister further explained that under the previous structure, senior government officials such as Permanent Secretaries and Directors were earning more than Cabinet Ministers, creating an anomaly that needed to be addressed. “If we did not make this adjustment, we would have had a situation where those reporting to ministers were earning significantly more than the ministers themselves. This is about ensuring fairness and equity,” PM Drew stated.
Documents from the Ministry of Finance clearly outline the former administration’s plans for a phased increase in ministerial salaries. This underscores a deliberate and planned effort by Timothy Harris’s administration, contrary to his current claims. “The evidence is irrefutable. This was budgeted for in the 2022 estimates, which were debated and passed in Parliament under his leadership,” the Prime Minister explained.
The Drew-led administration remains committed to transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability. “Unlike the former administration, we are upfront with the people about these decisions. We are not hiding behind closed doors or making moves in secrecy. Every decision we make is rooted in the best interest of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis,” Dr. Drew assured.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to highlight the broader context of the 2025 budget, emphasizing its focus on economic diversification, sustainable development, and social equity. “This budget is about powering progress and building a resilient, inclusive economy. It is underpinned by our national vision to ensure a prosperous future for all citizens,” Prime Minister Drew said.
The Prime Minister encouraged citizens to review the 2025 Appropriation Bill and other budget documents available on credible platforms such as the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service (SKNIS) website – www.sknis.gov.
