Pay cuts for Bahamian MPs

The Bahamian government has announced significant pay cuts for parliamentarians as part of new fiscal measures to cope with the effects of the global financial downturn.



Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham made the announcement during his budget address yesterday.



Mr Ingraham\'s salary is being reduced by 10 per cent, while those of parliamentarians in both the House of Assembly and the Senate are being cut by five per cent.



Ministers\' duty allowances are being reduced by half.



Provision for overtime is also being reduced from $10.4 million to $1.5 million.



Other fiscal measures announced include a wage freeze for 2010/2011, a freeze on public service employment and promotions except in special cases.