Possible public wage freeze in Bahamas

The Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Hubert Ingraham, said some public sector workers may have to forego an increase in their salaries this year as the government battles an economic downturn.



During his presentation on the country’s budget yesterday, Mr Ingraham who is also the finance minister, said the current conditions would require the government to make some hard decisions.



As part of these measures, he said the government will have to withdraw salary increases for doctors, nurses and teachers.



Prime Minister Ingraham said the government’s inability to honour its commitment is based on expected falls in revenue, as tax collections are projected to decrease by 17 per cent over the financial year.