Salaries for MPs too low

Singh, speaking yesterday on a motion moved by the Government in the House of Representatives to support the salary recommendations in the 80th report of the SRC, said members of the commission do not understand and appreciate the role and function of a parliamentarian.

He came to the conclusion after comparing the salaries recommended for key public officials with those for parliamentarians.

He told the House that the SRC recommended that the chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission, which may meet once a month, receive $9,800 a month.

The chairman of the Registration and Certification Board, which has no established pattern of meeting, can get $17,100 a month.

The SRC proposed that the chairman of the Public Service Commission, which meets once a week, receive $19,800, and a member of the Industrial Court, $25,800 a month. A member of Government can get $33,000 if the House supports the SRC’s recommendations, the Senate President, $23,800 and the Speaker, $23,800. But what had Singh peeved was that the SRC recommended that a member of the House receive a salary of only $14,000.

"Mr Speaker, any objective analysis of the salary recommendations for officials of the legislature will reveal that the SRC did not consider their role," he said.

He said many MPs are forced to sacrifice their parliamentary duties in order to earn an adequate income.

The Chief Whip, who may have to face a disciplinary committee in the UNC for statements he made in the House recently, then proceeded to give the House an insight into the "life of an MP." He said they are required to attend sittings Tuesdays and Fridays, spending more than ten hours there each time. And this does not include time spent doing research, and preparing motions and questions, he added.

They have to prepare speeches for debate on bills and motions, and spend time in Joint Select Committee meetings.

MPs visit constituents once a week, but those with big constituencies, like Nariva MP, Harry Partap, have to make three visits.

"And you’re telling me an MP’s work is part-time?" he asked, incredulous.

He said the SRC proposed liberal salaries for members of the Executive, including the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, and the Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly. But it holds the work of a parliamentarian in contempt and disregard.

Singh said, "Mr Speaker, it is clear from the reading of this report that there exists an almost inherent bias against members of the Legislature, and it should be returned to the sender!"