Three UNC MPs pledge to give salary increase to
While the majority of Opposition MPs remain tight-lipped about their plans for the extra money they are set to receive in their monthly salaries, three of them have pledged to funnel those funds into their constituencies.
The United National Congress (UNC) rejected the recommendations of the Salaries Review Commission (SRC), but with the Government’s acceptance, the opposition members are set to benefit whether they want to or not.
The 120th SRC report recommends the salary of a Member of Parliament go from $17,410 per month to $22,695. Their backpay could be in the region of $145,000 each.
Last Thursday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said that their rejection of the improved pay package was merely for public spectacle as he alleged that privately they were pestering him to ascertain if the Cabinet would green-light the SRC’s proposal.
But three Opposition MPs, albeit from the so-called ‘dissident’ group, said the extra funds will go straight into their communities.
Chaguanas West MP Dinesh Rambally said after tax that will work out to about $3000 more.
“Already the majority of my salary goes into the constituency so this will not be treated too differently. It may be going towards pharmaceuticals; some people reach out and they need tablets they cannot afford or hampers. Sometimes on the odd occasion when someone shows up, I have a kind of slush fund for books or groceries or anything,” Rambally explained.
Rambally told Guardian Media this conduct from the government reeks of hypocrisy.
“You cannot have over 85 per cent of the population awaiting increases and backpay for some, possibly for close to a decade, and these people have not gotten monies,” he posited.
Meanwhile, Cumuto/Manzanilla MP Dr Rai Ragbir expressed similar sentiments. The medical doctor by trade said his entire MP salary usually goes towards addressing the needs of his constituents, who he said are some of the poorest in the nation.
“My area of Cumuto/Manzanilla has a lot of indigent people, a lot of needy people. Just this week a lady’s home burned down, and she has four children who lost everything. Who is going to buy the books and uniform? One child is writing SEA, of course that is coming out of my pocket. There’s another person who abandoned their children by a lady in my constituency and she’s asking for a washing machine to wash all the children’s clothes. That comes out of my pocket.
“If you get an extra four or five thousand it’s an opportunity to assist people in need. I took an oath on the Bible to help people,” he said.
And Naparima MP Rodney Charles said even though he’s not a part of the inner circle again, he understands the UNC has not met to discuss an official party position on the issue. However, he has a plan for his money.
“I went to Naparima College, and I’ve always thought about introducing rowing as a sport for secondary schools. So, I have a thought for all the secondary schools in San Fernando. If there can be an annual Intercol rowing competition from the San Fernando Wharf, around Faralon Rock, and back to the college, as an annual thing, heavily supported, that is something I think I’d be interested in,” Charles added.
The Naparima MP who is not seeking re-election said this week he is going to meet with the San Fernando Yacht Club to make his dream a reality.
He also hailed Mayaro MP Rushton Paray’s proposal for UNC MPs back pay to construct a headquarters for the party as a good plan.
The Prime Minister has already indicated that the SRC’s report does not need Parliamentary approval.
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