A Breakdown of G.O.B.’s Cost-Saving Measures

A few days ago, we heard the cry from the Prime Minister that government is low on money and as you know, the public service, which accounts for one of government highest bills, has experienced delays in salaries.  Today, the Financial Secretary Joseph Waight issued a memo on government’s cost savings measures at this time of financial difficulties.  The measures affect wages and salaries for the period May first, 2020 to April 2021.  There will be no increments for public officers in that period; contract officers will not see any increases in salaries or in benefits. As it relates to housing and entertainment allowances, that will be reduced by twenty-five percent and contract officers will get a fifty percent discount for heads of departments and C.E.O.s.  As you know, contract officers are paid much better than open vote workers. They will get a reduction in gratuity from twenty to fifteen percent. The measures are expected to yield a saving of up to five percent to government.