U.D.P.’s Panton Says She Cannot Support Wage Cut

Tracey Taegar-Panton

On the opposition’s side of the House, Area Representative for the Albert Division Tracey Taegar-Panton went on record to say she cannot support a budget that cuts the salaries of teachers and public officers.  Panton acknowledged that the U.D.P. administration has been criticized for borrowing a million dollars a day to address the salary commitment of public officers and teachers. 

Tracey Taegar-Panton, Area Rep, Albert Division

“They are the collectors of our revenue. They are the educators of our future generations. They are the protectors of law and order, Madam Speaker. They keep the peace, and they safeguard our public safety. They are the defenders of our national sovereignty. They are the guardians of our public health. They are our first responders in times of a national emergency. At all times, under any circumstances, they must be ready to respond to the needs of this nation. Madam Speaker, let me make it categorically clear that, in good conscience, I cannot support a budget that seeks to take away from those we depend on every single day to keep this country going. How can we take away even a portion, Madam Speaker, of their own abilities to take care of their families, to educate their own children, to support the well-being of their own communities?”