Holness to Receive Full Prime Ministerial Salary Under 2023 Compensation Review

Prime Minister Andrew Holness will now accept the salary increase approved under the 2023 public sector compensation review, moving his annual earnings from $9.16 million to $28.5 million.

The announcement was made in a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday. The release indicated that, following internal discussions and assessment, it was determined that the officeholder should align with the established compensation structure attached to the position.

Had the increase been taken when first approved, the prime minister’s salary would have been phased in over three years, reaching $28.5 million by 2024.

The revised salary is to take effect retroactively from September 2025. Parliament has been notified to formalize the adjustment. The change will also impact pensions for former prime ministers and their surviving spouses, as those benefits are tied to the sitting head of government’s salary.

The statement referenced Holness’ 2023 position when he declined the increase amid public criticism over substantial pay hikes for members of the political directorate. At the time, he suggested that reconsideration could occur under a future administration or renewed mandate.

According to the release, the decision to accept the full compensation was taken after the new administration assumed office last year. Implementation, however, was postponed due to the effects of Hurricane Melissa.

The salary adjustments announced in 2023 — some exceeding 200 per cent — triggered widespread backlash after being tabled in Parliament by then Finance Minister Nigel Clarke. In response to public concern, Holness opted to forgo the increase at that time. Opposition Leader Mark Golding had also indicated he would decline a significant portion of his approved adjustment.