President of the Bahamas Public Services Union, Kimsley Ferguson is voicing his concerns about the impact of the pending rise in National Insurance contributions on members of the union.
Ferguson spoke to reporters on Tuesday saying, “particularly for those persons at the lower end based on the variation of the increase, persons at the lower end whose salaries and incremental values are reflecting some $37.50. When divided, I don’t think they got more than a two dollar increase, maybe even less. And so, if you gave me $1.00 and you taking $0.75 I’m challenged. And so, we’re asking the government to give consideration and we’re hopeful that at some point the JD Edward system that has appeared so archaic over the course of the year can be rectified.”
The union president also opined that there need to be a greater degree of innovation as it pertains to how the government generate revenue. “We need some creativity on how to generate revenue so that we can survive as a people. You don’t give me $1.00 and then tax me $1.25. You put me right back into the position where I was. So I do believe that a conversation needs to be had.”
