Holness starts collecting full prime ministerial salary

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness is now receiving a salary package in line with the public sector compensation review that put the annual basic salary for the officeholder at $28.6 million as of April 1, 2024.

"After careful review and internal consultations, it was agreed that the prime minister should conform to the established emoluments and remuneration for the office," said the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in a statement on Friday.

Holness declined the adjusted compensation in May 2023, following public backlash over the huge increases in salaries for members of the political directorate. At that time, he emphasised that he would continue to collect only one salary of $9 million annually, despite holding several government positions. OPM also noted that at the time, Holness had indicated that “another prime minister in the future or a new mandate may give an opportunity to reconsider the prime minister’s salary."

OPM said the decision was taken last year after the new administration was installed following the September 3 general election, which the ruling Jamaica Labour Party won to secure a third consecutive term in government.

However, OPM said the implementation of the decision was delayed because of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28.

"The Parliament has been advised to effect this change as of September 2025, and consequent adjustments should follow for former Prime Ministers and their surviving spouses," IT SAID.

Along with being prime minister, Holness is also minister responsible for the OPM, Minister of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, and Member of Parliament for St Andrew West Central.

"For an abundance of clarity, the Prime Minister of Jamaica does not receive separate compensation as a member of parliament or as a cabinet minister," the OPM explained in May 2023. The principle aligns with long-standing Government of Jamaica practice, which ensures officials paid from the Consolidated Fund receive only one salary, at the highest-paid role held.

Holness’ decision in 2023 to decline the proposed 214 per cent increase - from $9.1 million in 2021 to $25.6 million in April 2023, rising to $28.6 million on April 1, 2024 - was binding for past, present, and future holders of the office, including the pensions of three living former Prime Ministers: PJ Patterson, Portia Simpson-Miller, and Bruce Golding.

The pension of former prime ministers is pegged to the salary of the head of government.

Holness said the move was to show "symbolically and truthfully" that he understands public backlash over the levels and timing of the increases for members of the political directorate. He also argued that with the increases in salaries for politicians, focus would be placed on performance and the establishment of job descriptions. That process started in the last parliamentary session.

Increases for other members of the cabinet, members of parliament, and councillors were implemented as proposed.

Several sector groups, including the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, the Jamaica Council of Churches, the National Integrity Action, the Advocates Network, and the Jamaica Civil Service Association, expressed concerns about the increases, many of which exceed 200 per cent.

The Opposition People's National Party, whose finance spokesman initially said the party had no issues with the increases, later led street protests against the salary adjustments. Opposition Leader and PNP President Mark Golding did not decline the increase but said the top up on his salary would go towards charity.

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER STATEMENT (February 20, 2026)

After careful review and internal consultations, it was agreed that the Prime Minister should conform to the established emoluments and remuneration for the office.

As explained by the Prime Minister when he declined to accept the adjusted compensation in May 2023, “another Prime Minister in the future or a new mandate may give an opportunity to reconsider the Prime Minister’s salary."

In respect of this, the decision was taken last year after the new administration was in place; however, its implementation was delayed because of Hurricane Melissa.

The Parliament has been advised to effect this change as of September 2025, and consequent adjustments should follow for former Prime Ministers and their surviving spouses.

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