The nation’s finance chief said government is not considering and increase in minimum wage at this time, despite government’s recent announcement in the 2018-2019 Budget Communication that it would increase value-added tax (VAT) to 12 per cent, representing a 67 per cent jump from the initial 7.5 per cent.
With the increase tax expected to come into effect on July 1, taxpayers – in large numbers – express concern over how they would make ends meet.
The question sparked a widespread discussion about a possible increase of the minimum wage rate, which currently stands at $5.25 per hour.
However, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest confirmed that the change is “unlikely” and lamented that a domino effect of increases would be experienced across the board.
