By KHRISNA RUSSELL

Tribune Chief Reporter

krussell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has announced an increase in the country’s minimum wage from $210 to $260 per week.

The higher wage will be retroactive in the public service going back to July of this year and for those in the private sector, the change will begin in January 2023. The timeline, Mr Davis said in his national address on Tuesday night, is to give employers time to prepare for the increased expense.

Also from the Prime Minister's national address:

• As Bahamians continue to grapple with the high cost of living compounded by inflation, Mr Davis revealed that 38 new items will be subject to price controls.

According to Mr Davis this means that the government will limit the wholesale and retail markup on items like diapers, and food including chicken, eggs, bread, bananas, apples, oranges, broccoli, onions, and potatoes.

These items, he said, are being added for at least a six-month period, at which point the government will review and evaluate the impact on businesses and consumers. The profit margin on price-controlled drugs is also being reduced to provide additional relief to Bahamians, he said.

• As he spoke of his administration’s plans to fortify the country’s borders in a bid to stave off increased migrant crossings, the Prime Minister revealed that The Bahamas opted not to sign a declaration that suggested nations host undocumented people last June.

While 20 countries signed the declaration, including: Argentina, Barbados, Chile, Jamaica, and the United States, Mr Davis said The Bahamas did not sign the agreement, suggesting limited resources was the reasoning behind the decision.

Mr Davis was also adamant that the United Nations needed to “step up” and direct its efforts to do more to stop human trafficking at the source.

• The Prime Minister appealed to Bahamians to come forward with knowledge to prevent or solve crimes, while pointing to gang recruitment in schools and a need to better defend the borders from weapons and drug smuggling.

Mr Davis explained how illegal weapons continue to enter the country and said a formal working arrangement with the American law enforcement agency, ATF—the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives—has been reached. The agency also has a presence in The Bahamas.