Judges to be paid increased salaries month end

The salary increases over which the island's judges had threatened to take legal action are to be paid this month end.

The order signed on June 12 by finance minister Audley Shaw to implement the new rates was tabled in the House of Representatives this afternoon.

Judges last received an increase in 2014 and a recent report tabled in Parliament and approved by Cabinet recommended total increases of almost $200 million for them.

The newly approved rates will see the chief justice receiving $8.9 million for 2015, $9.5 million for 2016 and $10.1 million for 2017.

At the same time senior puisne judges will receive approximately $7.2 million for 2015, $7.8 million for 2016 and $8.2 million for 2017.

Puisne judges are getting $6.8 million for 2015, $7.4 million for 2016 and $7.8 million for 2017.

Meanwhile, the president of the court of appeal will be getting $8.9 million for 2015, $9.5 million for 2016 and $10.1 million for 2017.

Other judges of the court of appeal will receive $7.8 million for 2015, $8.4 million for 2016 and $8.9 million for 2017.

The judges are also to be paid several allowances in keeping with their posts.

The judges had written to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, demanding immediate action in relation to the Government’s failure to pay them outstanding salaries and emoluments.

They warned in that letter that they would take legal action if steps are not taken to implement an agreement for the speedy payment of the outstanding amounts.