In the face of reports that magistrates are threatening some kind of industrial action if they do not get salary increases and improved working conditions, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Allyson-Maynard Gibson said on Monday that she was optimistic that there would be no such action.
“I would be most disappointed given our conversation and given the very serious responsibility that magistrates have to see them striking,” said Minister Maynard-Gibson, who appeared as a guest on Love 97ﾒs “Issues of the Day”.
“I would be most surprised as well and because I know the persons who are magistrates, and I would be shocked if those people who are so committed and dedicated would take such a step.”
During a meeting held in Nassau on Friday, which was attended by The Bahama Journal, the magistrates explained that after 16 years of deplorable working conditions and security concerns, including threats of death, they are fed up.
They also indicated that their monthly gas allowance has remained at $75 for that period of time.
According to one magistrate, promises were made on numerous occasions to address the salary concerns of magistrates. However, nothing was done.
One magistrate also told the Journal that Minister Maynard-Gibson had assured that the government would, “get [us] sorted out in the upcoming budget, but we questioned if the monies had already been allotted for various increase.”
Another source of frustration for the magistrates are reports that the staff in the Attorney Generalﾒs office reportedly received raises last month, a claim that Minister Maynard-Gibson confirmed.
She told the Bahama Journal the raises came in line with recommendations of the Judicial Review and Legal Services Commission.
The commission was appointed to look into the terms and conditions of work of judges, magistrates and other legal professionals.
Minister Maynard-Gibson said the Commission has not yet reported in respect to judges, magistrates and registrars. She indicated though that it is likely that magistrates would soon also receive raises.
During the show, Minister Maynard-Gibson said that she was not pleased that the private meetings between her and the magistrates were made public.
“I am most disappointed to read in the press any part at all of our conversation,” she said.
“I would have thought that the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs would have been able to have frank and honest meetings with magistrates.”
By: Royanne Forbes-Darville, The Bahama Journal
