OPPOSITION SENATOR Caswell Franklyn has poured scorn on the salaries paid to judges in Barbados, describing them as ridiculous.
During debate on the Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Senate yesterday, he maintained that until their pay were increased, Government would not be able to attract the best quality as desired.
On Tuesday, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Dale Marshall revealed that for the first time, the post of High Court judge would be advertised throughout the Commonwealth.
He made the announcement while piloting the Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill in the House of Assembly, which was later passed.
Marshall said the current administration decided on this step to “attract the highest calibre of individual to the Bench”.
However, Franklyn told the Upper Chamber that more equipped people would not seek to fill the five new positions – from eight to 13 judges under the legislation – because the earnings were commensurate to “chicken feed”.
Under Government’s Personal Emoluments listings, which was a matter of public record, High Court judges are paid an annual salary of $153 844 – or 12 820 per month – in addition to entertainment, travel and judicial allowances. The Chief Justice’s basic salary is set at $190 825 per annum. (SDB Media)
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