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News report: BCCEC welcomes halt on wage increase

  • BCCEC
  • 2 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Published by Youri Kemp, The Nassau Guardian, January 28, 2026

Dr. Leo Rolle, chief executive officer of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC), said in a statement to Guardian Business yesterday that the chamber is pleased the government is not moving forward with more wage increases at this time.


Rolle said: “The BCCEC, though not surprised, welcomes the announcement by Minister of Labor and the Public Service, Pia Glover-Rolle, relative to another minimum wage increase being unlikely before the election. The BCCEC enjoys an excellent working relationship with the ministry, strengthened by quarterly meetings and regular updates.


He continued: “We are pleased to work alongside a minister who champions the rights of workers, while understanding the impact of decisions on the business community. We can appreciate that, despite the ongoing work between stakeholders, there remains a paradox between the cost and ease of doing business. While earning the same revenue, businesses have to contend with a myriad of costs that challenge longevity and expansion efforts, so we are pleased that another increase is not on the horizon at present.


“Additionally, we recognize that the vast majority of workers do not fall within the scope of minimum wage, despite the constant calls for an increase. Further, we have always maintained that the minimum wage is not meant to be a permanent parking lot, but for entry-level positions and unskilled labor where appropriate. We have encouraged our members to ensure that their team members take advantage of developmental opportunities often available free through internal training departments, from the government, and other stakeholders like the SBDC [Small Business Development Centre], Chamber Institute, and local colleges, etc. This would ensure the upskilling of the workforce, so that those who may fall within the minimum wage threshold can see an incremental increase in salary commensurate with self-development.


He added: “We remain committed to working with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that we continue to curate an environment conducive to upward mobility, improved wages where justified, and professional development that encourages opportunities.”


Peter Goudie, labor division head of the BCCEC, also told Guardian Business yesterday that employment in The Bahamas will get much better.


Goudie, who was responding to Glover-Rolle, said: “That doesn’t surprise me at all. I don’t think anything’s going to happen before the next election.”


He continued: “The NTC [National Tripartite Council] is not going to be examining any wage increase right now. We’re waiting for information from the statistical unit so that we can put a recommendation forward. But I don’t anticipate anything this year.”


Goudie also said, “I think the employment situation will get much better. I know I spoke about the potential in Grand Bahama before, and how Freeport is going to take off, and I still do think that way.”


Unemployment in The Bahamas decreased to 9.3 percent in the second quarter of 2025, down from 10.8 percent in the first quarter, representing approximately 22,470 unemployed individuals.


This decline marked a recovery in the job market, with nearly 4,000 more people finding work between April and June.


The NTC needs up-to-date labor force statistics in order to make its assessments on wage increases.


The minimum wage in The Bahamas is currently $260 per week, up from $210 in January 2023.


Glover-Rolle said, “We just had a 23 percent increase in our minimum wage. And we’re working towards awaiting NTC’s guidance on how to move to a livable wage, but that also lies in the hands of the prime minister and the Cabinet to make that determination.”





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