Royal Gazette readers have reacted angrily to plans to raise MPs pay by up to 30 percent – equal to a $15,000-a-year hike.

MPs currently earn $50,000 annually but the Ministers and Members of the Legislature Salaries Review Board is recommending that be increased to $65,000 in April.

If approved, such a rise would mean MPs' salaries had leapt by almost 65 percent since 2006, when they earned just under $40,000.

The issue caused outrage on The Royal Gazette's Facebook site where readers were asked if MPs deserved nearly a third more in pay.

Kevin Butterfield wrote: "No way, in fact I think they need to take a pay cut and pay out to the Gov't workers they owe."

Aruna Jusme Dismont questioned why MPs needed a pay rise.

"Especially at 30 percent? That's unheard of. They get paid well enough as it is, and it's not like they're blowing us out of the water with their amazing skills at running our country to say the least.

"And with the US economy suffering, the international corporations who practically support our country are taking a hit. So getting a pay rise (30 percent no less) while our economy may be on the edge – someone's not playing with a full deck up there."

Debby Correia said: "It seems like the only place in this world that the 'credit crunch' hasn't hit yet, so we're told, is Bermuda."

She said in the UK MPs have had to do without a pay increase due to the crunch and regular people suffering due to hard times.

"The saying 'only in Bermuda' definitely has solid meaning in these trying times."

Ms Correia added: "They're supposed to lead by example and so far the examples have been quite negative.

"Where is the party/government that are for the people – these days they've shown that they're more for their own pockets.

"Practice what you preach and others will surely follow, but practice in a positive way for all not for the few."

If the recommendations are approved, Cabinet Ministers will pick up $165,000 a year from next April, except for Finance Minister Paula Cox, who will receive $135,000, and Premier Ewart Brown, who will be paid $215,000.

The figures were drawn up by a board appointed by former Premier Alex Scott in 2006 and headed by former Postmaster General Clevelyn Crichlow.

Other members of the board included financial chiefs Anthony Joaquin, Robert Steinhoff and Gil Tucker.

Former United Bermuda Party MPs submitted a minority report recommending that MPs get $75,000 a year and that Cabinet Ministers pay be reduced to $90,000 per annum.

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