John Wight, an independent senator and leading business figure, has warned that the introduction of a minimum wage risks increasing unemployment.
He was speaking as the upper chamber yesterday as it passed legislation guaranteeing a base salary of $16.40 an hour from next June.
Mr Wight, who stood down as chairman of BF&M last week, and is a former president of the Chamber of Commerce, said he would not vote against the measure but Bermuda would need to “keep its wide eyes open” to the unfolding impact of the move on businesses.
He told fellow senators: “As I look at this, there is certainly opportunities and risks involved.
“The opportunities that struck me are for those earning less than $16.40 an hour and struggling to meet their needs for themselves and their families.”
Referring to risk element, he said: “We will have to await what the consequences are, hopefully there are no consequences for unemployment.
“But, I think it’s a balanced view that this has happened successfully and unsuccessfully in other countries. It comes at the risk of potential unemployment.
“But, I just think we just have to have our eyes wide open to what the consequences are for businesses going forward.”
Robin Tucker, the One Bermuda Alliance labour spokeswoman warned that while her party supported legislation, some businesses might have to “close their doors” as a result.
Ms Tucker said: “We in the Opposition agree that workers must have a fair, reasonable wage in order to sustain...
A US judge has dismissed veteran singer Smokey Robinson's defamation claim against four former housekeepers who have accused him of sexual assault. The women sued the Motown star, 86, last year fo...