Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke yesterday sought to defend the massive increase in the salaries of parliamentarians saying it is necessary for the retention and attraction of the most qualified leadership.

Dr. Clarke announced major increases for members of the political directorate while speaking in Parliament yesterday.

The adjustments were met with some public backlash with people citing the ongoing salary issues facing members of the public sector.

The Opposition People’s National Party, PNP, has objected to the massive salary increase stating that government needs to satisfactorily address the issues with civil servant salaries first.

However, in defending the increase, Dr. Clarke argued that government must attract new thinking into the leadership of the country for the development of Jamaica.

According to the minister, people must be encouraged to lead without putting their economic security at total risk.