Some Jamaicans have expressed mixed reactions to the Government’s decision to increase the minimum wage from $16000 to $17000.

During his contribution to the 2026/27 budget debate on Thursday, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness said effective July 1, Jamaicans will be paid an additional $1000 for minimum wage.

The Prime Minister explained that the economy is still navigating external shocks following Hurricane Melissa; hence, the minimum wage was not increased to the $18,500 proposed last year.

One man, who has been in the workforce for almost two decades, told IRIE FM News that he believes $17000 is not enough to run a household.

His sentiment was echoed by a woman working in the BPO sector, who lamented that food prices have increased significantly since the passage of the hurricane.

Meanwhile, another woman, who works as a nanny, said she understands why the Prime Minister did not see it feasible to raise the minimum wage to $18,500, as she believes this would cause some people to possibly lose their jobs.

Another man mirrored her point of view, stating that one has to look at the bigger picture, as increasing the minimum wage can impact future employment opportunities.