Parliament today (July 24) approved amendments to the Minimum Wage, but not without some chastising from the Opposition for being called back to the House during summer recess.

The houses went on summer break last week, but parliamentarians were asked to return today to approve the minimum wage amendment order and minimum wage industrial security guard order, ahead of the August implementation date.

Opposition Spokesman on Labour Horace Dalley asked the government members to explain why it was so difficult for the relevant legal persons to draft the order, so that it could have been taken last week.

This as the minister, Shahine Robinson, had announced the minimum wage increases from 4 weeks ago.

He questioned if the oversight was indicative of an incompetent government.

He indicated that despite the inconvenience, the Opposition is willing to cooperate.

While expressing appreciation for the cooperation, Mrs. Robinson noted that parliamentarians are elected to go to Gordon House to conduct business on behalf of the people.

In the meantime, Labour Minister Shahine Robinson has stated that life insurance for security guards will be increased to $2.7 m.

She was speaking in parliament this afternoon, prior to the passing of the amendments to the act, to increase the national minimum wage.

Mrs. Robinson said the government is cognizant of the fact that security guards put their lives at risk.

She said the government has taken steps to ensure that provisions are in place.

She outlined the other minimum wage increases that are to come into effect, on August 1.

But, Opposition Spokesman on Labour Horace Dalley lamented that the increase is not even enough to buy a patty and cocoa bread.