Opposition Leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has strongly condemned a decision by authorities to cut the salary of international test cricket umpire and former West Indies cricketer Deighton Butler by 50 percent while he was away on umpiring duties at the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Addressing the matter during a radio broadcast, Gonsalves described the pay cut as “unfortunate,” illogical, and damaging to national pride. He argued that Butler, a former national player who represented the West Indies in international cricket, serves as a vital global ambassador for St. Vincent and the Grenadines whenever he officiates on the international stage.
“When the commentators who are knowledgeable about Deighton Butler speak… and the name of St. Vincent and the Grenadines goes all over, you don’t think the name of this nation of 110,000 people is enlarged in a world of 8 billion?” Gonsalves questioned.
Gonsalves sharply contrasted the treatment of Butler with the administration’s fiscal spending, noting that the government allocated $50,000 USD to place national branding on an regional airline’s aircraft, yet penalizes an international match official who brings organic, worldwide publicity to the country.
During the program, details emerged from official communications indicating that the directive to halve Butler’s salary originated directly from the Ministry of the Public Service. Responding to these revelations, Gonsalves insisted that political ministers have no legal or administrative authority to order arbitrary salary deductions for public officers, whether pensionable or non-pensionable.
“In this case, the politicians didn’t put themselves in a place to deter an error, and my reasonable suspicion is that they facilitated this error and it should be corrected,” Gonsalves said, calling on the Public Service Commission to review and reverse the decision.
Gonsalves highlighted his former administration’s policy, noting that public servants traveling abroad to coach, compete, or officiate in regional and international sports were granted special leave without loss of income.
He warned that penalizing figures like Butler sends a dangerous signal that will discourage local athletes and officials from pursuing international achievements.
