ROSEAU, Dominica – Lawmakers

were to debate yesterday a series of domestic measures, including a bill

to increase the pay and benefits provided to the president of Dominica.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said he planed to present an amendment to the President's Emoluments and Conditions of Office Act, which, if passed, would increase the emoluments paid to the president, as well as make provisions for the retirement benefits for past headsof state.

It would also increase the housing allowance for the sitting president, Nicholas Liverpool, 74, as well as provide for the medical expenses of the president. The bill also makes provision for up to EC$5 000 (US$1 873) in medical costs for former presidents to be paid for by the state.

(CMC)