The Prime Minister’s Office has revealed intentions to provide compensation for the volunteers who generously donated their time and efforts during the SIDS4 conference without any financial remuneration. 

Ambassador Lionel Max Hurst, who serves as the Chief of Staff in the esteemed Office of the Prime Minister, underscored the invaluable contributions made by these selfless volunteers, recognizing their pivotal influence in facilitating the conference’s resounding success. 

He affirmed that the volunteers would be duly acknowledged and honored for their remarkable dedication, as their crucial roles were instrumental in ensuring the seamless operation and overall efficacy of the conference proceedings.

“We believe that although the volunteers gave freely of their time and talent, and in some instances even their treasure, that a decision was made that it should receive a small package of compensation. That has not taken place as yet and will in due course be undertaken.” he said.

Meanwhile, Hurst also said that the government has not settled outstanding payments relating to the SIDS conference.

“We still have not settled some of the expenses related to the national housing, which played a significant role in helping to finish up the conference center and the public works, which did a magnificent job in preparing the roads and the parking aprons and so on. So yes, there’s still some outstanding debts to be paid, but they’re minor. As you know, many governments stepped in to assist the government of Antigua and Barbuda and we continue to say thank you to them.”