By Aabigayle McIntosh

Prime Minister Gaston Browne is reiterating that the government of Antigua and Barbuda is not obligated to pay severance to former LIAT workers. However, he maintains the government’s commitment to provide a 32 percent compassionate payment.

During an interview Friday night, he confirmed that he recently received the final amount from court-appointed receiver Cleveland Seaforth, which totals $16.3 million, representing the 32 percent compassionate offer.

“The Cabinet decided yesterday to extend a bond of $16.3 million over a 10-year period at 2 percent interest, payable annually in advance. The first payment of $1.9 million will be made in December,” Browne explained. “This is to provide some cash to the former LIAT workers.”

The Prime Minister emphasized that this is a compassionate payment, which therefore does not require consultation with the workers’ bargaining agent, the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU).

“We have told the Workers Union that if there is a legal liability, they should take the government to court. They know there is no such liability, which is why they continue to talk without action,” he stated.

The nation’s leader noted that the government is offering this payment directly to the staff members who are willing to accept it.