Gov’t Allocates $16M Bond for Severance Payment to former LIAT Workers

The long-awaited payments to former employees of LIAT (1974) Ltd are set to commence as soon as December, according to Finance Minister Gaston Browne.

He emphasized that these individuals, who have been waiting for years, should have a joyful Christmas.

Browne, who also serves as the Prime Minister, announced that his ABLP government is proceeding with plans to provide ‘compassionate payments’ to the former staff, reflecting the government’s 32 percent ownership in the now-defunct airline.

Prime Minister Browne mentioned that the government has issued a bond of approximately $16 million to fund these payments, which will be distributed incrementally over the coming years.

He desires for the initial payments to begin in December to ensure the workers enjoy a better holiday season.

“This is a gift to the former LIAT 1974 workers,” he said, further clarifying that the government has no legal obligation to make the payment.

He referred to these payments as a gift to the former LIAT employees, stressing that the government has no legal obligation to provide them. However, as a compassionate government, they acknowledge that the workers did not receive severance pay when the airline ceased operations, and therefore decided to issue these payments.

PM Browne highlighted that while the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union has been advocating for full compensation, he challenged them to pursue legal action if they believe the government is liable for the entire amount.

He stated, “For four years, I’ve urged the union to take this issue to court, and they haven’t because they know they lack a legal basis.”

He confirmed that payments would be made annually in advance, with the initial funds deposited by December. The focus remains solely on Antigua and Barbuda employees to avoid any overlap.

Additionally, he expressed hope that other governments would be inspired by their initiative to make payments to their own workers based on their shareholdings, even though those governments are not legally obligated to do so.