By Aabigayle McIntosh

Public servants who were eagerly anticipating an extra salary in December are set for disappointment, as the additional payment may not materialize.

This was confirmed by Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Lionel Hurst, during Thursday’s Post-Cabinet press conference.

“I’m afraid that the double pay, which was anticipated in the month of December, will not be,” Hurst informed reporters.

He explained that the government would need approximately $35 million to cover the extra salary, a figure equivalent to the monthly wage bill for public sector employees.

“As a consequence, we must have that $35 million ready to make payments. We’re going to pay a little early for Christmas, but the next payment, which would be due on the 31st of January, may be preceded by the back pay, which is about a month’s pay—about $35 million also,” Hurst clarified.

While the extra salary may be delayed, Hurst assured that most public servants will receive their December 31 salaries early. Additionally, the government aims to begin addressing the $35 million in back pay owed to workers sometime in January.

“On January 31st, there’s also another payment due. We’re doing our very best to garner those resources so that payments can be made,” he concluded.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced plans to pay an extra salary in December as part of efforts to clear outstanding retroactive payments.

This news had raised hopes among public sector workers, particularly following a 9% salary increase earlier this year, which contributed to an overall 14% increase between 2018 and 2023.