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Government to Act on Sick Leave Abuse in Public Service

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Acting Press Secretary Maurice Merchant (Photo by state media)

The government has announced measures following a Cabinet meeting in a decisive move to tackle reported abuses of sick leave within the public service. Concerns have been raised about public servants taking up to 100 days of sick leave in a year.

During a Cabinet Press Conference, Acting Press Secretary Maurice Merchant conveyed the Prime Minister’s stern remarks regarding the inaction of permanent secretaries and heads of departments.

“The Prime Minister questioned why these officials are not taking appropriate steps,” Merchant reported.

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He further elaborated, stating that it was perceived there may be reluctance among permanent secretaries and departmental heads to intervene due to political connections or protections.

“The Prime Minister indicated forcefully that none of this should be the case,” Merchant emphasized.

He underscored that heads of departments are mandated to act in accordance with the law, independent of any political affiliations.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/05/22/government-to-act-on-sick-leave-abuse-in-public-service. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (12)

  • Anonymous May 22, 2025, 10:34 AM

    Was about time. Just wasting money. Taking sick leave for any simple thing. Lazy scunt.
    Reply

    • Anonymous May 22, 2025, 10:42 AM

      They are right
      Reply

    • Wayne May 22, 2025, 7:41 PM

      I know some public servants who take sick leave or call in unwell if they broke a finger nail. The system is full of wicked people.
      Reply

    • Antigua Surf May 22, 2025, 9:33 PM

      I would take sick leave as well. Not like they are being paid on time or even enough. so when you’re tired of being overworked and under paid you take a personal vacation
      Reply

  • Awakened May 22, 2025, 10:37 AM

    Oh
    Reply

  • Awakened May 22, 2025, 10:41 AM

    Oh my! after the same government forced it’s employees to take poison and most of the workers are suffering so. Oh my! REAL SAD.
    Reply

  • Thoughtful reform May 22, 2025, 10:57 AM

    Hmm, 100 days is extreme, if that is true. That being said, the laws should be amended to allow for other types of non-vacation paid leave such as a few days of PTO (Personal Time Off) per year without being sick. Sometimes people have other emergencies e.g. car breaks down, a family issue e.g. sick child or children’s school event they wish to attend. Or even water was off all week and need a couple of hours to fill some containers or do some laundry lol or it’s the day after a storm and repairs or cleanup at home is needed. It shouldn’t be necessary to fill out a bunch of forms etc. if a person needs a day here or there during the year for non-sick issues. It should be possible to tend to emergencies without losing actual sick days or pay that is needed to fix the problem at home or wherever.
    Reply

  • Juju Bee May 22, 2025, 8:55 PM

    According to Lizo it’s about damn time.
    Some public workers really abusing the system. Punching in for work and going in break for 4 hours or coming back just in time to punch out.
    Some come work at 8 and go straight to breakfast break. Deal with them
    Reply

    • Rhea May 22, 2025, 9:34 PM

      They are being abused, why not return the favor.
      Reply

  • Unruly One May 22, 2025, 11:56 PM

    Yes. Thank God about time. Some pll just over do all the time they sick
    Reply

  • Ben Simmons May 23, 2025, 12:38 AM

    It is time to clamp down on these dead weight within the public service. You see daily how they take their jobs for granted. It is almost like they hate their jobs. They pretend that it is not a job they are doing. Some of them say their MP put them there and NOBADAY can remove them. Gaston may be who he is but he has my full support with this one here
    Reply

  • Stone May 23, 2025, 6:29 AM

    That’s what happens when take a bunch of incompetent fools, some of them, And give them jobs to get their votes come election time. Why you think customer service so horrible in government departments etc etc etc
    Reply

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