Public servants across Antigua and Barbuda are set to benefit from long-awaited financial relief, as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Gaston Browne announced that retroactive payments will be issued this year, followed by a salary increase in 2026.
“We will certainly make sure we do a backpay by December for public servants. Next year they are getting another increase again…” he said.
The Prime Minister made the declaration on Thursday night during a town hall meeting in All Saints West at the Sea View Farm Primary.
While Browne did not provide a specific date for the disbursement of the back pay, he assured that additional details would be revealed in the coming days.
He also called on Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin to move swiftly toward implementing an increase in the national minimum wage.
“We cannot brag that a country is growing and not increase the minimum wage,” he said.
The announcement comes amid continued efforts by the government to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to reward public sector employees for their service and resilience during recent economic challenges.
God bless the thieves,we getting quiet down money.
I hope I qualify for that back pay. We asked for it and now we about to get it. It’s only fair that we get a salary increase to keep up with the rising cost of living
Well well!! I wonder which tax is going to increase?
The two walk hand in hand.
I’m just saying
Nothing gets done for years, then suddenly there’s money for salary increases? Sounds strategic.
It’s about time The cost of living keeps going up, so a back pay and raise will definitely help ease the pressure.
Say what you want about Gaston Browne, but at least he’s delivering. Back pay before Christmas? That’s a blessing for a lot of families.
So now he finds money for back pay? Right before the election buzz starts? Timing looks more political than patriotic.
We welcome any kind of raise 😀
We heard this same promise last year and nothing came. I’ll believe it when I see it on my payslip.
We welcome the announcement, but we’ll hold the PM to his word. Workers have been patient through inflation, stagnant wages, and rising bills. Time for action.