Government to Pay Workers Sent Home During Vaccine Mandate
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has moved to settle one of the most contentious issues lingering from the COVID-19 pandemic; payments owed to public servants who stayed home during the government’s vaccine mandate.
Browne also revealed that public-sector workers who chose not to comply with the mandatory vaccination policy will now have the opportunity to claim wages lost during that period.
Those individuals must submit their information to the Permanent Secretary in their respective ministries for payment voucher processing.
In mid-2021, at the height of the global pandemic and amid rising local infections, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda implemented a strict policy requiring public servants—and, in some cases, private-sector employees in frontline or high-risk settings—to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
The mandate was part of a broader national strategy, informed by regional and international health guidelines, aimed at preventing deaths, reducing hospital overcrowding, encouraging widespread vaccination, and safeguarding essential services.
Under the policy:
• Public employees who refused vaccination were instructed to remain home.
• Those who stayed home were not paid during the period of non-compliance.
The Prime Minister’s latest directive instructs affected workers to submit their claims so that compensation can be issued. No payment timeline has yet been disclosed.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/12/11/government-to-pay-workers-sent-home-during-vaccine-mandate. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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.
More from Antigua and Barbuda
View section
Chase Supermarket to Host Two-Day Job Fair for Full-Time Positions
Applicants are invited to explore vacancies across several departments on October 31 and November 1 at the supermarket’s Herbert’s location.
By Editorial Staff
Dwayne George Demands Accountability in Management of New Arts Centre
The Creative Industries Minister says responsible spending, maintenance and professional management must protect the national investment.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Maria Browne: Culture Deserves Infrastructure and Creatives Deserve Opportunity
The Housing and Works Minister says the new performing arts centre places artistic ambition firmly within national development.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Turner Reveals Team Feared Arts Centre Could Not Be Completed in Time
The minister credits National Housing workers with overcoming setbacks and an imposing workload to deliver the cultural landmark.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Comments (14)
Cleopatra December 11, 2025, 6:56 AM
Awakened December 11, 2025, 7:06 AM
Bianca December 11, 2025, 7:16 AM
Justine December 11, 2025, 7:17 AM
Watching@ December 11, 2025, 9:04 AM
I am one of the few who told Gaston Brown and his imps where to stick their Clotshot needle.
Is money going to bring back those who died after taking the Clotshot? What do you tell those young people who suddenly developed turbo cancers? And for you vaxxers who are in cognitive dissonance, our death rate has increased, as it has worldwide among countries who mass jabbed its citizens. When in the history of Antigua and Barbuda have we been running out of burial room?
Now, why the hell do these civil servants have to submit information to their respective ministries? The ministries are supposed to have the information. That’s why I believe nothing this clown says. He’s just making stuff up.
Kali December 11, 2025, 12:53 PM
Juju Bee December 11, 2025, 7:34 PM
Informed citizen December 11, 2025, 11:35 PM
Sop December 12, 2025, 12:24 AM
Tromos December 12, 2025, 1:41 AM
Lena December 12, 2025, 9:00 AM
Unruly One December 12, 2025, 6:27 PM
SweetS December 13, 2025, 11:18 AM
June December 13, 2025, 4:27 PM