Government Confirms Third Retroactive Pay Contribution for Public Sector Workers

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Government Confirms Third Retroactive Pay Contribution for Public Sector Workers
Financial Secretary Carolyn Charles-Tongue announces Cabinet approval for third contribution toward retroactive pay

The Ministry of Finance has confirmed that eligible non-established public sector employees will receive a third contribution toward retroactive pay for the contract period 2018 to 2023.

In an official circular issued on Monday, Financial Secretary Carolyn Charles-Tonge announced that Cabinet approved the additional payment during a meeting on December 15, 2025. The payout, equivalent to one month’s gross basic salary, will be made to workers who were employed with the Government on or before December 31, 2024, and who remain on the job.

This third installment follows previous retroactive contributions paid in December 2022 and December 2024. According to the circular, bargaining agents have agreed to the terms of disbursement.

Government Confirms Third Retroactive Pay Contribution for Public Sector Workers
Circular from Ministry of Finance

Employees whose remaining balance after the first two payments is less than one month’s salary will instead receive the final amount owed in full. Those who retired or resigned from the public service on or before December 31, 2025, are also eligible to be paid up to one or two months’ salary, based on current wage rates, to settle the outstanding retroactive sum.

However, specific categories of workers are excluded from this payout, including:
1.⁠ ⁠Parliamentarians and Ministers
2.⁠ ⁠Judges
3.⁠ ⁠Workers under the Work Experience Programme
4.⁠ ⁠Contract Officers without negotiated salary increases in their agreements

The Treasury Department will handle processing of payments, which are expected to be completed by January 31, 2026. No additional documentation is required from ministries or departments.

The Ministry of Finance further noted that details on the remaining retroactive balance owed to employees will be communicated at a later date.

Public servants with questions are encouraged to contact the Office of the Financial Secretary.

This story was first published by Antigua News on December 30, 2025: antigua.news/2025/12/30/government-confirms-third-retroactive-pay-contribution-for-public-sector-workers. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

Shermain Bique-Charles

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Comments (7)

  • Apex Jones December 30, 2025, 4:30 PM

    Think there’s a mistake. Payments are already being made
    Reply
  • Ole December 30, 2025, 6:43 PM

    Will definitely be watching to make sure nobody gets left behind.
    Reply
  • Lena December 30, 2025, 10:12 PM

    Glad to hear they finally giving back the money people worked for! Just keep it consistent now.
    Reply
  • Concerned Antiguan December 31, 2025, 7:26 AM

    Thanks to the workers who keep this country running everyday.
    Reply
  • unruly one December 31, 2025, 1:31 PM

    Hope retirees don’t get sidelined. They served the country too
    Reply
  • Informed citizen January 1, 2026, 7:34 PM

    Retroactive pay is nice, but what about consistent, fair wages moving forward?
    Reply
  • Lena January 2, 2026, 9:05 AM

    Another election coming so they start paying again? Just asking
    Reply

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