PM Browne Says Ineligible Workers Fueling Back Pay Complaints

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says many of the complaints surrounding outstanding government back pay are being driven by people who are not entitled to receive the payments.

Responding to questions in Parliament on Tuesday, Browne said while a small number of legitimate cases remain unresolved, many individuals seeking back pay simply do not qualify.

Among those making claims, he said, are former public servants who left government service before the qualifying period, recently hired workers, and contract employees who are not eligible under the arrangement.

“We have individuals who left the service over a decade ago going to the Treasury demanding back pay,” Browne told Parliament.

According to the Prime Minister, some claimants have subsequently turned to social media to complain after being informed that they do not qualify for the payments.

Browne stressed that the issue is not a lack of government funds but rather administrative challenges and incomplete documentation submitted by some ministries and departments.

He revealed that in certain cases eligible workers were omitted from payment lists due to missing information. Police officers were among those who were reportedly left off a submission inadvertently.

The Prime Minister also criticized the level of customer service being provided at the Treasury, saying he has received reports that some members of the public have been treated rudely when seeking information about their payments.

As a result, he has asked the Financial Secretary to implement customer service training for Treasury staff.

Despite the outstanding cases, Browne maintained that the overwhelming majority of eligible workers have already received their money.

He argued that his administration is the first government in the country’s history to fully settle public sector back pay obligations.

“The greater majority of the people of this country have been paid in full and we owe them nothing,” Browne said.

Government officials are aiming to resolve the remaining cases over the coming months.