Health Minister Meets EMS Staff, Signals Support for Salary Structure Review

Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs Michael Joseph has met with management and staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as part of his ongoing effort to engage directly with every department within the Ministry.

The meeting brought together Permanent Secretary Stacey Gregg-Paige, EMS Director Shawn Greenidge, Deputy Director Vermalie Brodie, Brandon Browne, members of the management team and frontline staff.

The engagement forms part of the Minister’s commitment to gaining a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing each department while working collaboratively with employees to improve the delivery of public healthcare services.

During the meeting, EMS personnel raised a range of concerns, including infrastructure, staffing, training and professional development, remuneration, equipment and other operational issues affecting the department.

A major focus of the discussions was the compensation of EMS personnel.

Minister Joseph indicated that he is prepared to review a proposal from the department’s management that seeks to establish a structured salary scale based on employees’ qualifications, years of experience and professional advancement.

The proposed framework would also introduce greater incentives for officers who pursue advanced emergency medical training, including certification as Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs) and paramedics, recognizing the additional skills and responsibilities associated with those qualifications.

The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with EMS leadership and staff to identify practical solutions that improve staff welfare, strengthen operational efficiency and enhance emergency medical services across Antigua and Barbuda.

He thanked employees for their openness during the discussions and acknowledged the critical role EMS personnel play in protecting lives and responding to medical emergencies throughout the country.

Joseph said continued dialogue with staff across the Ministry remains an important part of building a stronger and more responsive healthcare system.