The government is targeting the end of March to complete outstanding retroactive payments to public servants, having already disbursed more than $28 million as part of a multi-year settlement programme.
According to Antigua News Room, Director General for Communications Maurice Merchant confirmed that Cabinet received a detailed update from the Treasury on the programme's progress to date.
"As of January of this year, a total of 28.6 million dollars has been disbursed to eligible public servants," Merchant said, outlining payments across several categories of workers.
The payments cover the period 2018 to 2023 and apply to established and non-established workers, weekly paid employees, pensioners, and separated workers.
Despite the significant progress, officials acknowledged ongoing challenges. Incomplete submissions and gaps in records have delayed payments for some public servants.
"There have been individuals who have been complaining that they have not received their retroactive pay," Merchant said.
In response, the Treasury has established a dedicated help desk to handle queries and resolve outstanding cases. "A specific department… will accommodate persons' queries on what they may deem as being outstanding retroactive payment," Merchant said, urging public servants to ensure their records are accurate and up to date.
While the end of March remains the stated target, officials indicated some flexibility may be necessary. "While there are deadlines, it's not etched in stone… but there must be a period whereby there needs to be some finality to the programme," Merchant said.
Authorities say the initiative reflects the government's commitment to settling outstanding obligations in a structured and transparent manner, and to improving administrative systems to prevent similar delays in the future.
