Gov’t workers get promised funds

Public sector workers may be smiling all the way to the bank this weekend as government’s promised $1,500 pay-out lands in their accounts. 

Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan Straughn told the Lower House this morning that the one-off payment was disbursed on Wednesday and he assured those who have not yet received their monies, that it is already on its way.

“Payment was made on Wednesday and I do know that there may be some persons who are banking with the credit unions that are yet to receive their monies, but between the bank and the credit unions will be able to resolve that in short order. Payments have been made in respect to what was discussed in the negotiations with the unions,” he told the House of Assembly. 

Meanwhile, the minister outlined that starting tomorrow, the pay increase for public sector workers and pensioners comes into effect, and that this should bring some ease to these individuals affected by the high cost of living.

“Effective April first, all public servants’ salaries will increase by three per cent and with respect to pensioners, their pensions will increase by two per cent. Therefore, I hope that this in a small way would allow persons to plan a little better and things get a little easier.

“We are still trying to make sure that we can contain as far as possible, the cost of living with the measures that we’re continuing and therefore this really just represents an opportunity for persons get a little more money. I am hoping that it will go a long way with respect to easing a lot of stress that we’ve experienced over the last few years, with respect to COVID, the war and everything that pertains to that,” he stated.

Straughn also clarified that the beneficiaries of the two per cent increase in pensions would be retired public servants, and that general pensions will not be increased at this time.

“There have been questions in relation to what is happening with respect to the National Insurance pensions and I just want to share with the public that clearly the National Insurance board will determine at the appropriate time how pensions would move given the performance of the portfolio, and in line with what is happening with respect to the economy,” the MP for Christ Church East Central explained. (JB)