Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that the government has committed approximately $30 million to settle outstanding back pay owed to public sector workers, with weekly disbursements already underway.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the disclosure during an appearance on Pointe FM's Browne and Browne Show, where he confirmed that the administration has begun releasing funds and will continue payments on a rolling basis until all obligations are met.
Browne said approximately $5.5 million was paid out last week, with additional sums to be disbursed on a weekly schedule as the process moves forward.
The prime minister acknowledged that delays have occurred in processing the payments, attributing the slowdown to the manual system currently used to manage disbursements. He noted that thousands of individual vouchers must be processed and verified before payments can be issued, which has affected the pace of the rollout despite funds being available.
Browne confirmed that more than 10,000 vouchers are currently being handled, each requiring careful verification prior to release.
The prime minister reiterated that the government remains committed to completing the process and ensuring all eligible public sector workers receive their outstanding payments.
Back pay has been a longstanding concern among public sector employees. The administration's move to address the matter is part of broader efforts to resolve financial obligations and improve public service delivery.
