All public servants in Antigua and Barbuda paid up to date

PM Lester Bird.
(Photo: Norman 'Gus' Thomas)

Wednesday, November 12, 2003

ST JOHN'S, Antigua: Prime Minister Lester Bird has announced that salaries and wages for all public servants in Antigua and Barbuda have now been brought up to date.

"Most public servants would have had payments of wages and salaries brought up to date yesterday. Those to whom payments are still due can now collect their salaries from the banks," Mr. Bird said.

The Prime Minister had met the banks two weeks ago to put machinery in place for paying all public servants on time. Yesterday he intervened personally with the head office of one commercial bank, which up to then had delayed the finalisation of the arrangements.

"I gave public servants an undertaking two weeks ago that in future, payments will be made on time, and I was determined to see this undertaking fulfilled," Mr. Bird declared.

He continued, "With these new arrangements, all public servants will be paid on time in future. I will be keeping a keen eye on this new machinery to ensure that there is no slippage."

The Prime Minister took the opportunity to thank those public servants who endured delayed payments for their forbearance. He said, "Public servants who were paid late, showed great understanding. They knew that the Government was trying its best to pay everyone in difficult circumstances, and I wish to thank them all publicly."

Mr. Bird also paid tribute to the Banks and Trades Union Council. "The Government and the banks have enjoyed a cooperative relationship of mutual benefit in the past, and this relationship will continue in the future for the good of all parties and the country as a whole," he declared.

Turning to the Trades Union Council, the Prime Minister said, "I applaud the maturity shown by the TUC. Like the Labour Government, they had no interest in seeing workers laid-off, and they know that the Government was determined to honour its pledge to bring payments up to date."

Mr. Bird concluded, "This episode has shown that the Government has the creativity and the skill to solve real problems for the benefit of the nation. We must now all look forward to a good festive Christmas season in the spirit of good will." 

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