The long-standing issue of retroactive salary payments owed to public servants is now entering its final phase, with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda moving to complete outstanding disbursements by the end of March 2026.
Cabinet has received and approved a comprehensive update from the Treasury Department detailing significant progress made in settling back pay owed for the period 2018 to 2023—an issue that has weighed heavily on thousands of public servants across the country.
As of January 2026, the Government has disbursed a total of EC$28,716,480.85 to eligible workers and pensioners. The breakdown shows payments reaching a wide cross-section of the public service:
• Established employees: EC$12,537,858
• Non-established employees: EC$9,800,255
• Weekly-paid workers: EC$3,791,284
• Pensioners: EC$2,543,917
• Separated employees: EC$43,166
Officials say these payments reflect a structured and transparent effort to clear outstanding obligations, while balancing fiscal responsibility.
A defined payment framework has been implemented to guide disbursements. Established and non-established workers are eligible to receive up to two months’ gross salary or the balance owed—whichever is lower—while weekly-paid workers may receive up to one month’s gross salary or their outstanding balance. Retired and resigned employees are also being paid under similar capped arrangements.
Eligibility extends to individuals employed by the Government on or before December 31, 2023, along with specific categories of separated employees and contract officers where provisions apply. However, certain groups remain excluded, including parliamentarians, ministers, judges, participants in the Work Experience Programme, and contract officers without defined eligibility.