BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, DECEMBER 10TH 2014 (CUOPM) – Civil Servants in St. Kitts and Nevis will take home an extra month’s salary in December.
The announcement was made in the National Assembly on Tuesday by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas in presenting the 2015 Budget Address.
Prime Minister Douglas noted that in the Budget Address last year announced the decision of his Government to discontinue the wage freeze and the resumption of the payment of increments to Civil Servants in 2014.
“When I witness the overwhelming gratitude expressed by so many of our officers, it reinforced my conviction that we are doing the right thing. Last year I also outlined the Government’s new and upgraded pay package for Civil Servants which involves an increase in wages and salaries by 10% over three years starting in 2014. Therefore, in 2015 all Civil Servants can count on an overall increase in their wages and salaries by 3%,” he told Parliament and the Nations.
Dr. Douglas said civil servants who are eligible for increments will also benefit once they meet the established requirements including good performance on the job.
“Our retired Civil Servants will not be left behind. They have completed their tour of duty to their country and therefore should be afforded the opportunity to continue to experience a decent standard of living,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that the resources required for implementation of these commitments are included and reiterated that wage policy considerations must strike a balance between sustainability of Government finances and ensure that the public sector continues to attract and retain the level of talent and commitment required to efficiently deliver high quality services.
“When it comes to the Civil Servants, we believe that many Civil Servants have been called to serve above and beyond the call of regular duty. Collectively, the level of performance has been high and in large measure has assisted the Government to attain the resounding success story now reflected in our records,” said Dr. Douglas, who added: “As a demonstration of our gratitude, we have determined that in this month of December 2014, all Civil Servants will be paid an extra month’s salary.”
This he said will help to boost morale and provide an added stimulus to the economy.
He advised however that while it might be very tempting to spend all that is received “I want to encourage you to save a portion for investment in your own future and that of your children and family.”