In a significant pre-Christmas announcement, Prime Minister Godwin Friday has confirmed that the vast majority of public sector employees in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will receive an additional month’s salary as a year-end bonus. The declaration was made during an exclusive interview with iWitness News on December 19, 2025, signaling a substantial financial boost for government workers ahead of the new year.
The bonus initiative represents a considerable investment in the public workforce and is expected to stimulate economic activity during the holiday season. While specific eligibility criteria were not fully detailed in the initial announcement, the Prime Minister indicated that ‘most’ civil servants would qualify for the financial incentive. This development comes as many Caribbean nations grapple with economic challenges, making the gesture particularly noteworthy.
Government officials suggest this bonus serves dual purposes: recognizing the hard work of public servants throughout the year and providing economic relief amid rising living costs. The payment timing in January rather than December may help workers address post-holiday financial obligations while supporting sustained consumer spending into the new year.
The announcement has been met with anticipation from the public sector workforce, though some questions remain regarding the precise implementation guidelines and whether any categories of workers might be excluded from the benefit.