In a significant move to address economic disparities, the newly elected government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has unveiled details of its promised salary bonus for public servants, revealing an equitable distribution model that disproportionately benefits lower-income workers. Prime Minister Godwin Friday, who also serves as Finance Minister, confirmed the initiative during a recent radio interview on Hot 97 FM.
The compensation scheme, designed as a flat-rate across-the-board payment rather than a percentage-based increase, will result in approximately half of all public servants receiving a full double salary. Notably, those at the lower end of the pay scale will obtain more than double their regular monthly earnings. This approach marks a deliberate departure from traditional bonus structures that typically advantage higher-paid employees.
Prime Minister Friday emphasized the government’s commitment to equity, stating, ‘The intention is that persons at the bottom of the scale would have the biggest benefit.’ He illustrated this principle with a comparative example: while an employee earning EC$9,000 would receive EC$18,000, someone making EC$1,500 would get the same flat bonus amount, effectively receiving more than double their regular salary.
The payout, characterized as a ‘salary bonus’ rather than a conventional raise, is scheduled for disbursement in late January, separate from regular salary payments. This fulfills one of four key campaign pledges made by the New Democratic Party (NDP), which achieved a landslide victory in the November 27 general election, securing 14 of 15 parliamentary seats and ending the 22-year administration of the Unity Labour Party.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that public servants would appreciate the equitable approach, noting, ‘They know what the intent is: to put some money back into your pocket.’ He framed the bonus as a direct response to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis affecting the nation.
Regarding other campaign commitments, the government has already implemented a VAT-free shopping day on December 19. The promised increase of Public Assistance to EC$500 will be incorporated into January’s budget legislation with implementation expected in February. Prime Minister Friday stressed the importance of responsible fiscal management, contrasting his administration’s approach with what he characterized as the previous government’s disregard for constitutional and financial safeguards.
Despite acknowledging fiscal challenges, the Prime Minister remained resolute: ‘I’m not gonna go out and wring my hand and say things are worse than expected. I promised these things, I will deliver them.’