Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew says an additional month’s salary, commonly referred to as a ‘double salary’ will be paid to public servants and other qualifying groups.
‘I am pleased to announce an extra payment of one month salary, commonly called the double salary,’ said Prime Minister Drew.
The announcement of the ‘double salary’ came as Prime Minister Drew, who is also the Finance Minister, was concluding his budget presentation on Tuesday. Debate on the EC$1.07 billion (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) fiscal package is due to begin on Wednesday.
He told legislators that the payment is a deliberate and prudent measure, rooted in the government’s people-centred approach and recognition of the dedication of public sector workers.
‘Hard work must be recognised,’ he said, adding that the additional payment will apply to civil servants, government auxiliary employees, pensioners, and workers on the STEP Programme, underscoring his government’s intention to ensure that those who contribute daily to national development directly benefit from the country’s economic stability.
Prime Minister Drew said that the payment will be made before the Christmas holidays, providing timely financial support to thousands of households.
‘This payment will be issued on Friday, 19 December, 2025,’ he confirmed, outlining specific caveats to the double salary arrangement.
He said under this year’s payment, government ministers and advisors will be excluded and that this approach reflects the administration’s values and priorities, describing it as a departure from past practice.
‘This has never been done this way before,’ the Finance Minister said, adding that the decision demonstrates his government’s commitment to protecting and rewarding its workforce while exercising fiscal discipline.
‘For our hardworking civil servants, you will get an extra one salary,’ he reiterated, adding that the 2026 national budget is a people-focused and confidence-building fiscal package aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures, strengthening social protection, and continuing to invest in national resilience and shared prosperity.