$60 million in retroactive wages has already been paid to public servants since 2022, Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced on Thursday. He added that another payout will be made this month as the government continues clearing longstanding arrears across the public sector.

Browne delivered the update during his 2026 National Budget presentation. He highlighted the administration’s push to restore confidence in the government’s payroll system. He said the process remains a top priority because workers deserve timely and fair compensation.

“Since 2022, our administration has cleared over $60 million in retroactive wages owed to public servants,” Browne told Parliament. He added that another payment will arrive later this month. He stressed that every eligible worker, including those who left the public service before December 2022, will receive what is owed.

The Prime Minister said clearing arrears reflects the government’s commitment to fairness and responsible governance. He argued that workers should not wait years for money due to them. He called the ongoing payments an example of “caring leadership.”

Browne said the arrears resulted from past administrations and years of stalled wage negotiations. He noted that his government “faced the responsibility head-on” and intends to prevent future backlogs. As part of these reforms, officials are restructuring the wage negotiation system to ensure faster settlements.

He also linked the payments to the country’s fiscal turnaround. Recent surpluses and stronger revenue performance gave the government room to meet its obligations. He said the administration will continue honoring commitments to workers, pensioners, and retirees as the economy grows.

Furthermore, Browne argued that clearing arrears boosts morale and improves trust in public institutions. He said consistent payments help stabilize households and support long-term financial planning.

Budget debate resumes next week. Ministers are expected to outline payroll reforms, timelines for remaining payments, and steps to prevent new arrears. They will also address how the government plans to sustain timely wage adjustments as part of wider labor reforms.

For now, public servants welcome the continued payouts. Many see the effort as a significant step toward rebuilding confidence in the payroll system and strengthening government accountability.

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