Prime Minister Drew Unveils Unprecedented Financial Relief Measures in 2024 Budget Address

Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, December 14, 2023 (Press Secretary, PMOSKN) – In a groundbreaking 2024 Budget Address on December 13, 2023, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew instituted a series of transformative financial relief initiatives, providing much-needed support to the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The announcement of an eight percent (8%) general salary increase for all civil servants and pensioners, effective January 1st, 2024, was made with the recognition of their invaluable contributions to the government service

“This increase reflects our appreciation for your contributions to the Government service as we firmly believe that your efforts should be recognized and fairly compensated”, Prime Minister Drew stated.

In a show of further appreciation, a Christmas Bonus equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of their salary will be granted to all civil servants and Government Auxiliary Workers (GAEs), including Pensioners and STEP workers, on December 21st, 2023.

Not limiting the generosity to the civil service, Prime Minister Drew announced a groundbreaking “Workers’ Bonus” initiative, granting non-civil servants a bonus of five hundred dollars (EC$500.00) during the month of December. This bonus will be disbursed through the Saint Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board, marking a historic move in the Federation and the Caribbean.

He stated, “We don’t want to just leave the bonus, of course, at this time when the economy has not fully recovered, to just the civil servants. We also want to give a bonus to those who are not in the civil service”.

Prime Minister Drew emphasized that this unprecedented Workers’ Bonus is the first of its kind in the region, directly disbursed by the Government to non-civil servants.

He noted that these individuals, crucial to the private sector, have faced substantial financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Acknowledging their resilience and dedication, the Government has chosen to express gratitude through this landmark financial relief initiative.
 

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