By Admin. Updated 10:22 p.m., Monday, October 27, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has announced that all public servants will receive a one-off, tax-free payment equivalent to three percent of their salary or wage for a three-month period.
He made this announcement while outlining cost-of-living and other adjustments for Vincentians during his 2025 Independence address at Arnos Vale Stadium.
The payment, referred to as a “Christmas COLA,” will be paid to all public servants, including nurses, teachers, police officers, prison officers, and non-established employees in the central government. It will be a one-off, tax-free payment of three percent of each person’s salary or wage for three months.
The Prime Minister stated that the payment will be made by the end of November 2025.
He said the cost to the Treasury is $3.0 million.
He also noted that negotiations for a salary increase in January 2026 will commence shortly.
“Of course, additionally, my government will be engaged with the public sector trade unions on salary-related negotiations for a new round of enhanced salaries and allowances, for a three-year period beginning January 1, 2026, to be included in the Estimates for the year 2026,” the prime minister added.
END
Related News
PM Gonsalves: Port Will Pay for Itself
Two Men Hospitalized After Shooting in Layou
Here is the police report on the fatal shooting in Diamond
